Cola - Genus of plants
Cola is a genus of plants that includes about 125 spontaneous, evergreen and tall trunk species, native to the tropical forests of West Africa and belonging to the Sterculiaceae family; the best known are the Cola acuminata, the Cola clear, the Cola verticillata and the Real cola.
Cola plantations are present, as well as in the place of origin, also in South America - especially in Brazil - in the West Indies, in Jamaica and in other regions with a humid tropical climate.
The fruits are formed by oblong and leathery follicles, grouped at 2-6 and containing from 5 to 10 seeds each. These seeds, improperly called kola nuts, have a particularly bitter and astringent taste, due to the abundant presence of various alkaloids and tannins.
Property
Similarly to what the Andean populations did with coca leaves, the natives usually chew cola nuts, even fresh, with the aim of relieving fatigue, hunger and thirst. In fact, Cola has properties tonic, exciting and restorative; decreases the perception of fatigue and breathlessness, improves cardiac contractility, nervous and cerebral efficiency. Responsible for these activities is the alkaloid caffeine, contained in the kola nut in a 2-3 , 5% (a slightly higher quantity than coffee seeds), together with an "other stimulating substance, called theobromine (0.2 - 1% approx.)
The kola nut also has mild diuretic properties and, according to the indigenous peoples of West Africa, it is endowed with a certain aphrodisiac power.
Cola is a common ingredient in many traditional drinks (primarily coca-cola), stimulants and soft-drinks, as well as cola-flavored popsicles.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Cola is part of the composition of many supplements and herbal preparations, taken by athletes to enhance their performance; in fact, particular caution is recommended in "buying and taking" such supplements, not so much and not only for the possible side effects, but for the risk of testing positive for doping controls. These products, in fact, thanks to the contribution of various nerve drugs (coffee, guarana, mate and the cola itself) can contain important quantities of caffeine, which beyond a certain dosage is included in the list of doping substances drawn up by the IOC. Furthermore, these supplements should not be taken during pregnancy, breastfeeding and under the age of 14. In the presence of cardiovascular disease and / or hypertension, it is very important to consult your doctor before using them. Ultimately, cola taken shortly before bedtime could interfere with normal rest, causing difficulty falling asleep.
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