Kola nuts are common ingredients in soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and candies. Kola nut is an important part of traditional life in Africa, particularly in West and Central Africa… it is used in religious rites, sacred offerings, weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals, etc. We don't name plant articles after their fruit, leaves, seeds or other parts, and this is overwhelmingly an article about the plant genus (contrast, say, pepita , which is about seeds and their use, not about a genus or species per se ). Kola nut does have plenty of caffeine and another well-known stimulant, theobromine in it, and it clearly is a herb that stimulates the central nervous system but these are only two of hundreds of ingredients that are contained within the extract, of the Kola nut. The kola nut has a bitter flavor and contains caffeine. Kola nut has a bitter taste but is immensely rich in compounds that have medicinal properties. The sodas contain cinnamon and nutmeg and a boost of caffeine, which would normally have come from the kola nut. It is also used to make medicine. However, Coca-Cola no longer uses kola nut extracts in their drinks. Uses. Chinua Achebe often mentions it in his books. Bitter kola is common and regarded in high esteem in African countries especially Nigeria. It is merely the non-juicy unattractive, reddish or yellowish small content of the pod of a tree called osisi oji (kola nut tree). Cultural uses. Kola nut → Kola (genus) – This should be at Kola (genus) (or Kola (tree)) for obvious reasons raised almost a year ago here. The main constituents of the kola nut include caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, sugar, water and phenolic compounds such as phlobaphens, tannic acid, d-catechin and epicatechin. Kola is regarded as an aphrodisiac. Bitter kola can be an acquired taste. That’s why you’ll never see them lack this nut in their homes. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Kola Nut. Additionally, kola nut is not ideal for all people with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or certain cardiac issues. Maurice M Iwu, ... Chris O Okunji, in Advances in Phytomedicine, 2002. acuminata, enjoys a folk reputation as a general antidote, tonic and antitussive agent, and has been incorporated into many traditional formulations for the treatment of various diseases. A kola nut is actually a seed and not related to tree nut allergies. It is often used ceremonially, presented to chiefs or guests. The nuts are in a thick husk which must be soaked and removed. Igbo kola nut is not just the small seed, in actual fact the seed is very bitter to taste. Because the kola nut is a mild stimulant much like coffee, it offers many of the same benefits. Garcinia Kola, also known as Bitter Kola, is a flowering plant from the rain forests in West Africa. All three chemicals function as stimulants. The fruit seeds, and nuts of the plant have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health ailments. List of various diseases cured by Kola Nut. This nut is a flowering plant from west and central Africa, it has an ellipsoid shape and is about 3-5 cm in length with a dark brown bark that covers it.. Bitter kola seeds, fruit, bark and nuts are used for treating diseases and ailments from time immemorial. The usage of bitter kola is not limited to traditional activities alone. The powder and extract may help digestion and they are also thought to promote the production of gastric acid which helps digestive enzymes effectiveness in the stomach. The kola nut also has numerous uses as a digestive supplement and herbal medicine and is effective at suppressing hunger, working as a diuretic, or treating depression, childhood asthma and headaches. This video looks at Kola nut / Bissy; its properties, uses and research information. Popularly known as bitter kola, Garcinia kola grows mainly in the rain forests region of west Africa such as Nigeria, Benin, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Gabon. Cola nut is the seed of the cola nut plant. Energy-increasing tablet versions of Coca-Cola, containing kola nut and coca leaves, for example, were used by Ernest Shackleton’s crew in Antarctica and by World War I soldiers on the front lines. It is often used ceremonially, presented to chiefs or presented to guests. Red kola nuts were used as a declaration of war, white kola nuts are a symbol of peace. Corn Oil Cultivation, Preparation and Properties (0) Uses of Kola Nuts: Kola nuts are used in the preparation of aerated beverages. Uses. Kola nuts value as medication for weight loss, a sore throat, upset stomach, ulcers, colds, and liver disorders is priceless medicinally and spiritually to West and Central African people. Kola nut is beneficial to all and sundry, except for people allergic to nuts as they may experience symptoms like hives, upset stomach, breathing difficulties, etc. The kola nut has a bitter flavor and contains caffeine.It is chewed in many West African countries, in both private and social settings. According to Medical News Today, the nut can boost metabolism, aid in digestion, increase circulation, improve energy levels and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Kola has been consumed by Africans for years due to its stimulant like effect and medicinal uses. Kola nuts grow on kola trees, native to Africa. Kola nuts comprise about 2% caffeine, as well as containing kolanin and theobromine. If you're allergic to the kola nut, after you ingest it your immune system mistakes the substance as harmful. It used to be used in Cola sodas, but now is generally consumed as an extract in supplement form. Img Source: istockphoto. Kola nuts are highly caffeinated and provide the sweet flavor and dark color commonly associated with soda. Garcinia kola, sometimes confused with the west African cola nut, Cola nitida/C. It has some reported health benefits. Bags of kola nuts are often put into graves as a food for the dead. Kola nut comes from the evergreen Kola tree which is found in the rainforest of Africa. English: Caffeine-Free Diet Coke (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Tags: Kola nut, Medicinal Plants. Keep in mind, however, that it’s called “bitter” for a reason. Bitter kola can be eaten on its own, uncooked, like many other nuts. One of the oldest medicinal uses for the kola nut is as a natural remedy for chest colds. Kola nut is still chewed for its caffeine content in Africa. Kola nut is not listed as a common food allergy, according to MayoClinic.com, but any food can cause an allergic reaction 2 3. II. How Kola Nut is effective for various diseases is listed in repertory format. In folk medicine, kola nuts are considered useful for aiding digestion when ground and mixed with honey, and are used as a remedy for coughs. and to stop there is to miss much of what this plant medicine can do., The name for cola drinks is derived from the Cola Acuminata plant, although the Kola nut is no longer used as an ingredient in most commercial drinks. Related posts. Cola nut is used widely in Nigeria and many West African countries as part of traditional hospitality, cultural, and social ceremonies. The kola nut comes from a West African fruit. Inside the tree’s star-shaped fruits are white shells which contain the seeds called Kola nuts. “The kola nut was the unsung hero of Coca-Cola,” said George, explaining that it added caffeine to the beverage, as well as thirst-quenching energetic properties. The Oji tree does not grow to a great height. It is also used as a stimulant. Traditional uses of G. kola. Benefits of Kola Nut. 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