What are the health benefits of cola and what are the bad effects of cola?
Cola is mainly used as a condiment with soda in soft drinks. But cola can also be chewed or eaten in traditional ceremonies.
While cola is more popular when used as a natural flavoring, But its medicinal benefits are beginning to make it a popular dietary supplement.
In this context, cola can be found in energy drinks. nutritional supplements, and performance enhancers.
What is cola?
Kola is a small perennial herbaceous plant from the wetlands of Asia that can have remarkable effects on the body when ingested.
Kola was used in ancient India, Africa and China for its powerful medicinal properties.
The plant grows in the humid tropics and bears a small white or pink flower from a leaf that looks like a half-moon.
These exotic leaves are the most valuable part of the plant and are commonly used in herbal medicine.
It can be made into gels, creams, nutritional supplements, ointments, And other forms to help with many ailments from anxiety to cardiovascular disease.
cola uses
Cola is a staple among some African countries. It is best known for its effect as a central nervous system stimulant .
In West Africa, cola is chewed during religious ceremonies and rituals. It is used as a spice in the western world.
Cola is also useful as an additive in energy drinks and to enhance performance. in some cases, It is used in powder form.
Cola nutrition facts
Cola is rich in many energy elements along with nutrients.
An average cola fruit contains about 2 to 3 percent caffeine and 1 to 2 percent theobromine. Both act as a stimulant when consumed.
Cola also has the highest moisture content. raw fat, and crude fiber contents of 66, 5.71 and 7.13%.
Moreover, They are rich in micronutrients that include potassium , magnesium and calcium.
Health benefits of cola
The health benefits of cola include, its ability to prevent hair loss, accelerate wound healing, And help with skin care.
It also includes health benefits; enhance cognition, calming nervous disorders, relieve respiratory problems, and heart protection, and mood boosting.
Alzheimer’s disease treatment
A research study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine according to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Cola is one of the most important rejuvenating herbs for brain and nerve cells.
Kola herb is able to increase intelligence , longevity and memory.
Leather care
Kola herb is rich in antioxidants and contains saponins, a chemical that improves the appearance of the skin.
Many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies are interested in it because of its ability to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, and other blemishes.
According to the research, Cola is also effective in treating wounds, burns, and large scars.
Some studies also suggest that the use of kola or its ingredients may be beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis and scleroderma.
Promote blood circulation
Coke actually plays two important roles in the circulatory system. Where the plant extract can protect and strengthen the walls of vessels and capillaries, Which prevents blood leakage and improves blood circulation.
Cola also stimulates blood flow. Which increases oxygen in different parts of the body and important body systems.
Relieves symptoms of psoriasis
Cola can inhibit the reproduction of skin cells, Although it is not effective, However, it can be used as an aid in providing relief from the symptoms of psoriasis .
Cola prevents blood clots
Gotu kola helps prevent blood clots. As a herbal remedy, it may help relieve symptoms of blood clots. Which is known as vascular coagulation.
Treating anxiety and depression
Cola can have a positive effect on anxiety issues as it lowers the stress hormone cortisol and increases serotonin and dopamine levels.
It effectively reduced the frequency and severity of anxiety attacks and episodes in a group of people who suffered from some form of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder).
And the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb can reduce signs of depression and hopelessness.
Enhances cognition
Eating cola has a positive effect on blood circulation. This leads to increased oxygenation of the brain and allowing for improved cognition.
The antioxidant effects of this herb are also to some extent responsible. Because it can stimulate nerve pathways by eliminating plaque and free radicals from the brain.
Prevents nervous disorders
Cola has anxiolytic activity. Helps relieve stress, improve mood, and induce sleep. Thus calming the nervous system.
For those suffering from disorders such as epilepsy , it can have a powerful effect on the severity of conditions if taken regularly.
Improves memory
Kola extract has been used traditionally to improve memory in India. Studies conducted on rats confirm that it has a memory-enhancing property.
Thus, it can slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and dementia.
Boosts metabolism
One of the unique effects of cola is to boost metabolism. This is largely due to its caffeine content. Which gives it its ability to stimulate the body and increase the heart rate.
Although this can be dangerous for people with heart conditions , it can provide a much-needed metabolic boost for those with slow metabolisms.
Provides anti-cancer substances
According to 2009 research conducted by the Department of Chemistry at Southern University Baton Rouge , colas contain bioactive compounds that can induce the death of cancer cells.
Boosting the immune system
The roots, trunk and leaves of the kola tree contain volatile compounds that can prevent certain bacterial infections in the human body.
These include bacterial infections responsible for causing a wide range of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis.
Kola extracts are available in most health stores. But the nuts themselves have not been directly linked to this medicinal benefit.
Weight loss
Although caffeine has long been known to be somewhat of an appetite suppressant, Kola extracts have also been linked to increased body fat burning.
Bad effects of cola
cola and blood pressure
Those who drink a lot of cola may face a health problem, which is high blood pressure. Which is linked to heart disease and stroke.
Women who drank one cola per day had an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
That risk increased as women drank more colas daily, says researcher Wolfgang Winckelmayr , MD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard University in Boston.
The researcher says, “We found a relationship between the consumption of cola drinks, whether regular or otherwise, and an increased risk of high blood pressure.”
Cola flavor in soda water
Cola was first developed as a soft drink in 1886 , becoming the best-selling soda brand in the world, and this popular drink has many negative effects, including:
Decreased sperm motility
In March 2010, A Danish study showing that men who drank 32 ounces of cola per day could reduce their sperm count by nearly 30 percent.
High sugar level
Doctors and nutritionists warn against consuming large amounts of soft drinks due to the high levels of sugar.
Within the first 20 minutes of consuming a cola-flavored soft drink, The body synthesizes the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar. Causing a spike in blood sugar and massive insulin secretion from the pancreas.
Within 60 minutes of drinking soda, Sugar and insulin pass through the digestive system.
This leads to a “crash”, or intolerance, The sugar is quickly absorbed and burned for energy.
Calories in cola
A bottle of Coca-Cola contains 240 empty calories.
The National Institutes of Health defines empty calories as those that come from added sugars or solid fats.
This drink does not contain vitamins, minerals, protein or fiber. In fact, research suggests that consuming cola drinks may actually lead to lower minerals in the body.
See our guide to calories in soft drinks
Diet cola
If you switch to drinking diet cola instead of regular cola to maintain or lose weight, You may need to rethink this option.
It is true that Diet Coke contains fewer calories and less sugar. This in theory helps you lose weight, But the ingredients in diet cola may have the opposite effect.
artificial sweeteners found in some diet colas, swaying on your body, This causes you to overeat and choose less healthy foods.
Sweeteners may also cause gas and bloating. It may also lead to an increase in appetite. Your appetite is overeating because you don’t feel satisfied.