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The cola nut is a natural powerhouse with up to 3.5% caffeine and 1% theobromine, which have a gentle and long-lasting effect. It contains valuable ingredients such as catechin and epicatechin, which have antioxidant effects, as well as tannins and proteins. Ideal for an active daily life, it supports concentration, lifts moods, and promotes communication. Perfect for fasting and fitness, it also aids in weight control. However, caution is advised in case of a caffeine allergy.
Ingredients of the Kola Nut
Cola nuts can contain up to 3.5% caffeine and 0.05% to 1% theobromine, depending on the variety. A recent laboratory analysis of organic cola nitida yielded the following values: 2.4% caffeine and 0.31% theobromine. Both alkaloids in their pure form are white, odorless, crystalline powders with a bitter taste.
Additionally, cola nuts contain:
- Catechins: plant metabolites from the flavonoid group, with high antioxidant potential
- Epicatechins: also plant compounds that belong to the flavonoids, found in higher concentrations in cocoa and associated with various positive effects on the cardiovascular system and brain
- Procyanidins: from the group of flavanols, also known as OPC, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Other tannins: also known as tannins, are usually pronounced antioxidants
A recent laboratory analysis of the ingredients of organic cola nuts from Ghana yielded the following additional values:
- 41,4 g/100g carbohydrates
- 9 g/100g protein
- 13 g/100g sugar
- 0,43 g/100g fats, of which 0.2g saturated fatty acids
- 3,54 g/100g crude ash
- 11,2 g/100g water
Effect
The cola nut has a generally invigorating, stimulating, mood-enhancing effect and promotes communication. The caffeine in the cola nut is bound to polyphenols, secondary plant metabolites. This compound can only be broken down in the intestine and thus acts significantly gentler and more stomach-friendly.
In addition, the effect lasts longer but is also felt more slowly and later. This is different from roasted coffee, which is already absorbed in the stomach and thus becomes available to the body more quickly, but is also less tolerable for some people. Due to its high caffeine content, the cola nut is excellently suited for fasting, fitness, and a demanding daily life where it can effortlessly replace coffee.
It also supports weight control by positively affecting fat metabolism and suppressing appetite. The cola nut is helpful for learning, studying, working, and communicating; even in extreme living conditions and climates, it is indispensable.
Caffeine
Caffeine, also known as coffein, is a purine alkaloid and a stimulant. Even the substance often referred to as theine (or also tein or thein), which was thought for many years to be a different active ingredient, is actually caffeine. It is also the most widely consumed stimulant worldwide. Caffeine stimulates the nerves and is found in beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, mate, guarana, energy drinks, and (in small amounts) cocoa. In low doses, caffeine mainly enhances drive and concentration and reduces fatigue. Higher doses can also stimulate respiration and circulation. It improves attention and learning ability, reduces the need for sleep, and can slightly increase blood pressure, which decreases with regular intake. Caffeine can elevate mood up to slight euphoria and shorten reaction times while minimally impairing dexterity. It acts mainly in the central nervous system and can easily cross the blood-brain barrier.
The effect of caffeine occurs because it structurally resembles the messenger substance adenosine, which is produced during brain activity and serves as a signal for the body to indicate fatigue and prevent overexertion. Caffeine occupies the receptors where adenosine normally docks and thus prevents the body from receiving its own signal to become tired. However, tolerance to caffeine develops quickly, as the brain forms additional receptors for adenosine when these are overloaded, and thus the effect of caffeine is quickly weakened, and with regular consumption, increasingly higher doses are necessary to feel an effect.
Regardless, caffeine in its natural form, due to its binding to different substances, acts in various ways and is particularly tolerated very differently by sensitive individuals.
Theobromine
The alkaloid theobromine is mainly known from cocoa but is also found in the seeds of cola trees and in the leaves of the tea plant, as well as the mate bush and guayusa. The name is derived from the Greek words for 'god' ('theos') and 'food' ('broma').
Chemically, it is closely related to caffeine and therefore also has its stimulating and invigorating effect. The alkaloid occurs in plants in harmless amounts, making an overdose virtually impossible. Theobromine has a diuretic, vasodilatory, and cardiac-stimulating effect and relaxes the muscles. Overall, its effect on the human body is similar to that of caffeine but is significantly weaker.
As a stimulating substance, theobromine is sometimes equated with caffeine but has different effects: it acts more mildly and long-lasting stimulating and mood-enhancing.
Allergens
Nut allergy: NO
Despite its name, cola is not a nut! In fact, it is the seed of the cola tree. Therefore, cola is also not concerning for people with a nut allergy and does not have a corresponding labeling requirement.
Caffeine allergy: YES
The cola nut has an increased caffeine content and is therefore not recommended for children as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with a caffeine allergy should also refrain from consuming it. However, those who can no longer tolerate coffee can try the cola nut cautiously, as it is often better tolerated.
Further reading: 2013 - Analysis of the phytochemical composition of Cola nitida and Cola acuminata (English)