The positives of nicotine – 10 surprising effects this substance has

The positives of nicotine – 10 surprising effects this substance has

If you read the footer of any online vape shop or the text from a random pack of cigarettes, you might think about nicotine as one of mankind's worst enemies. And it probably is, since it has always been associated with smoking. Nicotine or Nicotiana tabacum – the type found in tobacco – comes from the Nightshade family of plants. It is a powerful parasympathomimetic stimulant and a naturally occurring alkaloid.

The substance is highly addictive and in smaller doses acts as a stimulant in mammals. But – like always – there are two sides to every story; therefore today we are going to take a closer look at the positives of nicotine. Scientists discovered a couple of incredible benefits associated with the drug – and these are the top 10:

The top 10 benefits of nicotine

10. Nicotine is not a carcinogen. This means there's no clear link between nicotine use and the incidence of tumors. It may be a tumor promoter in some cases but this substance is not the one causing them.

9. Much like caffeine, nicotine also promotes focus and concentration. Since it's a powerful alertness enhancer and stimulant, the substance has showed to improve attention and increase processing speed. Some studies concluded that it can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms in patients.

8. Memory and learning are also positively affected by low doses of nicotine. The substance helps improve long term memory and promotes consolidation or learning. It has been associated with the secretion of a hormone called vasopressin, which is responsible for these cognitive effects.

7. Patients suffering from ulcerative colitis reported improved symptoms after administering nicotine. Some studies linked the anti-inflammatory properties of the drug with the incidence of the disease. It's an illness that's more common in the case of non-smokers and ex-smokers than it is in the case of current smokers.

6. Nicotine has been showed to improve the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. Because it can turn off certain receptors in the brain, the substance reduces tic severity and frequency.

5. Nicotine has neuro-protective effects. It blocks out estrogen, it reduces inflammation and stimulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain. This is why the substance can prevent neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

4. Obesity and nicotine use don't go hand in hand. The drug has been to decrease appetite and reduce obesity. It does this by activating POMC neurons which increase metabolism and suppress hunger.

3. Nicotine can delay the onset of arthritis. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the substance prevents joint sore and the chance of hip deterioration. According to an Australian study, nicotine users are 50% less likely to need hip replacement surgery.

2. According to a 2006 study, nicotine has a positive impact on one's mood. By stimulating certain areas of the brain it can help relief the symptoms of depression.

1. Nicotine may help treat Alzheimer's patients – or at least that's what the scientists from University of New Mexico's Memory & Aging Center have discovered. The people in the study were given low-dose nicotine patches and then the dose was carefully increased. Nicotinic receptors in the brain convert the drug in order to increase alertness and attention. This helped patients with some of their memory problems.

And nicotine nowadays doesn't necessarily need to be associated with smoking. Vaping is a great alternative. Most disposable e cigs are cheap and can last up to 500 puffs. They are also considered to be up to 95% cleaner according to recent studies. Other alternatives include nicotine patches and gum, which boast the same therapeutic effects.

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