Bitter Kola Side Effects You Need To Know

Bitter Kola: Four Side Effects Worth Knowing

Kola nut has been credited with a long list of health benefits for thousands of years. It is said to be able to freshen stale water, ease tiredness and stave off hunger pangs.

Much of the benefit attributed to the nut comes from the caffeine it holds in high quantities, which lifts energy levels and dulls appetite.

Soft drinks made with kola have been drunk for decades without any health problems arising. And since kola nut is a seed taken from inside a fruit, it does not fall among the tree nuts that trigger allergies.

Kola nut and its extract produce side effects much like those of a comparable dose of caffeine. Four of the main ones are set out below.

Risks Associated With Bitter Kola

Cancer of the mouth

Oral cancer, a disease of the mouth, has been linked to bitter kola. Studies suggest that people who chew kola nuts can develop cancer of the mouth or of the gastrointestinal tract.

See Also: Grind 7 Bitter Kola and Moringa Leaf, Take To Cure These Diseases

Too much caffeine

Bitter kola is rich in caffeine, so eating too much of it can put health at risk. It is wise, then, to keep an eye on how many nuts you eat, and anyone with a heart condition is advised to steer clear of the product.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is another condition that bitter kola can bring on, and an overabundance of the nuts may prove dangerous. A small number of them, though, can help to keep glaucoma at bay.

Diabetes: a reason for caution

People living with diabetes should steer clear of bitter kola. Constipation is another side effect of the nut, and it is tied to the caffeine the product contains. Since caffeine can throw blood sugar levels out of balance, caution is needed when using it.