In West African countries like Nigeria, the kola nut is a cultural staple that symbolizes peace, goodwill, integrity, unity, reconciliation, or kindness in some Nigerian traditions. Traditionally, it's commonly chewed by aged people, especially people in their late 60s and above. In recent times, kola nuts have become quite popular as they are a key ingredient that is commonly consumed in modern-day beverages or sodas or colas.
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Although kola nut is quite bitter, it leaves a pleasant aftertaste and it also contains several minerals, vitamins, and chemical properties that have proven helpful in medical areas especially if eaten raw and regularly. Its components offer the following health benefits to people in their 40s and 50s if they're consumed regularly.
1. Knee pains
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Weak bones or joints pain, especially knee pains are common in people in their 40s and 50s but research shows that regular consumption of kola nut can reduce the risk of knee pain. This is because kola nuts contain compounds that can reduce stiffness and pain in joints and improve bone density which can also boost overall bone health.
2. Boost immune system
As we grow older, especially in people in their 40s and above, the immune system naturally becomes weaker. But regular consumption of kola nut at age 40 and above can reduce and fight against bacterial infection that may weaken your immune system. They also contain antioxidative that helps the body get rid of free radicals and strengthen the immune system by increasing the resistance of the body to diseases and infections. This resistance reduces your risk of falling sick.
3. Increased circulation of oxygen
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Eating kola nuts regularly, especially at age 40-50 above can improve the circulation of oxygen in the body due to the caffeine stimulating effect found in kola nuts. This circulation of oxygen in the body can improve the amount of oxygen that gets to the brain which can reduce the risk of stroke. It can also regulate heart rate and increases blood flow which can help to improve healing.
4. Prostate cancer
Due to some scientific result and some recent discoveries, the phytoandrogens and phytoestrogens found in kola nuts have been found helpful in stimulating the death of cancerous cells in the prostate gland. Therefore, regular consumption of kola nuts can treat and reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men.
5. Improved digestion
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Regularly chewing kola nuts especially after food can treat digestive problems such as constipation by helping the gastrointestinal system to break down foods in such a way that it absorbs energy from food without causing pathogenic microorganism buildup in the stomach.
6. Natural diuretic
In a kola nut study, the methanolic extract from kola nut was found to contain some diuretic properties that can help to treat conditions such as cirrhosis, kidney diseases, and hypertension. It can help to remove excess water from the body.
Kolanuts cannot only serve as alternatives for medicine, they can also be used as flavoring agents and foods.
Content created and supplied by: VickyPlain (via Opera News )
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