It's not coffee or green tea... A cup of 'this sweet drink' rich in antioxidants

◇ Rich in antioxidants… Prevents heart disease, diabetes, and aging

 

Cocoa is rich in an antioxidant substance called polyphenol. A research team led by Professor Lee Hyung-joo of the Department of Food Science and Engineering at Seoul National University published a paper in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stating that drinking one cup of cocoa a day can prevent cancer.

 

It is known that a cup of cocoa contains twice the amount of polyphenols found in a glass of red wine, three times that of green tea, and five times that of black tea. Research from Harvard Medical School has also shown that the flavonoids in cocoa help improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure, thereby preventing heart disease and diabetes, as well as slowing down aging.

It also has a preventive effect against peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease refers to a condition caused by the narrowing or blockage of arteries in the legs. A research team at Northwestern University in Chicago conducted a study on 44 patients aged 60 or older with peripheral artery disease. Participants were divided into a group that drank three cups of cocoa per day for six months and a placebo group. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) results showed that blood flow to the legs increased by 20% in those who drank cocoa. This indicates that epicatechin, a type of flavanol found in cocoa, improved mitochondrial activity in patients with peripheral artery disease, leading to increased blood flow and improved muscle health.

 

Sweet cocoa is a beverage that can help take care of mental health by temporarily improving one's mood. This is because the sweetness of cocoa stimulates the secretion of endorphins, dispelling feelings of depression. Additionally, it improves metabolism and blood circulation simultaneously, making it a beneficial drink for early-stage dementia patients with memory impairments.

 

◇ Do not drink more than two cups

 

However, drinking two or more cups of cocoa may exceed the recommended daily intake.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily sugar intake of 50g. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the average sugar content of cocoa sold at coffee shops is 31g. This amounts to approximately 60% of the recommended intake.

 

The sodium content of cocoa is also surprisingly high. Although it varies by product, a single cocoa stick (30g) contains 50 to 100mg of sodium, which is not a small amount. If you mix the powder with milk or combine it with other powders, you will consume even more sodium. The calorie content is also high. A cup of cocoa (based on a mug) contains 100 to 150kcal,

 

It is not a small amount to eat as a snack or dessert. If you are buying cocoa powder, it is helpful to check the sugar and sodium content and purchase a product with low amounts.

 

================