Kola nuts have some adverse health effects you should know
Fun fact: Kola nuts were traditionally given to African troops on the battlefields during the ancient days.
Kola nut is a native seed that is highly cherished in Nigeria especially by the elderly. It is a powerful cultural symbol and has many uses including: Cementing relationships, gifts at events and to battle several ailments affecting people.
There are even people who believe that if they need some good luck, taking kola nuts to a fair-coloured old man or woman who will then pray on it, can change their luck for the better. Be it Obi Gbanja, Orogbo or Obi Abata, the fact that kola nut is cherished by many in society does not negate the fact that overconsuming it comes with side effects.
Disrupting sleep patterns
For instance, have you ever noticed middle-aged/elderly drivers popping one or two pieces of kola nut in their mouth before embarking on a long-haul trip? This action is usually done by the driver to help him stay awake and alert as he performs his duties. Yes you might say it’s a better alternative to those that take hard drugs but how much better is it really? Most times it tends to backfire and prevent the individual from sleeping even when they need to.
From trying to avoid sleep, the person now faces insomnia. This is where you find individuals not functioning at their best due to lack of sleep and also resorting to other drugs to help them sleep.
Pregnancy risks
For pregnant and breastfeeding women, kola nuts are not an advisable option because they contain caffeine. If a pregnant lady or new mother consumes more than 300mg per day (3 cups of coffee), it could increase the chance of early childbirth or even a miscarriage as well as introduce caffiene to the child via breastmilk.
High blood pressure
With the amount of stress Nigerians encounter on a daily basis, a lot of people (both elderly and young) are now at risk of, or already suffering from, high blood pressure. Kola nuts contain compounds that increase the risk of high blood pressure so lovers of this seed should ensure to see a doctor for better advice if they suffer from high blood pressure.
Other effects
There are also instances where people experience shakiness, especially those who have been eating kola nuts consistently for a long time. It usually begins with unsteady hands and develops into severe anxiety.
#HealthAndBeauty is a lifestyle segment to keep you feeling and looking good. In this edition we explore how overconsuming kola nuts can have harmful effects.
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