Does bitter kola contain caffeine?
Would you like to know effect of bitter kola on your body? In today’s post we are going to tell you about caffeine content in this plant. Read also about its benefits and possible harm in some cases. In fact, it has a significant impact on human’s health.
Bitter kola is also known as Garcinia kola and belongs to Guttiferae family. This flowering plant is commonly found not only in Nigeria but also in sich African states as Cameroon, Gabon, Liberia and many others.
Bitter kola nut as well as seeds and fruits have been served as medicine for many years. Moreover, this plant was a real salvation for different travelers because it’s very nutritious and beneficial. Almost all Africans know about its advantages and use it for treating a lot of diseases. However, only a few people worry about kola nut side effects. Is it really so beneficial for all humans? Is there caffeine in this plant? Can you eat it in large quantities? Let’s explore this questions.
Does bitter kola have caffeine?
Actually, there are more benefits of eating bitter kola than its disadvantages. Doctors say that people who eat this plant can treat cold, lung diseases, malaria, food poisoning, improve their immunity and so on. The medical workers and scientists also say that bite kola contains a little of caffeine. Generally, it shouldn’t be harmful for human’s body because its level is really quite low. However, there are the cases when even a little caffeine level can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Negative impact of caffeine in bitter kola
Firstly, it has a negative impact on nervous system. Most disputes arise about the effect of caffeine on the heart and blood vessels. It was found that caffeine in bitter kola can cause short-term increase in pulse and blood pressure. That’s why people suffering from cardiovascular diseases can’t eat bitter kola nuts in large quantities.
Long-term studies have shown that caffeine can cause a slight increase in pressure, but it does not affect the development of hypertension. Moreover, caffeine content of bitter kola is useful for those who eat it in small quantities. In this case it helps to train their cardiovascular system. The researches also highlight the following disadvantages of caffeine in bitter kola:
- anxiety
- headache
- poor sleeping (insomnia)
- nausea
- excitement
- vomiting
- frequent urination
- decreased digestibility of calcium by the body
Please note, all these disadvantages are possible only for those who are sensitive to caffeine in general. Nigerian bitter kola contains quite a bit of caffeine. If your body accepts this substance without any unpleasant symptoms, you can get even some benefits from this plant.
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Benefits of caffeine in Garcinia kola
Bitter kola fruits, seeds and nuts can bring a lot of benefits. Moreover, even bitter kola bark may be useful for your health.
- Well, caffeine content of bitter kola improves physical and mental efficiency, stimulates motor activity, temporarily reduces fatigue and drowsiness;
- Raises and deepens your breathing contributing to the expansion of the bronchi;
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis;
- Caffeine in bitter kola plant also has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles due to a bronchodilating effect;
- Increases secretory activity of the stomach;
- Reduces the risk of developing diabetes;
- Improves metabolism and metabolic processes.
Please note
If you are pregnant caffeine may be harmful for you. It increases the risk of fetal death. Caffeine can also lead to a lot of health problems for the baby. These diseases include enuresis, problems with teeth, skin, heart, immunity system.
Now you know that bitter kola plant contains caffeine. If you consume bitter kola in large quantities it can lead to serious problems. However, sometimes this nice tropical plant is a real catch to improve your health.
READ ALSO: Medicinal uses of bitter kola
Source: Legit.ng
