Managing Director for Cocoa Processing Company CPC Nana Agyenim Boateng I has recommended the daily consumption of raw cocoa powder -a deffatted food supplement that boosts the immune system to defend the body against infections.
Placing much emphasis on its ability to activate natural immunity, strong inhibitory effect against influenza virus infection and enhance vaccination-induced immune response, the Managing Director underlined that individuals who are exposed to regular intake of raw cocoa powder are on a high defence against diseases.
In an exclusively discourse to leakynews.net, he premised his endorsement of the cocoa product on a medical reality.
Per the destructive power of certain ailments especially those caused by virus, persons with weak immune system are unable to fight off an infection.
He however stated that, raw cocoa powder is medicinally potent to empower the T lymphocytes or T cells making up the immune system to identify and eliminate foreign invaders in the body.
“Ghanaians will be on the safest side if they patronize and regularize their intake of raw cocoa powder drink on daily basis.”,he advised.
ABOUT RAW COCOA POWDER
Mayans were consuming products derived from cocoa as early as 600 BC.
Several documents including the Badianus Manuscript ,the Florentine Codex, Princeton Codex show the use of cocoa for medicinal purposes-treat heart pain, intestinal complaints, infections, reduce fatigue and increase sexual appetite.
In 1737, the Cocoa tree was named Theobroma cacao which refers to the mythical background of the tree literally means “cocoa, food for the gods”.
The medicinal uses of cocoa has been traced from Mexican (Aztec) sources and about 150 uses of cocoa for medical treatment has been documented.
Cocoa was later introduced into Ghana.
The uniqueness of Ghana’s beans is rooted in the various stages of processing they undergo, making them highly endowed with much nutrients.
It contains so much of Polyphenol than that of fruits, vegetables, etc.
Intake of Polyphenol-rich cocoa increases the thermic antioxidant status, T cell maturation in the thymus and influences lymphocyte composition and function in other immune tissues.
One of the most significant features of the immune response is the ability to retain a memory of previous infections.
This protects individuals from reinfection and limits the spread of infection in a community. Polyphenol-rich cocoa modulates the immune system.
Drinking cocoa activates natural immunity and enhances vaccination-induced immune response. It provides stronger protection against influenza virus infection and disease onset.
“Cocoa,the divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink (cocoa) permits a man to walk for a whole day without food”-Montezuma II (Aztec Emperor).
In addition to the beneficial effects on oxidative stress, cardiovascular health, nervous system diseases, aging and cancer prevention, cocoa has been revealed as a food with immunoregulatory properties.
Cocoa contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fiber, minerals, polyphenols and methylxanthines.
The strong antioxidant, anit-inflammatory properties are well known. The main methylxanthine in cocoa is theobromine. Theobromine contributes to the immunoregulatory effects of cocoa.
By Enock Akonnor; Editor-in-Chief
Email, enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
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