Kola nut, micronutrient components, polyphenolic components, stimulant activity and medicinal uses

Description :   Kola nut is an edible nutritious seed of kola nut plant. It is extensively used by many countries

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Kola nut is an edible nutritious seed of kola nut plant. It is extensively used by many countries of West Africa as an important part of ritual and social ceremonies. It has numerous therapeutic advantages and also used for synthesizing several important medications.

Nutritional composition

• It contains adequate amount of moisture
• It also contains desirable amount of carbohydrate and crude fibre
• It contains too some extent of protein as well
• It also contains lesser amount of crude fat
• It contains several micronutrients and it is especially rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium
• It contains caffeine and theobromine, which act as stimulant
• It is packed with various polyphenolic compounds, which include tannic acid, epicatechin, d-catechin etc
• It also contains desirable amount of theophylline that act as bronchodilator

Health benefits

Role on metabolism

• Caffeine component of kola nut is considered as an imperative substance that acts as metabolism booster
• Individual with slow metabolism or reduced BMR should consume kola nut
• Its consumption is very beneficial for reducing the risk of developing metabolic disorders as it helps to improve the overall metabolism of the body

Role on digestive health

• It has been traditionally used as an important preventive measures for digestive issues
• It has seen that the caffeine component of kola nut is accountable for increasing gastric acid secretion from stomach which is furthermore related with increasing the activity of digestive enzymes that ultimately help to promote digestion
• It is also extensively used as an important remedial action for dysentery, diarrhoea, stomach cramping, constipation and other related gastrointestinal disorders

Role on mental health

• It plays significant role in improving mental health status
• It has seen that consumption of kola nut is very effective for preventing depression
• It also helps to improve mood

Role on circulation

• Consumption of kola nut is very much useful for enhancing circulation as theobromine and caffeine components of cola nut are closely related with increasing the heart rate that ultimately helps to improve blood circulation
• Increased circulation is related with supplying sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the body, which are essentially required for proper nourishment, growth and development
• It is also considered as an imperative cognition booster as it helps to increase blood circulation to the brain, which helps to promote cognition as well as concentration
• It is related with promoting wound healing and cellular repairing by enhancing the flow of nutrients as well as oxygen to the damaged part of the body

Other benefits

• Consumption of kola nut or its extract is very beneficial for weight reduction as it is related with increasing metabolism thus increases the rate of fat breakdown. Whereas, it also acts as an effective appetite suppressant that also facilitates weight reduction by reducing hunger and calorie consumption
• Caffeine content of kola nut acts as strong stimulant, which is responsible for stimulating nervous system especially central nervous system and enhances the energy level of the body as well as alertness thus its consumption is very effective for preventing general weakness or fatigue. Individual suffer from Chronic fatigue syndrome should consume kola nut as it is associated with decreasing physical as well as mental fatigue
• Its consumption is also very effective for decreasing exhaustion
• Consumption of kola nut plays imperative role for improving the symptoms of anorexia

Disease preventive role of Kola nut

Role on preventing migraine

• Migraine is a health complication generally characterized by a painful sensation.  It may develop at any portion of the head and causes severe pain, which is often accompanied by vomiting
• It is mainly resulting from the over activities of excitable brain cells and can affect the functionality of blood vessels
• Kola nut contains significant amount of caffeine as well as theobromine, which are responsible for dilating blood vessels in brain that ultimately helps to improve the symptoms of migraine, thus individual who suffer from migraine can include kola nut in their diet for obtaining quick relief from migraine pain

Role on preventing cancers

• Phytoestrogen component of kola nut is considered as one of the most effective anti-carcinogenic substance that helps to protect the body from the harmful effects of carcinogen
• It helps to hinder the growth    Read more