Nicotine: A smart drug?

There is a lot more to nicotine than just smoking and addiction. When you get it at low doses in its pure form- without toxins and carcinogens wrapped around it in a cigarette- nicotine can do wonders.

Most famously found in tobacco it is found in small amounts in tomatoes,potatoes,cauliflower. When nicotine reaches your brain it activates the pathways that control attention,memory,motor function and pleasure. Excess nicotine is toxic but when consumed in proper amounts it gives you the following benefits-

1. Faster,more precise motor function.

2. Increases your ability to focus and pay attention.

3. It also sharpens your short term memory.

4. Speeds up reaction time.

5. Also suppresses appetite,aiding in weight loss.

But there are a few downsides to nicotine as well. It can promote cancer, increase heart rate and blood pressure, cause inflammation and is a poison at high doses.

There are many ways to consume nicotine. The only upside to smoking is that it releases antabine(a compound that suppresses autoimmune problems with the thyroid). But do not get excited, it is still the most harmful and unsafe way of consuming nicotine. Here is a list of nicotine sources ranked from worst to best-

1. Smoking

2. Chewing tobacco

3. Vaping

4. Nicotine gum

5. Nicotine patches

6. Nicotine inhaler

7. Nicotine lozenges

8. Nicotine mouth spray

So, there you have it. Nicotine does improve cognitive function,sharpens your memory and focus. The only thing to be careful about is the dosage, which when high causes more harm than good.