The kola nut, found in tropical Africa, is high in caffeine. Made into a tea, kola nut can help improve cerebral circulation, potentially reducing the risk of stroke. It also boosts oxygenation in your body, including in your brain, which means it can improve cognitive function. Traditionally, kola nut has been used to treat headaches.
Although the kola nut was once used in some cola drinks (for flavor), giving those drinks their name, today’s cola drinks are either high in sugar or high in artificial sweeteners and so don’t pass the “Is it healthy for my brain?” test. Instead of drinking cold carbonated cola drinks, try an infusion (tea) of kola nut. Because of the caffeine, it will stimulate your brain, so think of it when you need to revive your flagging energy. It is also believed to block some neurotransmitters and boost others, like dopamine, so it can be used as a mood elevator. If you’re not a fan of tea, you can also find kola nut as a liquid supplement, a capsule supplement, a syrup, a tincture, a gel, in a blend with other herbs for taste, in a new old-fashioned cola drink, or as an actual food product (be forewarned: the first bite can taste quite bitter!).
If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or are sensitive to caffeine, then the kola nut in any of its forms is not for you. Otherwise, give it a try and see how well it clears your mind.