Kola nut is a wonder fruit that has its origin as the tropical rainforest region of Africa, and it belongs to the Cola nitida and Cola family. They are extracted from the evergreen kola tree [also referred to as cola]. These nuts are super-rich in caffeine, and they are linked with several health benefits.
The kola nut has a delicious taste and a pleasant aroma like that of rose petals. It can be used
to sweeten breath. It also serves as a flavoring agent for sodas.
Some companies also use this fruit as an additive in their energy drinks and performance enhancers. Kola nut is widely used in the medicinal industries because of the numerous beneficial properties and micronutrients it is packed with.
When kola nut is ingested, it boosts immunity and metabolism. It also helps in alleviating health issues like bone illness, gastric troubles, and respiratory disease.
Additionally, this fruit is helpful in treating hypertension, kidney disease, and heart failure, but to mention a few. Additionally, kola nut is not ideal for all people with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or certain cardiac issues.
Also, kola nut is not ideal for people with insomnia because of the high level of caffeine it contains; this will make sleeping more difficult for them.
The Igbo people believe the kola tree was the first on earth and therefore its fruit being the first on earth. The kola nut is given as a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and respect; and is presented to guests at important social events such as weddings, funerals, and infant naming ceremonies.
Curiously enough, it’s the Yorubas in western Nigeria who plant them in large quantities for sale. When visiting an Igbo at home, you are sure to be welcome with “onye wetere oji, wetere udo”, which means “he who brings kola, brings peace.”
“Kola with three cotyledons is called ọjị ike, ọjị ikenga, that is, kola of the valiant. Only warriors or brave men and consecrated or ordained persons are permitted to consume this kola.
Kola with four cotyledons is called “ọjị udo na ngọzi”, that is, “kola of peace and blessing”. It is a normal kola. The number four is very sacred among the Igbo people.
Kola with five cotyledons is ọjị ụbara mmadụ, ọmụmụ na ụkwụọma symbolizes increase in procreation, protection and good luck. Kola with six cotyledons indicates communion with the ancestors, that is, “ọjị ndi mmụo na ndi mmadụ jiri gbaa ndụ”.
The smallest part or cotyledon is not eaten but is thrown away for the ancestors to eat. In like manner, kola with one cotyledon is not eaten by man, which means that it is not broken during
ceremonies because it belongs to the ancestors, an attitude reminiscent of the direct link between the living and the dead in Igboland.
Kola with seven cotyledons is a sign of good omen, it symbolizes prosperity. However, it is rarely seen or broken.”
When a host fails to serve Ọjị (kola) at a social gathering, there must be a valid reason for the failure. The kola nut is presented on a saucer, preferably a wooden platter prepared and kept for the sole purpose of presenting kola nut.
A host first takes a nut and puts it to his lips, thus signifying that it is about to be offered in good faith. This symbolic gesture absolves him from malice. The dish is, thereupon, passed to the visitor.
But the kola nut cannot be broken without the saying of prayers or incantations by the chieftain or eldest in the gathering. This has given rise to the proverb “He who brings kola brings life” because, in the kola nut prayers, the elder also requests for peace, long life, and pro
tection from all ill-fortune.
The breaking of kola occasionally comes along with palm wine, peanut butter, and garden eggs. In parts of Africa, the kola nut is believed to have some divine powers, and it is used for several things in many societies. It is offered to guests and also used in religious rites and prayers.
A very common practice in some West African countries, especially Nigeria, is that some elders will hold a kola nut while praying earnestly, and after a few minutes of prayer they will begin to share the fruit to everyone present in that occasion, with the belief that the praye
rs have been answered.
The kola is broken with a knife or both hands and shared with guests, however, women are barred from breaking ceremonial kola. They are also forbidden from either planting, climbing, or plucking as the kola tree is regarded as a male.
Denying women the right to break Igbo ceremonial kola is more of social order as women break the Igbo kola when they gather in their usual cultural groupings where no man has a say.
Kola nut has some health benefits which include; digestion, antibacterial benefits, boost immunity, boost metabolism, aid prostrate cancer, cures bone illness, relieve pain.
However, Kola nut is beneficial to all and sundry, except for people with allergies to nuts as they may experience symptoms like hives, upset stomach, breathing difficulties, etc.
Additionally, kola nut is not ideal for people with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or certain cardiac. Also, kola nut is not ideal for people with insomnia because of the high level of caffeine it contains; this will make sleeping more difficult for them.
