Additional Information
Also known as Chicha Morada, Purple Corn Drink is considered for most the national Peruvian soft drink that generations have enjoyed due to its multiple benefits. This refreshing natural beverage with herbal flavor has been traditionally served with everyday meals, on special occasions, simply chilled to quench the thirst after an exhaustive workout, in smoothie version, and more recently in combination with other alcoholic drinks such as Pisco or Sangria.
Although scientific studies in the past were almost non-conclusive or inexistent, Purple Corn (Zea Mays L.) was also cultivated as medicine by the Native People of Peru. Purple Corn, the main ingredient of Purple Corn Drink - Chicha Morada, has proven to be a powerful natural antioxidant due to the Anthocyanin pigments that provide the full dark texture to the beverage. Anthocyanin pigments are also responsible for keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in normal range.
In 2003 researchers from Doshisha University in Kyoto reported that when scientists gave mice high-fat diets augmented with an Anthocyanin-pigmented extract from Purple Corn the animals maintained normal weights. Mice on the same diet but without the extract became obese. Moreover, only the latter group of animals developed excessive sugar and insulin concentrations in their blood. In 2004 the same Japanese team ("Tsuda′s") showed that Purple Corn Extract increased the activity of a gene that regulates the function of fat cells. "This is the first food component to do so" the scientists reported in the March 26, 2004 according to Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. They also recommended that Anthocyanin, the basic component of Purple Corn, be explored as nutritional supplements for "preventing obesity and diabetes".
Recent studies at the Ohio State University mentioned that Anthocyanin was found to play an important roll in preventing the degeneration of cells in organs of humans and animals. According to Nutraceuticals World Magazine "it has also been verified that drinking Purple Corn Drink - Chicha Morada inhibits bad cholesterol, protects the retina, stimulates blood circulation and prevents the development of colorectal cancer".
Other aspects attributed to Purple Corn according to Hugo Malaspina, M.D. are:
- Favors skin tissue regeneration having an anti-wrinkle effect.
- Slows down general degenerative processes due to high concentration of antioxidants.
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
- Increases and stimulates blood, diuretic and digestive circulation.
Purple Corn Extract and Purple Corn Drink - Chicha Morada are also used in weight loss programs throughout the USA and Latin America. As nutritional supplements, they are consumed as antioxidants to help minimize the damage induced by free radical. As diuretic supplements, Purple Corn is widely used for regulating urine production and assisting the digestive system.
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