The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fruit juice

  • Fruit juice can lower BP, says expert

    Health and fitness consultant, Dr. Bisi Abiola, has said taking fruit juice can reduce high blood pressure (BP).

    She stated this during the monthly healthy living dialogue sponsored by Chi Limited.

    The fitness coach added that drinking a glass of fruit juice gives one the opportunity to get at least eight per cent of daily potassium, which neutralises sodium and helps to lower BP.

    “The overall amount of sodium and potassium in your diet affects your BP. Sodium makes it go up while potassium offsets sodium and helps to lower BP. Researches have shown that consuming more potassium reduces BP in people with hypertension; and this has huge benefit for consumers as long as they do not suffer from kidney disease.

    “Most of us only get about half of the recommended dietary allowance for potassium. What many people do not know is that taking a glass of orange juice allows you to get at least eight per cent of your daily potassium,” she stressed.

    While many hypertensive individuals resort to medication,  Abiola stated: “Medication is not the only way to control high BP, also known as hypertension. Lifestyle and diet also play an important role in managing such a health challenge.”

    According to her, fruit juices from trustworthy brands produce bioflavonoids, such as hesperidin, which functions as an antioxidant and can help to lower cholesterol. “When healthy, reasonably overweight men drink orange juice daily for four weeks, and their diastolic BP goes down, the researchers who were searching for hesperidin’s role concluded that the bioflavonoid was probably linked to the beneficial effects. Another study confirmed that regular consumption of hesperidin helps to prevent hypertension,” she said.

    Abiola also reiterated that B vitamin folate from fruit juice also helps to prevent hypertension. Individuals who consumed folate from their early adult age are at a lower risk of high BP later in life, she said.

     

     

  • Take 100 per cent fruit juice during harmattan, says expert

    A health and wellness advocate, Dr. BisiAbiola, has urged Nigerians to embrace consumption of 100 per cent fruit juice in order to reduce dehydration in this harmattan season.

    Dr. Abiola, during the December edition of Chivita-sponsored health and wellness dialogue, also warned against indulging in excess sugar consumption during the yuletide. She advised individuals to take pure fruit juice instead, as it is healthy and highly nutritious.

    According to the health and fitness expert, the dustiness and coarseness that is associated with harmattan in most parts of the country calls for increased intake of pure fruit juice as an essential survival strategy for both adults and children.  ”Quite often, we talk about celebration without considering the fact that you can only have fun when you are healthy. What is your nutritional objective as Christmas and the New Year approach? Of course, this is a season of indulgence, but as a health-conscious individual, you must select your meals and drinks with your overall nutritional goal in mind. And I think pure fruit juice is definitely the way to go,” she said.

    The wellness expert also urged individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle to help reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and heart diseases. She said that balancing one’s diet with pure fruit juice consumption could reduce the severity in the case of individuals who are suffering from such challenges. “The available evidence relating to 100 per cent fruit juice consumption indicates modest benefits for blood pressure, while there is also an emerging trend revealing inverse associations between 100 per cent fruit juice consumption and risk of stroke. Overall, this suggests that 100 per cent fruit juice is an appropriate choice of beverage for a heart healthy diet,”she stressed.

  • ‘Go for fruit juice when you miss breakfast’

    A health   and   fitness   expert,   Dr.   Bisi   Abiola,   has   recommended   100   per cent   fruit   juice   for professionals   who   are   denied   the   opportunity   of   regular   breakfast   as   a   result   of   tight   job schedules. Abiola also noted that adding fruit juice to the breakfast table gives individuals who are often too busy to eat regularly the needed nourishment to start off their daily activities.

    She made this observation during the November edition of her monthly discourse on the health benefits of 100 per cent fruit juice, a platform aimed at promoting the No-Added Sugar initiative of Chi Ltd.

    Abiola noted: “The consequence of our modern lifestyle has forced many people to resort tounhealthy lifestyle and feeding habits, which are now frequently linked to the development of an increasing number of diseases like   osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high   cholesterol, respiratory infection, obesity,   asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease,   diabetes, stroke and thyroid.

    “In most homes, both parents have jobs, whether working for someone else or self-employed, leaving little or no time to cook. So, the norm is grab-on-the-go meal or going without breakfast. One of the things that come handy in this situation is 100 per cent fruit juice.”

    According to the expert, individuals who adopt unhealthy food habits often skip breakfast, eat little fruit and vegetables or stick to one meal a day. A healthy attitude towards fruit juice, shestated, is a convenient way to prevent health challenges associated with busy lifestyles.

    “An intake of food balanced with essential nutrients, which include 100 per cent fruit juice, will help improve our immunity level and keep us healthy,” she noted.

    Abiola, who is also the chief executive of Indulge Nigeria Limited, said pure fruit juice could also be taken as a source for energy during prolonged meetings and intensive fitness sessions.

  • ‘Consumption of 100 per cent fruit juice lowers inflammation’

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Mr. Olusola Malomo, has said that consumption of 100 per cent juice helps in lowering inflammation, noting that it has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases.

    While  describing  100% fruit juice as an appropriate healthy diet, Malomo hailed the juice making standards of Chivita100% fruit juice, the flagship brand of Chi Limited, and its commitment to ‘no-added sugar’ process, describing it as a healthy substitute for raw fruits.

    He explained: “100% fruit juice is made from the flesh of fresh fruit or from whole fruit, depending on the type used. It is not permitted to add sugar, sweeteners, preservatives, flavouring or colourings to fruit juices. Chivita 100% complies with these requirements as articulated by its production and packaging process.”

    Malomo, who led discussion at a media session held in Lagos on Tuesday, said 100% fruit juice has same nutritional value with natural fruits and could help in detoxifying the body system while aiding weight loss when taken before breakfast.

  • Chivita Active vegetable fruit juice, Hollandia Choco malt win marketing world awards

    An evening of glitz and glamour at the recently held 2017 edition of the Marketing World Awards saw two of the most innovative brands from the stable of Chi Limited recognised for delivering superior values to the market and exhibiting excellence in upholding effective marketing strategies. Whilst Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar came tops in the Best Use of Packaging category, Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink was recognised as the Emerging Brand of the Year in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) category.

    For Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar, while its offering of vegetable and fruit in one mix is the first of its kind in Nigeria, it is the brand’s ambient and aseptic packaging, which also its the first of its kind, that saw it pick up the award for the Best Use of Packaging.

    The offer of vegetable and fruit juice in a packaging that does not require refrigeration and is free from contamination, along with a cutting edge design, rich vegetable, fruit and juice visuals combined perfectly with an appealing colour pallet, is one that resonates with consumers who lead an active lifestyle and are primed to achieve more.

    While it was awarded the Emerging Brand of the Year for a FMCG, Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink is the first ready-to-drink chocolate, malt and milk drink in the Nigerian market. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and takes away the hassles and inconvenience associated with preparing a choco-based drink the traditional way. As a product, it is fast reshaping consumption trends for a choco-based beverage because of its ready to drink convenience and offer of instant “sharp sharp” nutrition.

    According to Akin Naphtal, Chief Executive Officer of Instinctwave, this year’s edition of the Marketing World Awards showcased the latest industry innovations and initiatives, while recognising the exceptional work of marketing champions over the past 12 months. He reiterated that like the proverbial golden fish, innovative brands like Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar and Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink deserve the recognition.

    “Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar and Hollandia ChocoMalt Drink have not only pioneered new segments in the juice and choco-based beverage markets but have also within the last 12 months, achieved consumer preference status in their respective categories through innovative offerings and packaging,” he said.

    Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, indicated that the recognition of two of the company’s most recent innovative brands at the Marketing World Awards was a reflection of the resourcefulness and value-driven processes that have ensured product quality, from conception to packaging.

    “The awards received by both of our brands at the Marketing World Awards show our continued desire to meet up with changing consumer needs. As always, the consumer is king; and thus, it is important to provide consumer satisfaction at all times. Innovation is key to achieving this. We are proud of these brands and their amazing stories of consumer satisfaction and achieved recognition,” he stated.

  • Boom time for children fruit juice

    Boom time for children fruit juice

    The array of fruit juices for children on the shelf may throw their parents into confusion. To make a choice under this condition, it is advisable to consider products’aesthetics, among other factors, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN.

    The business landscape in Nigeria is undoubtedly attractive to investors because of the population size. Consequently, consumers may be confused in making their choice from the array of brands they find in the market. Nowhere is this dilemma more evident than in the foods and beverages’ category of the fast moving consumer goods sector.

    The consumer goods sector, comprising the food and drink category, non-food products and the retail category, compete for leadership through various offerings, particularly those brands targeted at children. For example, foods, such as Indomie noodles, already prepared custard in sachets from the stable of Chi, producers of Hollandia yoghurt, among others, lead the pack in the rat race to capture the hearts of children and their parents. Also, drinks such as Bobo, Viju Milk, Ribena, Happy Hour, Lucozade Boost, Capri-Sonne and Nigerian Breweries’ Maltina have all joined the fray.

    However, some of these brand owners face the challenge of ensuring that their products are accepted by their target market. According to Jack Trout and Al Ries in The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, marketing is not truly a battle of products, but a battle of perceptions and this implies that even if a product is of the highest attainable quality, brand owners must still work on the perception from consumers.

    Today, genetically modified or synthetic consumer goods are being widely promoted despite the protests against their use. This should give natural products an edge in the minds of consumers, who want the best.

    A fruit juice drink retailer at Alade market in Ikeja, Lagos, Mr Ikechukwu Ukomadu, said the demand for children fruit juice drink, which he sells, is unparalleled.

    Ukomadu stocks some drinks more than others, because they are preferred drinks for children worldwide and they control more than 80 per cent of the fruit drink market for children in the country. According to him, some contain 100 per cent natural ingredients and it is estimated that five billion pouches are sold every year in approximately 100 countries. A particular one, he said, is made with the best juice of sun ripened fruits available and contains no artificial flavours and colours or preservatives.

    “The silver pouch used to pack some of these fruit drinks have made some more popular than others, particularly among parents and children, as their designs make them easily portable. Most pouches are sturdy, hermetically sealed and tamper proof. They can withstand many tumbles and pass the hardness test in a freezer without bursting. This means that they can also be enjoyed as a tasty ice treat,” he said.

    The Nation Shopping spoke with some primary school pupils, who shared their experiences from their favourite fruit juice drink.  Majority said their choices are determined by consistent promotional offer a particular brand gives, some others said the taste of the drink is their attraction to a particular drink while others said the tamper proof nature of some of these drinks have kept them stuck with a particular brand as they won’t have to wipe their launch packs each time they keep the drink in them.

    A pupil of Caleb International Nursery and Primary School in Lagos, Nonye Akumeh said Capri-Sonne fruit juice brand has been consistent in giving promotional offers to children, likewise Bobo, which is why they have become her choice fruit juice drinks. “One of Capri-Sonne’s offers from which I benefited is the ‘Capri-Sonne School Surprise Offer.’ It provides rewards for kids, who patronise the brand. Rewards like taking children abroad on excursions or on a shopping spree to have fun. Bobo would insert exercise books and stationeries into their packs before selling them out,” she said.

    She added that most offers come with several other exciting gifts such as wrist watches, flash lights, pouches, colour pencil cases and many more that will be useful for kids at school. “There was an extra bonanza option, where children would submit Capri-Sonne flaps or Bobo caps and stand the chance of getting free Jumbo Crayons and Water Colour Boxes and sometimes trips to Disney land,” she said.

    For Chinelo Agwu, another pupil of the school, the taste of Ribena is incomparable and nourishing. ”I am really not particular about freebies, if I want some of those treats, my parents would buy them or make them available. I just love the taste of Ribena and the fact that it nourishes my body. And that is why everywhere I go, I opt for it rather than any other drink. I would rather not take any fruit juice if I don’t find Ribena,” she said.

    In today’s world, healthy living is uppermost in the minds of the people and mothers, in particular, tend to be extra careful with what they give to their children. It is obvious that many people, including children, do not drink enough. They tend to eat too much, but not drink enough! This is why parents use simple tricks such as buying fruit drinks to encourage their children to drink more.

    But in the long run, the children are only going to drink more if they like and enjoy the taste of the beverage. When children turn fussy about eating, parents turn to buying healthy and nourishing products that suit the children’s taste buds and in almost all cases, the children take the drink with a smile. This is where some universally recognisable drinks, that are perhaps most well known for their stand-up pouch packaging, beat other beverages on offer.

    Mrs Allero Ike, a housewife, who wants the best for her children, said her children’s school bags are not complete without their daily intake of their favourite fruit juice. “My children know what they want. If they want the best, they know what it is and I cannot give them what is close to the best. Nobody can fool them, they always ask for their favourite drink,” she said.

    The excitement of Gbemi, Mrs. Oladele’s four-year-old daughter, sighting her mother picking her favourite drink from the shelf in a supermarket last weekend, was a sight to behold. She confessed that the little girl will give her no rest if she failed to include the fruit drink in her purchases. “She loves the drink and I enjoy buying it for her because of its natural taste and as a supplement for her healthy development,” she said.

    Understandably, competition for patronage by operators in the sector is fierce. But in an increasingly health conscious world, consumers will only choose to buy the best. The brands that will ultimately survive the contest for consumer loyalty will be the ones with quality products manufactured locally, using world-class technology.

    Nevertheless, there are significant differences in their offerings, which define the competition and their respective performance in the marketplace. Many of the brands mentioned are a mixture of synthetic materials and natural ingredients.

    Nutritionists say some beverage drinks contain 100 per cent fruit ingredients that add to vitality and healthy growth of the child. This quality has naturally endeared such brands to discerning mothers.