kola nut has a bitter flavor and contains it is chewed in many west African cultures, individually or in a group setting. it is often used ceremonially, presented to chiefs or presented to guests. it is preferred among African Muslims , who are forbidden to drink alcohol. chewing kola nut can ease hunger pangs . kola nuts are often used to treat whooping cough and asthma . the caffeine present acts as a bronchodilator , expanding the bronchial air passages. frequent chewing of the kola nut can also lead to stained teeth. among the urban youth of west Africa , kola nut is becoming less popular. 

kola nuts are perhaps best known to western culture as a flavouring ingredient and one of the sources of caffeine in cola and other similarly flavoured beverages, although the use of kola (or kola flavoring) in commercial cola drinks has become uncommon in our communities today.