The diet cola diet

CR

A comment on my blog has been left. It's:

"BS. If you want the true facts about aspartame visit snopes.com, aspartame.net, or better yet the full text 2007 Magnuson review

http://www.fte.ugent.be/vlaz/Magnuson2007.pdf.

The latter is conducte by 10 experts in the field.

John E. Garst, Ph.D. (Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology"

Which is lovely - it's a report saying aspartame is safe.

At the end of the 01 September 2007 report it says:

"The identity of the sponsor of this review
was also unknown to peer reviewers and the editor until
acceptance of manuscript. The sponsor was Ajinomoto Company,
Inc."

Who are Ajinomoto Company?

"Ajinomoto of Japan, the world's largest manufacturer of both aspartame and MSG"

http://media.www.dailylobo.com/media/storage/paper344/news/2008/01/24/Opinion/Hawaiian.Aspartame.Bills.Challenge.Corporate.Clout-3166777.shtml

This is where it gets slightly bladerunner

Check out their president:

http://www.ajinomoto.com/message/index.html

Ajinomoto is active in 23 countries and regions worldwide, employing around 24,861 people as of 2004. Yearly revenue stands at US$9.84 billion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajinomoto

CR

It's been ten minutes since I drank Diet Coke for the first time in four days.

It makes my tinnitus louder - I don't know why - but it does - the volume is nearly back at the level which will disturb my sleep.

I don't think it's the caffeine - as I've drunk coffee, in the last four days, equivalent to diet coke amounts - and no effect.

So what else is there in diet coke? Is it the aspartame? I don't know - I'm not a doctor.

If you've got tinnitus and you're a diet cola drinker - I suggest you try to stop drinking it for a while and see (hear?) what happens.

Also - maybe try increasing your intake of fruit - oranges seem to calm my tinnitus!

CR

He's posted a comment, saying:

"BS. If you want the true facts about aspartame visit snopes.com, aspartame.net, or better yet the full text 2007 Magnuson review

http://www.fte.ugent.be/vlaz/Magnuson2007.pdf.

The latter is conducte by 10 experts in the field.

John E. Garst, Ph.D. (Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology"

John may be right. I hope he is.

It could be that it's all in my mind - but I've just drank 25oml of diet coke (after none for four days) and my face feels hot, I feel slightly sick and my tinnitus got slightly worse.

I was so scared of tinnitus - but it's volume has dropped, since one week ago (I don't know if this is to do with my cutting back on diet cola - but it does seem to have increased in volume after my 250ml of diet coke).

After drinking it I feel slightly foggy - like the two halves of my brain are joined together - which I like, but I don't like the increased tinnitus, sick feeling and hot flushes.

I think I associate the foggy feeling with creativity - this is something I've got to break. There must be a way around it.

One thing that also scares me: Diet Coke with me is an addiction - I know I'll feel sick if I drink it - yet I have to drink it (I know this sounds silly - but it's true) - so what the hell is it doing to me to create such an addiction?

CR

Had diet coke earlier, then coffee in fizzy water - and whistling noise went!

Then put in olive oil eardrops and whistling returned! arrgh

CR

http://www.guardian.co.uk/food/Story/0,2763,1667734,00.html

http://www.veganforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10217&page=2

I would just like to share a quote with everyone from my favorite Vegan Book, "Skinny Bitch":

"Diet sodas contain formaldehyde, and if you are not familiar with that let me explain. It is a chemical used to preserve things in scientific experiments, maybe it is preserving the fat on your ass"

Smoke 4 packs a day
Eat meat every other day
Drink 3 glasses of milk a day
Eat 4000 calories a day
Drink 2 glasses vodka each night
Pop a handful of script pain meds every other night

If you are drinking DIET anything, I dont care if it is made with splenda, equal, sweet'n low, or aspartame you should also just pick two things from the above list and do them as well. Because it wouldn't be doing you any more damage as long as you drink DIET drinks/eat DIET snacks. I even learned in NURSING SCHOOL that just because they say they dont have calories doesn't mean you dont have to burn it off. Calorie free just means your body doesn't recognize what they are, and can go ahead and store them on your body anyway with no way to "use them".. that means "diet" drinks will stick to your thighs...forever with no way to use then as real energy!! (That is scary) Be careful.

"If it says sugar free, fat free, low cal, low carb, or cal free, read those words as CHEMICAL SH*T STORM and run as far as you can!!!"

~Skinny Bitch (Oh I just love that book)

http://askwaltstollmd.com/archives/aspar.html

CR

On Friday (four days ago) I realised I have tinnitus. It's at about 9000hz and I've been struggling to sleep - I'm quite scared - going to see doctor tomorrow.

Has this been caused by my attempting to cut down on aspartame? I don't know.

My cutting down has been going quite well - down to one can of diet coke (and no other source of aspartame) every two days. But for the past four days I've felt awful.

Today I drank diet coke and I felt better - my appetite returned - it made the headaches go away, but the tinnitus is still there.

Can I notice the tinnitus now, because my brain is less excited?
The neurotoxins hurt my hearing?

http://www.bio.net/bionet/mm/ageing/1995-September/001727.html

It says in the
Congressional Record, S5511, May 7, 1985, the following:

"Aspartame has been demonstrated to inhibit the carbohydrate-induced
synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin (Wurtman affidavit).
Serotonin blunts the sensation of craving carbohydrates and thus is part
of the body's feedback system that helps limit consumption of
carbohydrate to appropriate levels.  Its inhibition by aspartame could
lead to the anomalous result of a diet product causing increased
consumption of carbohydrates."

http://www.rawcuisine.co.uk/whats-happening-to-food/diet-coke/

This page mentions tinnitus and aspartame.

” … I am a Pediatrician, a Professor of Pediatrics at Emory, and have spent 25 years in the biomedical science, trying to prevent mental retardation and birth defects caused by excess phenylalanine.. . . . . .I have considerable concern for the increased dissemination and consumption of the sweetener, aspartame, (1-methyl N-L-a-aspartyl-L- phenylalanine) in our world food supply. This artificial dipeptide is hydrolyzed by the intestinal tract to produce L-phenylalanine which in excess is a known neurotoxin. Normal humans do not metabolize phenylalanine as efficiently as do lower species such as rodents and thus most of the previous studies in Aspartame effects on rats are irrelevant to the question, ‘Does phenylalanine excess occur with Aspartame ingestion?’”

Statement by Louis J. Elsas, II, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics, before the USA Senate Committee of Labor and Human Resources on the subject “Nutrasweet: Health and safety concerns”, November 3, 1987.

http://www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/treatments/toxins.aspx

Both aspartame and monosodium glutamate are excitatory neurotransmitters. That is, they excite brain neurons and increase levels of electrical activity in the brain and the auditory cortex, the area where tinnitus is perceived. We know that people with tinnitus have an elevated level of electrical activity and reducing this activity is helpful for tinnitus. Increasing electrical activity increases tinnitus. A previous article discussing elevated states of electrical activity in the brain and tinnitus can be seen by clicking here.

http://www.bio.net/bionet/mm/ageing/1995-September/001727.html

HE ROLE OF ASPARTAME

Each of these components of aspartame -- phenylalanine; aspartic acid;
the methyl ester, which promptly becomes methyl alcohol or methanol --
and their multiple breakdown products after exposure to heat or during
prolonged storage is potentially toxic to the brain and inner ear.  These
organs are uniquely vulnerable to metabolic disturbances and neurotoxins
because of their unique metabolic requirements.

http://www.bio.net/bionet/mm/ageing/1995-September/001727.html 

Subject:      Help at last... please read
Date:         1997/09/13
Newsgroups:   alt.support.tinnitus

On 07-11-97 I received information on the fact that
aspartame(Nutrasweet/Equal) could cause tinnitus by destroying the
central nervous system.  I had been a large user of diet sodas which
contain aspartame.I  figured I had nothing to lose by switching to plain
water. The results were not immediate but took approx. 2 months. I can
now honestly say that my tinnitus has been greatly reduced and
completely gone much of the time.

CR

one can today, one reg from Mcdonalds yesterday, none day before?

CR

one 500ml bottle of diet coke yesterday

and one today - I feel sick - and hot but addicted - it's a sickness

CR

I'm drinking it now - one and a half cans.

I had it with chocolate - made me high... wonderful

CR

My diet coke craving has subsided a bit - I would love one, though.

Been drinking carbonated water with instant coffee in it.

Food cravings subsided - so am trying to cut down on refined sugar? Carbohydrates?

Why Have Carbohydrates Become Such A Controversial Food?

To understand why carbs have attracted so much dietary criticism - much of it inaccurate and misleading - you need to understand a bit about the diet and food industry. The following explanation is a simplified account of the carb controversy.

Heart Disease And Low Fat Diets
In the 60s and 70s, cardiologists established a clear link between animal fats (in fatty meat, butter, cheese etc.) and coronary heart disease (hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis). So low-fat diets became very popular. Unfortunately, in its attempt to cater for this preferred reduced-fat type of eating, the food industry started producing a huge range of low-fiber white flour food products (eg. muffins, donuts, bagels, cookies), tons of carb snackfoods (eg. multi-flavored popcorn, nachos etc.) and various high-carb add-ons and toppings. Note that ALL these foods are largely "refined" carbs - that is, carbs with most of the natural fiber removed. Thus, the low-fat approach led to a significant increase in the consumption of refined carbohydrate.

CR

Bissy, bissy, bissy
published: Wednesday | February 26, 2003

KOLA NUT (or bissy) extract is popularly used around the world in some soft drinks. Bissy (Cola acuminata, C. nitida) is native to Africa, and is cultivated extensively in the tropics, particularly in West Africa, West Indies, South America, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

The tree grows about 40-60 feet high, has yellow flowers, spotted with purple; the leaves are pointed at both ends. There are 125 species of this plant. Though it is called a "nut", the part of this plant consumed is the cotyledons of the fleshy seeds. When fresh it is nearly white but on drying it undergoes a fermentative change, turning reddish brown and losing much of its astringency. Fresh kola seeds have a bitterish, astringent taste, but this is lost during the drying, the dried seeds being almost odourless and tasteless.

Kola (or Cola) is related to cocoa and contains the same methylxanthine stimulant alkaloids including caffeine and theobromine, found in coffee, tea, cocoa and mate. Small and medium doses render one capable of warding off physical and mental depression and exhaustion. Large doses produce overstimulation, and thus tend to destroy the usefulness of the drug. Their consumption is not considered habit forming.

For thousands of years, West Africans have traditionally chewed cola nuts for their stimulant effects, as a necessity and a luxury. The kola nut has particular uses in the social life and religious customs of West Africa. It

was used as a declaration of war (red nut), and as a symbol of peace (white nut). It figured in courtship and marriage, compacts of friendship, as a mark of hospitality, and was put into the graves of the dead to nourish them on their long journey.

Primary constituents of fresh kola seeds include caffeine (0.6 to 3.0 per cent), theobromine (up to 0.1 per cent), other xanthine alkaloids, tannins, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins such as "kola red". The phenolics and anthocyanins are likely to provide antioxidant activity. Specimens of African kola yielded more caffeine (2.24 per cent) than Jamaican kola (1.93 per cent).

The properties of kola are the same as caffeine, modified only by the astringents present. Fresh kola nuts have stimulant action apart from the caffeine content, but is often used for the stimulation caffeine supplies.

The action of kola has been compared to that of coffee and cocoa, but it differs even from these, and from that of the two principles-caffeine and theobromine-contained in it.

CR

Clayton's Kola Tonic is giving me the buzz without the hot face that comes with a can of diet cola.

Why?

Is it just the caffeine and sugar? (test this)

Diet coke breaks down into a phenyl

One of the simplest phenyl containing compounds is phenol,

Clayton's Kola Tonic contains Kola Nut - which contains phenols?

Oh - I dunno - is this too far fetched?

CR

1) stimulation of caffeine? (alkaloid)

2) neurotransmitter - aspartame breaks down into PEA (phenylethylamine)?

- Claytons Kola Tonic seems to be doing same - thing - I'm quite high. But is this just sugar and caffeine? Doesn't feel like it.

What's difference between Phenol and phenyl?

Phenol is also known as Phenylic Acid

More on the debate

Chocolate, after all, is the nearest thing to a drug you can legally buy if you're eight years old.

It contains three psychoactive chemicals - caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine - as well as a variety of sugars. Sugar gives a sudden charge of energy while caffeine's mild amphetamine rush is well known. Theobromine is one of nature's Prozac replacements and phenylethylamine is a mood enhancer. It's the theobromine and the phenylethylamine which give rise to the rumour that chocolate simulates love. They are suspended in a fat, cocoa butter, which is the only stuff in the world that melts at exactly body temperature. The moment you put chocolate in your mouth it spreads out softly, delivering little packets of sugar, caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine right into all those pleasure receptors on your tongue. No wonder we love it.

D-phenylalanine (DPA), can be synthesized artificially. D-phenylalanine can be converted only into phenylethylamine.

Guess what - Kola nut contains Caffeine (alkaloid) and phenol, too -

On the other hand, many studies and research works made on kola products proved that its beneficial action was due not only to its caffeine content but also and more particularly to the combined form in which this caffeine is present therein, as it constitutes an unstable association of alcaloids and phenol compounds.

CR

alkaloids and phenolic compounds are produced by plants - can mess with mind?

http://www.mcmanweb.com/more_diet_coke_posts.htm

McMan (Oct 11): The FDA is constantly pulling products it previously approved and is changing the warnings, Mandy. Even with the best-intentioned watchdogs, too many bad products get approved. David Willman of the LA Times won the Pulitzer Prize in Investigative Reporting in 2001 for exposing the ineptitude of the FDA. Please do your research before you accuse me of scaring people.

Heather (Feb 4, 2003): Interesting to know that there is a phenol compound in aspartame. I'm one of the 1 in 16,000 who is allergic to phenol. Every time I've eaten something with aspartame in it, I've had wild, horrible nightmares. I found out I was allergic to phenol when the allergy shots I was taking gave me severe asthma-like symptoms which lasted for months as the usual asthma treatments didn't work. I had to take oral steroids (more trouble) to get rid of them. I'm now taking allergy shots without the phenol preservative in them. And, just BTW, phenol is in everything from pesticide to toothpaste.

==========

Brad (Nov 20, 2004): I consume about 1 300 litres of Diet Coke annually. I very rarely have headaches, maybe one per year and it's nothing an Advil and a large glass of water or Diet Coke couldn't fix. This whole aspartame thing is nonsense; it's most likely the sugar companies spreading the rumors about 'aspartame poisoning'. Just look at how much business they'll be losing if this new “better then sugar substance” took over the market. Aspartame is made of completely natural substances, two amino acids aspartic acid and phenylalanine joined together with a methyl group added. Aspartic acid is found in beef, chicken, pork, fish, and some vegetables like spinach. Phenylalanine is found in eggs, milk, bananas, and meats. The downside of aspartame is the phenylalanine one in ten thousand people who have Phenylketonuria or carry the PKU gene can’t ingest phenylalanine or aspartame because of a genetic disorder that is characterized by an inability of the body to utilize the essential amino acid. Once aspartame is broken down in the body it is converted back to aspartic acid and phenylalanine with a very small amount of methanol, no more then a glass of tomato juice would convert to. Thus aspartame is safe to consume in small amounts, but who’s going to drink more then 12 litres of Diet Coke in a day anyways?

========

Chocolate comprises 50 percent fat and 50 percent sugar and contains phenylethylamine, all which combine to create an endorphin effect, particularly in women. Low blood levels of phenylethylamine have been found in depressed patents. (Researchers at Nottingham Trent University (UK) claim phenylethylamine to be a byproduct of exercise and the cause of the euphoric mood called "runner’s high.")

Hi! I'm a first time reader of your blog. Happened across the title, and had to find out what you write about.

Anyhow, back to the subject of Diet Coke:
Diet Coke contains PEA (phenylethylamine), which is a feel-good neurotransmitter that affects the brain. PEA is also found in chocolate, surprise surprise.
Based on the scientific research I've read (I've got an M.Sc. in Nutrition; I speak "Science"), together with my personal experience, I'm certain that Diet Coke can be addictive.
When I decided I wanted to kick the habit (I used it as a pick-me-up, when I was a bit depressed, and it worked... I am so not joking), I just started drinking Diet 7Up instead. Funny enough, I now dislike the taste of Diet (I never thought that would be possible), and of course I'm not addicted to the 7up (because who would be?).
Of course, now I NEED my multiple-daily fixes of coffee... I basically replaced one addiction with another.
Maybe it's best to leave well enough alone? :)
All the best to you.

THE CULT OF DIET COKE.

CR

The formaldehyde from each can of diet soda is more than the legal limit of this dangerous chemical.

Aspartame breaks down into an alkaloid - that can mess with mind?

When you drink a diet soda, your body breaks down the aspartame into aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol, one molecule of each.

aspartic acid is harmless; it’s broken down into alanine, an amino acid, and oxaloacetate, an organic compound
phenylalanine, an allergen to some people, is broken down into mostly tyrosine, an amino acid, and to a lesser extent into phenylethylamine, an alkaloid, and phenylpyruvate.
methanol (wood alcohol) is broken down into formic acid (the toxin in ant bites) and formaldehyde which is a carcinogen.

CR

Caffeine: Diet Coke
Per 12oz can: 46.5mg caffeine

The amount of caffeine in an average cup of coffee (8oz/230ml) varies from between 80 to 150 milligrams.

CR

Cola nuts are chewed for the stimulating effect of the alkaloids caffein and theobromine they contain. The cola nut is widely grown in West Africa and has particular uses in the social life and religious customs of the people. In Nigeria and Cameroon, four species of cola with edible seed have been distinguished.

Purine group:
- Xanthines: caffeine, theobromine, theophylline

here's an excerpt off the net regarding caffeine: http://coffeefaq.com/caffaq.html
------------
Caffeine is an alkaloid. There are numerous compounds called alkaloids, among them we have the
methylxanthines, with three distinguished compounds: caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, found
in cola nuts, coffee, tea, cacao beans, mate and other plants. These compounds have different
biochemical effects, and are present in different ratios in the different plant sources. These
compounds are very similar and differ only by the presence of methyl groups in two positions of the
chemical structure. They are easily oxidized to uric acid and other methyluric acids which are also
similar in chemical structure.

Caffeine: Sources: Coffee, tea, cola nuts, mate, guarana. Effects: Stimulant of central nervous
system, cardiac muscle, and respiratory system, diuretic Delays fatigue.

Theophylline: Sources: Tea Effects: Cariac stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, diuretic, vasodilator

Theobromine: Sources: Principle alkaloid of the cocoa bean (1.5-3%) Cola nuts and tea Effects:
Diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, cardiac stimulant, vasodilator.

CR

(Info from Merck Index)

    The presence of the other alkaloids in colas and tea may explain why
    these sometimes have a stronger kick than coffee. Colas, which have
    lower caffeine contents than coffee are, reportedly, sometimes more
    active. Tea seems the strongest for some. Coffee seems more lasting
    for mental alertness and offers fewer jitters than the others.

 8. How much theobromine/theophylline there is in ...?

    Sources: Physicians Desk Reference and Institute of Food Technologies
    from Pafai and Jankiewicz (1991) DRUGS AND HUMAN BEHAVIOUR

    cocoa                      250mg theobromine
    bittersweet choc. bar      130mg theobromine
    5 oz cup brewed coffee     no theobromine
    tea 5oz cup brewed 3min
    with teabag                3-4 mg theophylline
    Diet Coke                  no theobromine or theophylline


4. Frappe - cold coffee

    Frappe coffee is widely consumed in parts of Europe and LatinAmerica
    especially in summer. Originally was made with cold espresso. Nowadays
    is prepared in most places by shaking into a shaker 1-2 teaspoons of
    instant coffee with sugar, water and ice-cubes and it is served in a
    long glass with ice, milk to taste and a straw. The important thing is
    the thick froth on top of the glass.

CR

But I don't know which drink did it - Fentimans or Claytons - I think Claytons.

But is it just the sugar or huge caffeine content?

CR

Chemical composition

The ingredients in bold are the ones that seem to stimulate the mind.

CR

It's the nut that took over the world.

http://www.claytonskolatonic.com

Review: Sour when taken neat.
It's slightly syrupy and not fizzy.

Nice when mixed with cold fizzy water - seems to pick-me-up.

I don't know the nutritional info - what percentage of kola, caffeine and sugar?

Curiousity cola: http://fentimans.com

Tastes more like the standard cola - fizzy and dark brown - can smell the ginger.

But does not contain kola nut - has ginger and herbs. I bought the small mixer size - I thought I saw that the larger size contained Catuaba & Guarana extracts. Perked me up.

I'm going to have to do a test with coffee and sugar.

Of the two - Claytons seems more interesting

===========
You can also buy cola nut liquid:

http://www.naturesalternatives.com/herbs/kola.html

it's description sounds like what diet coke did to me:

African Kola Nut (Cola Nitida v. sp.)

Actions: Stimulant, diuretic, anti-depressive, astringent.

Common Uses: Caffeine containing Kola nut has a definite stimulating effect on the human consciousness. It can be used wherever there is a need for direct stimulation to the central nervous system. It is said that Kola nut can augment the capacity for physical exertion, increase the power of enduring fatigue without food, give rise to euphoric states in some people and helps ideas become clearer, thoughts flow more easily and rapidly and causes fatigue and drowsiness to dissappear. Kola nut has also been used with success in the treatment of migrain headaches. 10 to 45 drops to 3 times daily or as needed. Do not use when caffeine is contraindicated.

Is it just the caffeine?

CR

So fresh Kola nuts are not available? Only dried? But can dried nuts be chewed? I don't know. Do you?

powdered here in uk:

Herbs Of The Gods Cola Nut

The plot thickens...

http://www.a1b2c3.com/drugs/var031.htm

The two most potent species are Cola acuminata and Cola nitida.

Chemistry Of Kola Nut

The primary active chemicals in kola nut are caffeine and theobromine. They can be found in all parts of the plant, but are found in their highest concentrations in the seeds. Caffeine is a mild stimulant found in coffee, tea, foods, drinks, etcetera.

It stimulates the central nervous system and improves mental alertness, as well as reducing physical fatigue and appetite. Theobromine produces stimulant effects similar those of caffeine, but it is milder. The amount of caffeine in kola nut can vary, depending on the species.

Concentrations of 2.0%-3.5% caffeine are common in kola nuts from Cola acuminata and Cola nitida (the species most often consumed). The amount of theobromine in these species is almost always somewhere near 1.0%, or a bit less. Other chemicals found in kola nut include betaine and theophylline, both are similar to caffeine in chemical structural and effect.

Kola nut was one of the original ingredients in coca-cola. It was utilized for the taste and caffeine content it added. Until the early 1900's, fresh coca leaves were also an ingredient in coca-cola. The coca leaves were added for their taste and stimulant effect (coca leaves contain cocaine).

Whole nuts can be got from here it says:

http://www.bouncingbearbotanicals.com/kola-nut
-p-94.html?affiliate_banner_id=1&ref=284

=============

More on difference between whol and powdered Kola nut:

http://vibrantbeauty.net/p/272579/kola-nut-powder-wildcrafted-african-30gm.html

Indigenous to coastal rainforests of West and Central Africa, the seeds of this beautiful tree have been prized for their powerful stimulant effect. A member of the same family as Cacao, the Sterculiaceae. The whole seed is carefully peeled to remove the two large cotyledons within the kernel shell. These are dried to form the Kola "nuts" which are powdered for use. This powder contains between 1% and 3.5% caffeine (usually about 2%). Theobromine is also present in amounts just under one percent.

The fresh Kola nuts are particularly enjoyed where the trees grow, and this preference is known to have solid grounds in scientific fact: the xanthines (caffeine and theobromine) are bound together with an unusual compound called kolacatechin, which itself breaks down upon drying into the tannin Kola Red. The kolacatechin allows the bound chemicals to be absorbed in a joined fashion, with a unique synergistic action not the same as when experienced as individual substances in dried Kola powder. For those of us not so fortunate as to have access to a nearby Kola tree in season, the dried product must suffice. In fact, the dried Kola nut has been so craved and appreciated in Africa that extensive intertribal trade networks managed to have passed it from coast to coast, north to south. In past generations, the Kola nut was treated as a unit of money.
The reddish-brown powder may be taken in its natural state, either eaten straight, mixed with honey or packed in capsules. A normal dose is 1-2 teaspoons. Kola is traditionally eaten before a meal to aid digestion and thought to improve the flavor of anything eaten after it. An interesting drink may be prepared by stirring the Kola powder into cold water (a tablespoon per cup) and gradually bringing it to a near boil, reducing the heat to simmer for five minutes before straining. The drink may be sweetened to taste, but it is best without cream or other flavorings. It has a unique flavor, not unpleasant. The many types of soft drinks which use some Kola essence have a hint of this taste. In fact the original Coca-Cola got its name from Kola nut and coca leaf once being major herbal ingredients.
The effects usually are first noticed as an increase in depth of breathing accompanied by spine tingling rushes of energy which begin in the lower back and swirl up to the base of the head, climaxing with a tightening of the scalp and a feeling of the hair standing on end. It can range from a quick flash up the spine to a full-on, one-by-one opening of the chakras as a kundalini-like mobilization of vital force rises to the crown of the head. Most people notice this sort of experience, especially those who tend to have body consciousness as an inclination. Kola usually comes on very smoothly, accelerating somatic and cerebral energy for about an hour. It is good to use that peak time for enjoying the ride. Since the skin’s pleasure receptors are especially effected, the sensation of touch becomes very pleasurable indeed. Delicate stroking or very light massage can be an enjoyable thing to share with a partner. This is enhanced by calming the mind and focusing on the surface of the skin while in a relaxed posture. The combination of an alert, receptive state of mental stimulation with the sensitization of pleasure in touch make Kola a delightful experience.

====
But Kolatine does not exist?

COLA ACUMINATA Schott and End!. Cola (Kola); Bissy (Bichy, Busy) Nut.
Cola nuts are used in Jamaica for stomach pains and as a purge when poison is suspected. The nuts are
grated and boiled like coffee or taken with strong rum. A little cola is sometimes added to country chocolate and
it is considered to allay hunger. The plant is said by Lunan to have been brought to Jamaica from the Guinea
Coast and planted out near Guanaboa by one Mr. Goffe. In Africa the nut is chewed to promote digestion, is
considered to be a tonic, stimulating and antiperiodic, and is also used in dysentery. The chemical composition
of cola nuts appears to be complex and a matter for some difference of opinion. 11 is stated that I to 2.35 per
cent of caffeine and a small amount of the bromine are present. Starch makes up about 46 per cent of the dry
nut; glucose and sucrose are present; fats (up to 3 per cent) tannin and gum are found. Early work indicated
the presence of a compound called kolatine said to be a tanno-glucoside or a catechin compound but this has not
been found by subsequent investigators. Kolanine, described in earlier work as a glucoside splitting up into
caffeine, glucose and kola red. and occurring principally in fresh nuts, was later said to be a mixture of caffeinetannate
and theobromine-tannate, the latter being a glucoside. Kola red may also be a glucoside, giving rise to
phloroglucin. In 1929, Casparis found that the drug contained kolacatechin (C20H20H83H20) and free caffeine
the kolacatechin being mainly oxidised to kola red. Kolatine was not found in the fresh nuts but caffeinekolacatechin
(C28H30N4O10) was said to be present. (2, 7, 8, 10, 15, 23, 24, 27).

CR

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guarana

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephedra

http://www.innerspace.nl/

"Ephedra is known as the herbal speed, it causes a faster bloodstream and provides you with tintling rushes of energy. In Liquid Herbal C this herb is combined with kola nut to give you a buzz of highly creative energy. Go with the flow! Ofcourse we are also able to help you with the newest and classical herbal XTC capsules (Explore, E-Booster, Smart XXX and many more). For your work in stead of coffee it is much healthier to take guarana (the national brazilian drink), ginseng (for centuries used in China) or focus mix. Royal Jelly provides you with direct energy from the Royal Queen Bee Jelly."

Cola nut is also known as bissy

http://www.malikonline.co.uk/store.php?crn=414

history - raw is best but unavailable

http://www.cerumol.com/ltonhist.htm

cola recipes

Can't find Kola nuts in uk

Kola nuts are used mainly for their stimulant and euphoriant qualities. They have effects similar to other xanthine containing herbs like cocoa, tea, coffee, guarana and yerba mate.

What about

Coca leaves?

I didn't know Papaver somniferum was legal though, i thought that had to be grown under licence, the Coca plant, Erythroxylon coca, has definately got to be grown under licence only the imported tea and leaves etc are legal.

3 teabags and it's as good as a small line though, all the alkaloids not just refined salt and is a nice high!
[Empty bags into cup, scald with water just off boil, allow to cool a little and drink all, leaves as well.]
http://www.compra-segura.com/index.php?cPath=26&sort=2a&page=2

CR

I had two small cans of real coke, and one of lemonade (which did contain aspaprtame).
Am craving diet coke... the rush. Although I did think of a cartoon yesterday - without it.

Am struggling. Diet 7up doesn't make my face flush (or get hot) - but diet coke does.

I must compare the ingredients:

7Up Free: Dec 07 (from a can):

Carbonated water,
citric acid,
natural flavourings,
Malic Acid,
Sodium citrate,
Sweeteners - Aspartame and Acesulfame K, potassium chloride,
Pectin. Contains a source of: phenylalanine.

diet coke:

INGREDIENTS from this page:

Carbonated Water
Caramel Color
Natural Flavors
Phosphoric Acid
Potassium Benzoate
Sucralose
Acesulfame Potassium
Caffeine
Citric Acid

Real coke makes me flush, too:

Contains:
Carbonated water,
Sugar,
colour (caramel E150d),
Phosphoric Acid
and Flavourings
(inc caffeine)

Rosacea society on soft frinks and flushing

More on artificial sweeteners

Diet coke alternative: Kola Nut?

£90, the ELISA blood test

American Premium Cola? Tesco - contains kola nuts

Kola nuts: The presence of caffeine was demonstrated by Attfield (3). There is 1 - 2 % of caffeine in the fresh nuts, but on drying the figure can increase to as much as 5 %. If this were the only active, it would not matter if the nuts were fresh or dried, since the caffeine would remain, but there is such a strong preference for the fresh nuts that some other, labile, ingredient would seem to be present.

Protein is present at about 8 % (4), but its nutritional value is compromised by the large quantity of polyphenols, present at similar levels (2). Much effort has been spent on investigating the nature of these polyphenols. Van Eijnatten (5) suggested they formed part of a caffeine-glucose-tannin complex. On drying this complex broke under the influence of enzymes and oxidation to form a red substance known as kola red together vith free caffeine. Prior heat treatment destroys the enzymes and the nuts can then be dried with no apparent deliterious effect on their pharmacological action. Autoclaving is thought to be a better method of performing this than the traditional sun drying.(6).

CR

I thought of cartoons etc - but after a mini-can of real coke and chocolate, - it's still associative

CR

Am craving it now - but I can think of rhymes etc... it's just associative! I've gotta convince myself. I need to feel the bubbles and the chemical taste...

CR

Diet 7Up contains aspartame - but it gives me no buzz. Why not?

http://dir.salon.com/story/health/feature/1999/09/30/diet_coke/index1.html

"I have a special request," I began. "Could we get some diet Sprite or diet 7-Up in our next shipment?" (Neither of those contain phosphoric acid or caffeine.) "No problem," she said."

CR

Warm feeling from this page

Methyl alcohol
Phenylalanine [PHE]

Aspartic Acid
Diketopiperazine
Formaldehyde
Formic acid

The ingredients in Aspartame are phenylalanine (50 percent), aspartic acid (40 percent) and methyl alcohol (10 percent). When you eat or drink something which contains Aspartame, your digestive systems begins to break it down. When the temperature reaches 86 degrees, methyl alcohol then breaks down to formaldehyde and then formic acid (1). So at that point you have five potent poisons in your system.

Even though both phenylalanine and aspartic acid are amino acids that are present in the food we eat, and are safe when eaten naturally in foods with other amino acids present, taken alone and in elevated quantities they are neurotoxins which can permanently damage the developing brain and nervous system of the fetus, if the child is lucky enough to survive the potential destruction by the maternal immune system. Aspartic acid is an excitotoxin, which stimulates the neurons until they die(5). In one study, when the phenylalanine levels in the blood of pregnant women were increased five-fold, there was a 10-point drop in the IQ of the fetuses born to those mothers (6). It also causes genetic damage which can be passed down to future generations, not to mention brain tumors, cancer, lupus, and many other diseases.

The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that a safe level of consumption of wood alcohol (methyl alcohol) is 7.8 milligrams per day. However, if you drink one liter of an aspartame-sweetened beverage, you have consumed 56 milligrams of wood alcohol, or 8 times the EPA limit (7).

In my own case, I noticed that every time I drank a diet soda, I would get this warm feeling all over, kind of a low level electrical buzz going through my whole body. Maybe that's because one of the byproducts of aspartame metabolism, Diketopiperazine, is the substance that causes the bite of a red fire ant to sting.

CR

My cold is pretty bad - headache, coughing, blocked nose - don't want to leave bed. Happy new year!

But food cravings have subsided -

is that the lack of caffeine - or the cold?

Here's a story that mentions insulin, diabetes, and brain waves. Does aspartame lead to:

"This inability of the body to recognise normal insulin signals leads to high blood sugar levels, weight gain and, eventually, even type 2 diabetes." ?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7163217.stm

Just an idea

Saturday 26 January 2008

Tuesday 22 January 2008

Monday 14 January 2008

Friday 11 January 2008

Wednesday 9 January 2008

Sunday 6 January 2008

Chemical composition

Chemistry Of Kola Nut

Saturday 5 January 2008

Friday 4 January 2008

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Tuesday 1 January 2008

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