(Article) Health Benefits of Kola Nuts

The kola nut is a caffeine-containing nut of evergreen trees of the genus Cola, primarily of the species Cola acuminata and Cola nitida.
You may be surprised to learn that the kola nut (aka kolanut) is the origin of the word “cola,” and the tree on which it grows is believed among some Nigerian tribes to be the first tree on earth.
This nut is how the first cola recipe received its caffeine kick -- along with real coca leaves. No wonder people thought it was “medicinal.” Today, your typical cola recipe uses an artificial flavoring plus added caffeine, but you can still find real kola nuts being used in higher end sodas, in products like energy bars, and as a natural medicinal remedy. 

Kola nut is a stimulant in its own right, containing 1.5% - 2% caffeine, plus theobromine, which increases cerebral circulation. Theobromine is the alkaloid compound that can be found in chocolate and is thought to contribute a sense of alertness and well-being. This combination of caffeine and theobromine may be a contributing factor for the mild sense of euphoria that’s often reported after chewing the nuts.

Kola nuts are an important part of the traditional spiritual practice of culture and religion in West Africa, particularly Niger and Nigeria.

kola nut can help increase oxygen levels in the blood and promote better concentration and a “clearing” of the head. The kola nut may also help prevent and fight infections.

Some of the most important health benefits of the kola nut include its ability to boost the metabolism, optimize digestion, increase heart rate, help with weight loss goals, prevent certain cancers, boost the strength of the immune system, protect the respiratory system, raise energy levels, improve cognition, and increase circulation. 

Health Benefits of Kola Nut

Metabolism Booster: One of the unique effects of the kola nut, largely due to its caffeine content, is its ability to stimulate the body and increase heart rate. While this can potentially be dangerous for people who suffer from pre-existing heart conditions, it can provide a necessary metabolic boost for those with slow metabolisms. This can actually optimize heart health, as caffeine can be a health stimulant in moderate doses. This also helps the metabolism optimize itself, which has a wide range of positive enzymatic and physiological effects on the body.

Circulation: By stimulating heart rate and increasing circulation, kola nuts are able to boost oxygenation to certain essential parts of the body, including the skin, extremities, organs, and even the brain. This is why kola nuts are sometimes referred to as cognitive boosters, as increased levels of oxygen in the brain have been connected with higher levels of cognition and concentration. Kola nuts were traditionally consumed because they “cleared the mind”. This can also promote healing of wounds and cellular repair through the increased flow of oxygen and nutrients.

Digestion: For thousands of years, kola nuts have been chewed or consumed by indigenous cultures in Africa both in ceremonies and in the treatment of digestive upset. The active ingredients of the kola nut are able to improve digestion and nutrient uptake, while also reducing constipation, bloating, cramping, and other, more serious, gastrointestinal issues.

Prostate Cancer: Although research is still in its early stages and is still a matter of debate in some circles, Some of the phytoestrogens and phytoandrogens found in kola nuts are able to stimulate apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. This line of study is relatively new, but applications for other types of cancerous cells are also being explored.

Immune System Health: The roots, stem, and leaves of the kola tree have been found to have volatile compounds that can prevent certain bacterial infections in the human body. These bacterial infections include those responsible for causing a wide range of respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis, meningitis, and tuberculosis. Kola nut extracts are available in most health stores, but the nuts themselves have not been directly connected to this medicinal benefit.

Weight Loss Optimization: Although caffeine has long been known as an appetite suppressant to a certain degree, kola nut extracts have also been connected with increased fat-burning in the body, possibly due to the positive impact on the metabolism that these important nuts can have. This can be an ideal option for those people who are trying to lose weight of improve the quality of their diet.
 

A Final Word of Warning

The significant level of caffeine found in kola nut extracts and supplements can be a risk for those who already suffer with high blood pressure or a sensitivity to caffeine. Side effects include shaky hands, upset stomach, and insomnia, as caffeine is a powerful stimulant. Consult a medical professional before pursuing an active kola nut addition to your dietary regimen.