Health Benefits of Kola Nut

healthydailymail.com 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.

Kola Nut

Although many people are familiar with the world “cola”, they may not realize that the source of that name is actually the Cola genus, which includes the kola tree, which is where the kola nut comes from. The tree is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa and contains caffeine, which makes it desirable as both a food source and an element in alternative medicine for some cultures around the world.

Kola nuts are used as flavoring agents in soda of many varieties, which is where the name “cola” arose. Culturally, kola nuts are often chewed or eaten in traditional ceremonies. While the most common application in western cultures is as the flavoring agent explained above, its medicinal benefits have begun to make it a popular dietary supplement for health, despite its slightly bitter taste. Kola nut can be found in energy drinks, dietary supplements, and performance enhancers. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of the kola nut.

 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.