BochaSweet

In 1994 the Biological Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) commenced a 6 year study to further learn why the people of Japan enjoyed longevity with considerably less heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. This important study was led by one of China’s leading biological extraction experts, Nanjing University’s Dr. Zhang Zhentao. Since the researchers were aware that kabocha has been a staple of the Japanese daily diet for centuries, they focused on the comparison of kabocha to many pumpkin varieties found around the world. The researchers determined that no other pumpkin or single food provided a greater percentage of certain carotenoids than kabocha. It was also concluded that kabocha contained high levels of vitamin C and a significant amount of the antioxidant mineral manganese as well. The research showed that the cell wall polysaccharides found in kabocha also possess antioxidant properties, as do some of its phenolic phytonutrients. CAS research demonstrated the potential blood sugar regulation benefits of daily kabocha consumption. The research demonstrated kabocha is unusual in its B-vitamin composition. Kabocha contains five B-complex vitamins, including B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid, and folate. The positive information and conclusions led the researchers to look even further into the health benefits of kabocha in its extracted pentose form. During the 6 year study Dr. Zhang and his team perfected the extraction of the pentose utilizing a low temperature, all-natural process. The researchers found that the kabocha’s extracted pentose content was more potent to all other pumpkin varieties tested. The 5 carbon kabocha pentose could be utilized by the body as a pure source of energy without the participation of insulin. Finally the CAS determined that kabocha pentose is suitable as a sugar replacement as it cooks, dissolves and tastes similar to cane sugar, and beneficial because of its zero glycemic content.