Chocolate And Prosperity Blog

New Study: You need a daily dose of 1052 milligrams cocoa flavanols

Study thickens the science of cocoa’s heart benefits By Stephen Daniells, 05-Mar-2010 Regular consumption of cocoa flavanols may decrease blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, but only at high doses, says a new study from Australia. Daily doses of cocoa flavanols up to 712 milligrams failed to produce any blood pressure benefits, but a higher dose of 1052 milligrams produced significant blood pressure improvements, according to findings published in the Journal of Hypertension. The study is reported to be the first to compare the efficacy of cocoa flavanols at different doses on blood pressure, according to researchers from the University of South Australia and University of Adelaide. “These findings suggest that blood pressure can be lowered through the regular consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa beverages, although higher levels of cocoa flavanols may be required than has been observed with consumption of chocolate-based cocoa flavanol-rich products,” wrote the researchers, led by Kade Davison.

Not chocolate, it’s cocoa Mary Wagner, chief technology officer for Mars Botanical, a scientific division of Mars Inc, recently told NutraIngredients that the benefits of the bean revolve around the flavanols (also known as flavan-3-ols or catechins), and particularly the monomeric flavanol (-)epicatechin. … Study details The Australian researchers recruited 32 men and 20 postmenopausal women with untreated mild hypertension, defined as blood pressure between 130/ 85 and 160/100 mmHg. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive one of four doses of a cocoa flavanol-rich beverage for six weeks in a double-blind, parallel comparison. The doses used by the researchers were 33, 372, 712 or 1052 mg per day of flavanols. “This study supports the potential for cocoa flavanols to lower blood pressure, but further research is required to determine the extent of antihypertensive benefit that can be achieved with different dietary sources and doses of flavanols in various cardiovascular pathologies,” concluded the researchers. It’s all about the polyphenols A recent review in the British Journal of Nutrition, led by Gary Williamson from Leeds University, UK (and formerly at the Nestlé Research Center), noted: “Chocolate is predominantly a food for pleasure, and many people incorporate it into part of a healthy, varied and balanced diet. However, there is controversy over whether it should be recommended for its health benefits.” “The polyphenol content is of more importance and it is essential that, in future, all published trials give a full characterisation of the chocolate or cocoa used and the calculated dose. This characterisation should include a breakdown of the types of polyphenols, especially monomer content.” Source: Journal of Hypertension Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1038/jhh.2009.105 “Dose-related effects of flavanol-rich cocoa on blood pressure” Authors: K. Davison, N.M. Berry, G. Misan, A.M. Coates, J.D. Buckley, P.R.C. Howe Read the full article here

FDA: Labels Misleading on Major Food Brands Nestle, POM, and Other Firms Cited for Misleading Food Labels

Can you trust nutritional labels? Thankfully Xocai Healthy Chocolate has Brunswick Labs test and verify the flavanoid levels.

Article below By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
March 3, 2010 – Read the entire article here

The FDA today warned 17 food makers — including POM Nestle — that their “misleading” product labels violate federal law.

The warning letters say the firms face having their products pulled from grocery shelves if they don’t make changes within 15 days.

It’s a new get-tough policy, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg suggested in an open letter to the food industry.

“We continue to see products marketed with labeling that violates established labeling standards,” Hamburg wrote. “To address these concerns, FDA is notifying a number of manufacturers that their labels are in violation of the law and subject to legal proceedings to remove misbranded products from the marketplace.”

The FDA says the 17 cited firms committed different kinds of violations:

• Claims that the food products treat or mitigate disease. Such claims mean the food is actually an unapproved new drug, the FDA says.
• Misleading labels on blended juice products that make them appear to be made entirely from a single juice.
• “Healthy” claims that do not meet established standards for use of the term.
• Claims that a product is free of trans fats on products high in unhealthy saturated fats.
• Nutrient claims on foods for children under age 2 that are approved only for use on foods for adults.

The 17 firms cited, and the products with “misleading” labels, are:

• Beech-nut: Beech-Nut Good Morning Whole Grain Oatmeal with Mixed Fruit (nutrient claims on products for small children)
• Diamond Food Inc.: Diamond Shelled Walnuts (unauthorized health claims)
• Dreyers Grand Ice Cream Inc.: Nestle Drumstick Classic Vanilla Fudge and Dreyer’s Dibs Bite Sized Ice Cream Snacks Vanilla Ice Cream (unsupported nutrient claim; trans-fat-free claim on high saturated-fat product)
• First Juice Inc.: Organic Fruit and Veggie Juice Beverage products (unauthorized nutrient and health claims)
• Fleminger Inc.: TeaForHealth green tea products (promoted for conditions that cause the products to be drugs)
• Gorton’s Inc.: Gorton’s Beer Batter Crispy Battered Fish Fillets (trans-fat free claim on high-saturated-fat product)
• Ken’s Foods Inc.: Healthy Options Parmesan & Peppercorn, Sweet Vidalia Onion Vinaigrette, and Raspberry Walnut Dressing (unauthorized health claims; low-fat claims on product high in fats)
• Nature’s Path Foods Inc.: Organic Flax Plus Multigrain Cereal (unapproved nutrient claim)
• Nestle USA: several Juicy Juice products (misleading claims of juice content; nutrient claims on products for small children)
• PBM Products: some Parent’s Choice cereal products (nutrient claims on products for small children)
• Pompeian: Pompeian Imported Extra Light Olive Oil (“light” claim for product high in fat; unsupported nutrient claim)
• POM Wonderful: POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and POMx products (promoted for conditions that cause the products to be drugs)
• Redco Foods: Salada Naturally Decaffeinated Green Tea (promoted for conditions that cause the product to be a drug)
• Schwan’s Consumer Brands: Mrs. Smith’s Classic Coconut Custard Pie (trans-fat-free claim on product high in saturated fat)
• Spectrum Organic Products Inc.: Organic All Vegetable Shortening (cholesterol-free claim on product high in fats)
• Sunsweet Growers: Sunsweet Antioxidant Blend dried fruit mix (unapproved nutrient claim)
  Want Want Foods: Baby Mum-Mum Original Selected Superior Rice Rusks (nutrient claim on product for small children)

The Verdict Is In: Athletes Love Xocai!

Erica Witter – Olympic Medalist ..I was astounded by how great I felt!” As a former Olympian and a doctor of chiropractic medicine, I work with many athletes, ranging from high school students to Olympians, all of whom are searching for a product that can give them that edge. Once I started taking Xocai, I noticed an increase in my energy level throughout my day, and a decrease in muscle soreness after an intense weight-room workout. I was astounded by how great I felt and how focused I had become. This product can certainly provide the desired edge that many are looking for, whether they are athletes, weekend warriors, or people needing to change their lifestyle habits.”
J.J. Birden – Retired NFL Wide Receiver Xocai’s healthy chocolate products are the first I have taken where I’ve noticed significant relief for joint discomfort that resulted from nine years in the NFL. In a short time after first consuming the products, I felt the natural benefit and high antioxidant power, The products not only bring relief to the daily joint discomfort, but they also provide me with the energy I need to attach each day with a positive attitude.”

The Science of Chocolate

Most people associate chocolate with junk foods, and undesirable health effects such as obesity, acne and cavities. The truth is that science has, and continues to validate that chocolate can provide beneficial properties making it a great addition to an effective wellness regimen. Here are just a few recent studies that highlight some key findings.

“Dark chocolate supports coronary vascular function…These immediate beneficial effects were paralleled by a significant reduction of oxidative stress.”
- Circulation. 2007 Nov 20;116(21):2376-82.

“A single acute serving of flavanol-rich cocoa showed that flavanol-rich cocoa can increase cerebral blood flow.”
- Journal Cardiovascular Pharmacology. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S215-20

“We conclude that [cocoa procyanidins] are potent stimulators of both the innate immune system and early events in adaptive immunity.”
- Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2007 Feb;232(2):293-300

“These results indicate that cocoa may possess potential effects on blood-glucose levels.”
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2005 Apr 8;98(1-2):55-60

“Dietary flavanols from cocoa contribute to improved [skin] blood circulation, and affect cosmetically relevant skin surface variables.”
- Journal of Nutrition. 2006 Jun;136(6):1565-9.

“Increasing evidence from experimental and clinical studies using cocoa-derived products and chocolate suggest an important role for these high-flavanol foods in heart and vascular protection.”
- Nutrition Reviews. 2006 Me;64(3):109-18.

From The Doctor’s Mouth: Eat High Flavanoid Chocolate

Tim Driscoll, D.D.S.

“I am a Fellow in the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry. In the dental industry one of the things that causes a lot of damage to people’s teeth is the sugar found in chocolates. Unfortunately, you’re never going to stop people from eating chocolate. When I heard that there was a healthy chocolate that didn’t have the waxes, sugar, fat, and milk added to traditional milk chocolate products, I was very excited. I decided to give my patients Xocai Healthy Chocolate so they could protect dental work that they’ve invested in without having to give up the chocolate they love.”

LeRoy Anderson, Ph.D.

“I received my Ph.D from North Gate University in Vancouver, BC. I have a EDD in adult education from Oklahoma State University and specialize in nutritional health sciences. I recommend Xocai’s products to my patience as a supplement. If someone has a weight problem, I recommend it. If they have a sugar problem, I recommend it. If they want to feel better and don’t seem to have energy, I recommend it. Everybody loves the chocolate. I would say that it is meeting my patients’ needs.”

Eliot A. Brinton, M.D.

Healthy Chocolate made from natural cacao, acai berries, and other ingredients rich in naturally occurring antioxidant factors is proving to have an impressive effect on overall health. It provides all of the benefits of an extremely healthy diet that can be consumed conveniently on a daily basis by even the busiest health-conscious person. I believe that regular use of Xocai’s Healthy Chocolate will provide many health benefits.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

New Study Finds Chocolate Cuts Stroke Risk

Eating chocolate not only lowers the risk of developing stroke but also improves survival rate in those affected with the condition, a new study finds. Previous studies had found that the high flavonoids content of dark chocolate has protective properties against cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. It is also linked to improved vascular function and decreased blood pressure. According to the study to be presented at the 62nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, those who eat one serving of chocolate per week are 22 percent less likely to experience stroke. It also boosts the survival chance in those already suffering from the condition, the study found.

Eating chocolates, however, was not associated with a reduced risk of stroke-related death. “I would be cautious about making any kind of connection,” said Joseph Broderick, chair of the neurology department at the University of Cincinnati, adding that more studies are needed to confirm this association. Health officials urge individuals to follow a healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, maintain a healthy weight, exercise and quite smoking to prevent strokes. You can read the article here.

Just when you thought that chocolate could not get healthier…

MXI Corp is proud to announce the beginning of the 3rd generation Xocai™ products! The first product that has been reformulated is the X Power Squares™. Packaging is presently being produced and we anticipate that the first cases will be shipped around the middle of March 2010. Recently a gentleman whose company promotes ORAC testing told us that the Xocai™ products are the “Cadillac” in the ORAC world. He stated that more people call him with questions about the Xocai™ products than any other products in the marketplace. This is a great compliment not only to our products, but also to our Distributors who are telling the Xocai™ story not only in the United States, but internationally! We’re sure most of you are familiar with the late Paul Harvey, the great news commentator. Paul was famous for telling a news story and then following up with “the rest of the story.” Well, MXI Corp has been sharing the news about the high ORAC values of the Xocai™ products for about four and a half years, and now, we are ready to tell the world “the rest of the story!”

Brunswick Laboratories recently developed the “Total ORACFN” testing for all five free radicals found in the human body. The “FN” stands for “Food and Nutrition.” When we found out about this new testing, we immediately inquired about the cost and the time required for completing the testing. We were told that it would take two weeks to complete the testing and the cost would be $5,000. So, we got our samples together and sent them off to Brunswick Labs. We had no idea what the results of the “Total ORACFN” testing would be, but we had total confidence that the Xocai™ X Power Squares™ would definitely make a good showing. Below is the chart that shows the unbelievable results for the Xocai™ X Power Squares™. Over the next 6 months we will be reformulating, retesting, and repackaging all of the Xocai™ products. As the results of the “Total ORACFN” testing are available for each successive product, we will incorporate them into “the rest of the story.” Be sure to stay tuned as “the rest of the story” unfolds. There has never been a better time to get involved. We have a strong, unique and exclusive product with no competition. No one in the market comes close! The world loves chocolate and if they want healthy chocolate the only place they can get it is from you! Contact us today by calling 888-770-4420. We have exclusive mentoring and proprietary tools to help you build a strong and lasting business.

The Cutting Edge Antioxidant-Based Program That Will Make You Healthy, Thin, & Beautiful

In her just-released book, The O2 Diet, weight-loss expert Keri Glassman, R.D., reveals the powerful benefits of eating foods that are packed with antioxidants.

When it comes to eating healthy and losing weight, we’ve been focusing on the wrong set of numbers, says nutritionist Keri Glassman, R.D. This month, Glassman launches a revolutionary way of eating in her new book, The O2 Diet, which is based on the foods that have the highest antioxidant activity levels. This plan will make it super-simple for you to shed pounds, look fabulous, boost your energy, and amp up your brainpower.

Glassman’s plan is based on the ORAC scale—a scientific value that represents the antioxidant levels of foods. (ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity.) Using this scale, she has devised a diet that gets you 30,000 ORAC points a day—10 times the current recommended level of 3,000. It’s those mega ORAC points that scoop up free radicals, the damaging rogue elements in our bodies that contribute to everything from wrinkles and brain fog to cancer and heart disease.

And you can say good-bye to calorie counting: By focusing on high ORAC scores, you’ll chow down on foods that are healthy and have the right proportion of nutrients, so the extra weight will come off more easily.

In her book, Glassman explains how certain high-ORAC fruits and vegetables have specific powers. Load up on these antioxidant superstars every time you hit the grocery store—they’ll help you bring out your healthy best in these five ways.

1. LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT TRYING
On the O2 Diet, estimate that you’ll lose about two to three pounds a week. But instead of worrying about the pounds, focus on ORAC points—and the pounds will melt away. These are just three of the O2 Diet’s weight-loss wonders:

ARTICHOKES: At only 60 calories each, they’re a calorie bargain. Artichokes are also super-high on the ORAC scale—7,900 points— and they contain phytochemicals that may lower cholesterol levels.

LEMON WATER: Lemon peel contains pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to help with weight loss. Add an ounce of lemon juice and some zest to each of your eight daily glasses of water (which will help you feel fuller), and you’ll add 3,200 ORAC points.

RED GRAPEFRUIT: One study found that people who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds over 12 weeks, while those who drank grapefruit juice three times a day lost 3.3 pounds. The red variety has more of the cancer-protecting antioxidant lycopene. Half a grape-fruit has 1,900 ORAC points.

2. MAKE YOUR SKIN GLOW
While no food can turn back the clock, some can perk up your looks and slow the aging process.

FIGS: Eating a handful of dried figs increases the amount of antioxidants in your blood for four hours, much longer than many other foods. Two small figs have about 2,700 ORAC points.

RED BELL PEPPERS: The unique combination of large amounts of vitamins A, C, and E make red bell peppers a skin superfood. Half a cup adds 600 ORAC points.

WATERMELON: This lycopene-rich fruit provides 33 percent more protection against sunburn than other fruits. (You still have to wear sunscreen though!) One cup of this diced melon has 200 ORAC points.

3. BOLSTER YOUR BODY
Certain antioxidants have been shown to fight cancer, boost immunity, and keep bones strong.

BEANS: They’re loaded with phytochemicals (including saponins, protease inhibitors, and phytic acid), which may protect cells from damage that potentially causes cancer, reports the American Institute for Cancer Research. Half a cup has 7,800 ORAC points.

PRUNES: These wrinkly little dried fruits are rich in vitamin K and a top source of the mineral boron, and we need both for strong bones. A three-prune serving gives you 1,900 ORAC points.

4. WARD OFF HEART DISEASE
Young women tend to be oblivious to heart disease, but that attitude itself is a big risk. How you eat today helps predict how healthy your heart will be 30 years from now.

CHERRIES: Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that the anthocyanins in dark cherries reduce belly fat and lower cholesterol and blood sugar; one serving packs 3,500 ORAC points.

DARK CHOCOLATE: Rich in flavonoids, chocolate is believed to promote heart health by reducing platelet activation, affecting the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels. One ounce of dark chocolate has 5,900 ORAC points.

5. BOOST YOUR BRAINPOWER
The neural pathways in our brains are growing and improving all the time. Eat the right foods and you’ll be able to concentrate better, remember more, and feel calmer.

BLUEBERRIES: They may improve memory, cognition, and balance. Researchers believe that blueberries (9,700 ORAC points per one-cup serving) reduce inflammation and can help us overcome the normal effects of brain aging.

CINNAMON: Researchers believe that cinnamon may inhibit certain Alzheimer’s disease cells. One teaspoon of cinnamon adds 7,000 ORAC points.

PLUMS: These juicy treats decrease anxiety-related behaviors, and researchers think they may protect against depression. One plum adds 4,100 ORAC points to a meal.

Adapted from The O2 Diet: The Cutting Edge Antioxidant-Based Program That Will Make You Healthy, Thin, and Beautiful, by Keri Glassman, R.D., Rodale 2009. Available wherever books are sold.

click here for full story.

New York Times: The Growing Underclass: Jobs Gone Forever

The New York Times reports that more jobs have been lost since 1967. How many of us were even around back then? Here is an excerpt from their article:

In this recession, though, the shift from temporary layoffs to permanent job loss has been especially pronounced. In fact, the share of the unemployed who lost their jobs permanently is at its highest level since at least 1967, the first year for which the Labor Department has these numbers available.

You can read the full article here

Antioxidant Chocolate Drink

It’s the time of year when many people want to curl up with a steamy mug of hot cocoa. What chocolate lover doesn’t want to sip a mega-calorie concoction of high cholesterol saturated fats mixed with cavity causing sugars? It doesn’t sound quite as appealing when you tell the truth about the conventional hot chocolate sold in stores. Hot chocolate drinkers will be happy to learn that there is one brand of healthy antioxidant hot chocolate: Xocai Sipping Chocolate. Xocai, the company that created the healthy chocolate phenomenon has created a premium product for the hot cocoa lover. Traditional hot chocolate mix is made with cocoa powder that has been stripped of its cocoa butter. Xocai Sipping Chocolate is made by melting solid dark chocolate that is packed with flavanoids and antioxidants. Xocai Sipping Chocolate is rich and creamy. You would never know it is good for your heart and won’t make you gain weight. Many scientists are currently studying the health effects of dark chocolate and their conclusions continue to be overwhelmingly positive. Healthy chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure, suppress appetite, decrease inflammation and (not surprising) elevate your mood. Curl up with a steamy mug of Xocai sipping chocolate – The Healthy Chocolate Drink. Does life get any better?