8 Things You Might Not Know About Nicotine And Its Effects

Here are some of the most interesting facts about nicotine and its effects, some of which you may not have even heard about before.

Whether you smoke cigarettes, a vape or another form of an e-cigarette, you will probably be aware of what nicotine is and the effects that it can have on your mind and body. But there are also a number of other interesting facts about nicotine that you might not be aware of. Keep reading on to find out 8 things about nicotine and its effects that you might not already know about.

It’s a natural pesticide

A fact that many people are not aware of is that nicotine is a natural pesticide and pest deterrent. Many farmers and crop growers actually use nicotine in the form of tobacco extracts to warn any unwanted pests off their land and crops. Nicotine is effective at killing a number of different insects and preventing fungi and bacteria from growing on crops, without actually harming the crops.

Takes seconds to affect you

As you already know, nicotine can have a high impact on your body and mind. But did you know that it only takes a couple of seconds for it to affect you? Nicotine is a fast-acting stimulant, meaning that after you take the first smoke of your cigarette or e-cigarette it will only take at least 10 seconds for the nicotine to reach your brain. It will also quickly increase your levels of dopamine and release a burst of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. The dopamine will provide you with the feeling of pleasure, while the adrenaline will ramp up your body’s systems, raising your heart rate and respiration up quickly.

Can be found in food

Believe it or not, but nicotine can actually be found in certain food and drinks. Nicotine is a compound that can be found in vegetables such as potatoes, eggplants, cauliflower and even tomatoes. As well as being present in these foods, nicotine can also be found in certain herbal teas. But there is no need to worry, as the level of nicotine that is found within these teas is extremely low, meaning that it is not harmful or addictive. Nicotine is only really harmful when taken through cigarettes and various other means. When found naturally, it is an inconsequential part of the diet.

Appetite suppressant

Another lesser-known fact about nicotine is that it is actually an appetite suppressant. When you smoke a cigarette or e-cigarette, nicotine activates a pathway in your brain that suppresses your appetite and results in you wanting to consume less food. Seeing as nicotine is an appetite suppressant, this is why so many people who usually smoke often gain weight or feel hungrier when they quit smoking.

It can seem like a legitimate thing to help with a diet, but trading one addiction for another isn’t a good idea. The fact that nicotine can be an appetite suppressant could cause individuals to suffer from a lack of overall nutrition.

Can improve memory and concentration

Some studies found that nicotine can improve a person’s concentration levels and memory. This is due to an increase in norepinephrine and acetylcholine that is found within nicotine. Norepinephrine is known to increase wakefulness, which can help your brain to retain more information and helps to improve your concentration levels throughout the day.

While some people might not realize it, these improvements in memory and concentration are part of the reason why people enjoy nicotine. For those suffering from bouts of stress, it is one part of general stress relief. It tends have a subtle effect, and helps individuals to feel a little more alert about everything and willing to handle the responsibilities that life has to offer.

Reduces anxiety and stress

Many people who smoke do so because the nicotine within their cigarette or e-cigarette helps them to relax and feel calm. When you inhale nicotine, it results in higher levels of beta-endorphin being produced in the brain. Beta-endorphin is a chemical that when released into the brain helps to relax the mind and reduce levels of anxiety and stress.

This is perhaps one of the biggest reasons why many people go for cigarettes. Those who learn how to smoke tend to do so in their teens, where stress and peer pressure is at an all-time high. There are plenty of people out there who end up getting addicted to nicotine due to how it can ease bouts of stress and anxiety. Those that end up not smoking tend to have something else that can help ease the stress, such as eating too many sweets and other potentially harmful addictions.

Has a distinct taste

Nicotine liquid has a distinct taste and is often described as tasting bitter. This is why so many brands have developed different flavours for their e-cigarettes and vapes. If you are looking to try a different flavoured nicotine one of the most popular stores is Snusboss, as they offer a range of different flavours such as mango, berry, and mint.

The distinct taste that comes from nicotine liquid is typically one of the more addictive parts of e-cigarettes and vaping. Those who are trying to curb their addiction tend to go for nicotine-flavoured liquid in vaping to help simulate it without necessarily having to put up with the actual thing.

Can cause heartburn

Nicotine is known for having many effects on your body, but did you know that it can even cause heartburn? The nicotine from tobacco relaxes the valve between your oesophagus and your stomach. This then allows stomach acid and juices, the chemicals that break food in the stomach, to reflux into the oesophagus which causes you to feel heartburn. It’s an unfortunate effect of cigarettes and nicotine in general, and people typically do not notice how big of a problem it can be until things get extremely uncomfortable.

As you can see, there are a number of different facts about nicotine and its effects, some of which you may have not been aware of before.