Suco cocoa drink very
nutritious
By Oluwatoyin Oluwastoyin
Friday,
April 27, 2007
|
•
Cocoa pods, very nourishing
•Pix: Sun News Publishing |
|
Is it true that a cup of cocoa may keep the doctor away?
Mr Duro Kuteyi, the managing director of Spectra Nigeria Limited,
emphatically says yes. The University of Ife (now Obafemi
Awolowo University) Food Science graduate has not just the
pedigree by virtue of his training, but equally a line of
products in his company to back up his claim.
Have you heard of Suco cocoa powder drink before? If you have
been taking it, you have been treating yourself to a treat
of powerful antioxidants. If not, in a few minutes, after
going through this piece, you should be having a rethink.
As it is, it is not only Mr Kuteyi that has affirmed the nutritional
benefits of cocoa, especially as a drink. A study published
in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural
and Food Chemistry also confirms this.
When Dr Chang Yong Lee and his colleagues at Cornell University
in New York carried out tests to measure antioxidant levels
in tea, red wine and cocoa, cocoa came out on top.
What is an antioxidant?
A substance (as beta-carotene or vitamin C) that inhibits
oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free
radicals.
What is a free radical?
It could be described as charged particles, produced by the
body, which can damage cells and DNA and trigger diseases
like cancer.
Thus an antioxidant prevents the damage of free radicals in
the body, hindering the onset of diseases like cancer, tumour
and the like. Their study found that cocoa was twice as rich
in antioxidants as a glass of red wine, up to three times
richer than a cup of green tea and up to five times richer
than black tea.
Although cocoa is found in many other products, such as chocolate,
the researchers said drinking cocoa drink was the best way
of harnessing its health benefits. This is because a bar of
chocolate is high in saturated fats. A 40g bar of chocolate
contains about 8g of saturated fat. This compares with 0.3g
in an average cup of hot cocoa.
Dr Lee said further, "although we know that antioxidants
are important for good health, nobody knows the exact daily
amount required per person.
Nevertheless, a cup or two of hot cocoa every once in a while
can provide a delicious, warm and healthy way to obtain more
antioxidants." There had been previous studies which
have also shown that these chemicals (antioxidants), which
can protect against a range of diseases and reduce the effects
of ageing, are found in cocoa.
Though they- tea, cocoa and red wine, are all rich in antioxidants
which can ‘mop up’ free radicals, the Dr Lee study
suggests that cocoa may be richer in antioxidants than better
known ‘healthy’ drinks like tea and red wine.
Another study of more than 8,000 Americans in 1998, found
out that chocolate, which is made from cocoa, may even extend
life.
Researchers have also found out that by the reduction of free
radicals in the body through the antioxidants in cocoa, heart
diseases could be averted. The researchers also think the
cacao plant, from which cocoa is derived, may restrict the
formation of the type of cholesterol which damages the heart
as well as boosting the immune system.
Thus, a patronage of Spectra’s Suco cocoa drink which
is now repackaged in tins is a sign up for sound health.
Why?
According to the managing director of Spectra, “Cocoa
helps to prevent hypertension; heart diseases; and diabetes.
“It helps to arrest breast cancer at the source; arrests
persistent coughs; and helps to stimulate mental alertness.
“Cocoa does not enhance fatness; cause headache and
allergy.” Watch out for the details of these numerous
benefits of Spectra’s Suco cocoa drink in the weeks
ahead.
So, is it safe to say; “a cup of Spectra’s Suco
cocoa drink a day may keep the doctor away from you?”
|
