Kolanut , a widely consumed nut in Africa that is found on Strepculiacasea tree . It is used in ceremonies and given during visitation and part of the cultural heritage of some parts in Africa. Kolanut extracts have been harnessed by some cola producing companies and also it has been used for medicinal purpose. The significance of kolanut to Africans take a major part in the instigation of researchers to elucidate the effects of kolanut on humans evolving the dearth studies about kolanut to many. Several advantageous effects could be effected on humans moreover it also has it deleterious influence on health especially when consumed indiscriminately and excessively.
ADVANTAGE
Kolanut has very high caffeine content with dominance above other chemical constituent within, caffeine is known for it ability to hinder sleep, encourage alertness and dismay fatigue. This stimulating potential is further jazzed up by threobomine that is a stimulant. These two stimulants make Kolanut a natural stimulant that has been used for this stimulating purpose for years.
Synonymously to bitter kola, kolanut could also be taking by those with Asthma or whooping cough , because of it influence on the bronchioles , it induces bronchiole dilation making passage of air free.
Finally, prolong usage can cause reduction in testosterone level, sperm motility, viability, and count thus promoting infertility in men likewise in women it can cause reduction in weight of ovary and womb due to the perturbed oestrous cycle though this is dose-dependent
In addition to all these benefits, kolanut has some nutrients such as proteins , starch, phenolics, niacin, ribolflavin, that are good for ones health. Other benefits of kolanuts are vision clearance and researchers have suggested kolanut has a natural and alternative medicine for diabetes.
DISADVANTAGES
, it is good to take some precaution in its consumption. The caffeine content makes it a poison for pregnant women and nursing mothers and those suffering from high blood pressure , cardiovascular diseases, insominia, anxiety problem , high cholesterol level, seizure and palpitation. If consumed by pregnant woman it could cause hormonal imbalance and also consumption by those that have these diseases it could aggravate their condition. Those with stomach and duodenal ulcer should shun it intake because it induces increased production of gastric juice so not ameliorating the state of health but worsen it. Studies have shown it could cause osteoporosis in adult and perturbed bone formation in adolescent which could be traced to its caffeine content.
Furthermore, there are some drugs that shouldn’t be taken with kolanut because it counters the therapeutic effects of the drugs in the body. Drugs like muscle relaxant, heart medication, high blood pressure medication, nitrate and calcium channel blockers shouldn't be taken with kolanut.
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Discerning the advantages and disadvantages of kolanut it depends on the consumer to choose what’s best for his/her health. Personally, its consumption is good for health and fostering of productivity but excessive ingestion should be hindered cause of the hazardous effects it could develop.
CONSUME MODERATEY AND LIVE HEALTHY