Interesting Health Facts On Cola nuts
kola nut is scientifically called as “Cola acuminata”.
ORIGIN OF COLA NUT
The term kola nut usually refers to the seeds of certain species of plant of the genus Cola, belongs to cocoa family Sterculiaceae .
These cola species are trees native to the tropical rainforests of Africa.
OTHER NAMES OF COLA NUT
Arbre à Cola, Arbre à Kola, Bissey Nut, Bissy Nut, Cola acuminata, Cola nitida, Guru Nut, Gworo, Kola Nut, Kolatier, Noix de Cola, Noix de Gourou, Noix de Kola, Noix du Kolatier, Noix de Soudan, Noix du Soudan, Nuez de Cola, Soudan Coffee, Sterculia acuminata, Sterculia nitida
APPEARANCE OF COLA NUT
The star-shaped fruit consisting of usually 5 follicles. Inside each follicle, about a dozen prismatic seeds develop in a white seed-shell. The nut’s aroma is sweet and rose-like. The first taste is bitter, but it sweetens upon chewing. The nut can be boiled to extract the caffeine.
TASTES OF KOLA NUT
Kola nuts have a bitter taste when chewed fresh. When they’re dried, the taste becomes milder and they reportedly smell of nutmeg.
VARIETIES OF KOLA NUT
The most common species in Ghana, as in many West African countries, is Cola nitida which has varieties such as the black kola, red kola , and white kola known in Dagbani as ɡusabinli, ɡuʒie, and ɡupiɛlli.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF KOLA NUT
Kola nuts contain several compounds that could be linked to health benefits, including:
• caffeine
• theobromine
• tannins
• catechins
Interesting Health Facts On Cola nuts
Improves Oral Health: kola nuts are typically chewed, prevent cavities and treating oral infections. Research on kola proved that antimicrobial properties that fight dental pathogens and possibly other infections.
Reduces Blood Pressure: Kola nuts have diuretic effects that help to treat congestive heart failure, nephritis, hypertension, and pregnancy toxaemia. Catechins found in Kola nuts also prevented inflammation, help to reduce the risk of blood clots, regulate blood pressure.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar: kola nut extract was found to have powerful anti-diabetic properties and improves the function of beta cells in the pancreas. Kola nuts are rich in caffeine, which may be beneficial for balancing blood sugar levels.
Anti-Inflammatory: Kola nut have antioxidant properties such as Tannins (like all phytochemicals) also help combat inflammation and the extract was associated with reduced swelling, and had pain relieving effects.
Manages Diabetics: kola nut extract lowers blood glucose, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. Their insulin and “good” cholesterol levels were elevated. Tannins have been shown to help lower blood glucose levels while simultaneously increasing insulin levels.
Boosts Brain Function: The caffeine content in kola nuts makes it a good stimulant or psycho-stimulants for the central nervous system;It also helps to reduce brain damage and protect against motor and cognitive defects after injury. Kola nut signals the digestive system to convert fat stores into energy more quickly and it boost fat burning by stimulating neurotransmitters and chemical processes.
Weight Management: Kola nut help in weight loss because of the presence of Catechins that speed up metabolism and increase body temperature.
Prevents Bacterial Infections: Tannins present in kola act as antioxidants agent that scavenge and neutralize free radicals and prevent conditions such as tuberculosis, pneumonia.
Cures Cancer: Kola nuts may help to prevent cancer including breast cancer and prostate cancer. Researches has proved that chemical compound known as phyto estrogens in kola nuts is used for cancer treatment and reduces the growth of tumour cells.
In-ability to Fall Asleep: kola nuts is commonly prevent sleep which is because of its rich caffeine content and when taken regularly and in excess can cause insomnia.
Aids Digestion: Kola nut functions as a dietary fibre which helps in the prevention and treat health conditions such as bloating, constipation.