Miraa is not dangerous as as has been imagined all along, a new research has revealed.
And among the benefits cited in the study is that miraa helps in weight management.
This is the finding of the first conclusive research presented during the 7th Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) Annual Scientific and Health Conference, which ends today.
The annual conference brings together professionals and researchers in the health sector to present new research findings on different topics.
The research was done in Meru and Embu counties and involved a total of 843 people (440 females and 403 males) out of which 37 per cent were found to be miraa users. It was funded by the Government to the tune of Sh38 million.
The miraa market has suffered hugely after the United Kingdom banned consumption in 2013 leading to an outcry from farmers in Kenya.
Led by Prof Charles Lumumba of Rongo University, a team of scientists found that most of the information on dangers associated with the crop cannot be proven.
The research, which started in September 2015, cleared the air on certain myths associated with miraa chewing.
It was previously believed that the consumption of the stimulant led to dental problems, lowered one's libido and weakened body immunity.
One of the key findings of the research is that there was no significant difference between people who chew miraa and those who do not in terms concentration of blood sugar, anaemia and blood pressure levels.
The immunity system of those who chew miraa was also found not to be different from those who do not.
"In this study, the CD4 count within the normal range (460-1600) occurred in 89 per cent of chewers and 92 per cent of non-chewers... There was no association between CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio and khat chewing," stated the research.
Contrary to the widely held belief that dependence on khat causes psychiatric problems, this latest research found that there was no known connection between miraa chewing and depression.
"From the qualitative arm, khat was reported by a majority to be an energiser that enables people to work more and effectively, provide mental alertness as well as aid in sexual stimulation," the findings show.
The researchers found that miraa users had leaner waists.
