Good News about Chocolate

According to researchers at Brigham Young University and Cornell University, a diet rich in antioxidants may reduce the risk of macular degeneration. The study cites blueberries and other foods high in antioxidants, but we know that the number one antioxidant superfood on the plant is cocoa:

U.S. researchers found that antioxidants disrupt a link between two processes in the retina that, in combination, contribute to macular degeneration. Antioxidants also extend the lifetime of irreplaceable photoreceptors and other retinal cells.

The “destructive synergy” that causes macular degeneration occurs when a buildup of a compound called A2E disrupts energy production in mitochondria, the “power plants” in cells, the researchers said. The lack of energy interferes with daily cleaning and maintenance of photoreceptors and another type of retinal cell. This leads to more buildup of A2E and a continuing cycle that results in the destruction of the vital visual cells that can’t be replaced.

Experiments using visual cells from humans, rats and cows showed that antioxidants could completely counter the damage caused by this process, said the researchers from Brigham Young University and Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

“The implication is that people at risk of macular degeneration could help prevent the disease by consuming antioxidants,” study author Heidi Vollmer-Snarr, a Brigham Young chemist, said in a university news release.

The study was published online in theJournal of Biological Chemistry.

Click HERE for the entire article.

[Ed. Note: We won't dignify the original article with a link from our site]

MXI Corp Independent Sales Representatives,

For centuries, cocoa was revered as the main health food of the Mesoamerican continent. Its use was wide spread in preventing many illnesses and promoting health. Unfortunately, the health benefits of cocoa were lost as it was dutched, and sugar and fat were added to make it a high risk candy. In the last several years, there has been a plethora of research conducted by reputable universities demonstrating the health benefits of cocoa and dark chocolate. The results have been replicated numerous times in a variety of patients and situations. The cardiovascular benefits are well delineated with statistically significant results showing decreases in blood pressures, lipid levels, and platelet adhesions. Recent research shows increase in blood flow to the brain reducing dementia and strokes. There are results showing the main antioxidant in cocao, epicatechin, being more effective for dental health than fluoride.

All the studies show positive results using a high-flavonoid cocoa with approximately 600mg to 900mg of total flavonoids. There have been over 300 cocoa and dark chocolate studies conducted in the last 3-4 years with positive results. The reduction in oxidation and inflammation seems to be the main factor in promoting health. The key factor is that not all dark chocolate is created equal. In order to have the maximum results, the products need to be made with raw, high-flavonoid cocoa with low-glycemic sweeteners and healthy fats.

Recently, there was a syndicated column by Dr. Peter Gott in many newspapers across North America. It amazes me that for a supposedly well-educated physician, he did not do the required research before printing his opinion in a syndicated column on a subject about which he knows very little. In making sweeping generalized statements, Dr. Gott apparently does not have to be accountable for misleading statements. I tried to contact him through United Media, but I never received a return phone call.

MXI Corp produces and distributes six products which contain cold pressed, raw cocoa powder mixed with açaí and blueberry powders, and combined with low-glycemic sweeteners and cocoa butter. The Xoçai™ products are healthy chocolate products, which contain a minimum of 1,000mg of total flavonoids per daily recommended serving. The Xoçai™ products have been tested by Brunswick Laboratories, an independent testing company, for their ORAC, epicatechin, catechin, and total flavonoid content. Xoçai™ products have been on the market for over three years in the U.S. and selected International Countries.

Recently, the University of Utah Cardiovascular Genetics Lab, a leading research group for lipid and diabetic pharmaceutical products, conducted a vanguard study of Xoçaiâ„¢ Activâ„¢. This study confirmed that the antioxidants from the cocoa, açai, and blueberry powders are being well absorbed, and confirmed the reserach of other universities that Xoçaiâ„¢ lowers pressures, helps with diabetes, and assists wtih weight loss. The results are pending peer review journal submission at this time. Xoçaiâ„¢ contains the highest quality of unprocessed dark chocolate, with processing that prevents antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemicals from losing their potency. The clinical experience of individuals on Xoçaiâ„¢ has been remarkable, with positive success stories confirming the scientific studies on dark cocoa and the Xoçaiâ„¢ chocolate products. If Dr. Gott had taken the time to “google” MXI Corp/ Xoçai, and looked at a webpage like www.mydrchocolate.com or countless other scientific chocolate webpages, he would have developed a more educated opinion about the health benefits of cocoa and dark chocolate.

MXI Corp/ Xoçaiâ„¢ is not a pyramid-selling business. It is a multi-level or network marketing corporation similar to the well-known companies like Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware, Pampered Chef and many others. The profit margin, which retail stores make buying their products at wholesale and reselling them at retail, is the same principle under which multi-level marketing companies operate. The only difference is that the profit margin is not going into a corporation’s pocket, but rather into the hands of independent sales representatives who market the products. MXI Corp is producing high-quality, dark chocolate products that independent sales reps are marketing. These independent sales reps are home-based businesses. It is disappointing that an uninformed physician would risk damaging the businesses of many individuals without doing sufficient “due diligence.” to state that independent sales reps are dishonorable financial entrepreneurs is preposterous. The ability of multi-level companies to take innovative products to market is undisputable. In addition, Xoçaiâ„¢ independent sales reps are well educated on the health benefits of cocoa and dark chocolate, and well educated on health principles. I dare say that the Xoçaiâ„¢ independent sales reps and the MXI Corp medical advisors are much better educated about the health principles and benefits of healthy chocolate than Dr. Gott.

MXI Corp is a company dedicated to improving the quality of life of its customers. It has products that are made of the highest quality, and that are marketed with the highest ethical standards. I challenge Dr. Gott to spend more time in researching a subject before he puts forth his personal, unfounded opinions. United Media should also review their policies about allowing unsubstantiated facts to be published nationwide. Their negligence could have a damaging effect on the home-based businesses of many people in their own readership.

I encourage MXI Corp independent sales reps to write to United Media at 200 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 to demand a retraction from Dr. Gott and an apology from both to the healthy dark chocolate lovers of the world. Dark chocolate in the right amount, combined with increased activity and a balanced diet does provide an excellent source of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins and minerals.

Dr. Gott “gott” this one wrong.

Steven E. Warren MSCM MD DPA FABFP FABHPM FAPWCA

Don’t reach for that sports drink so fast! A study that gained some notice a few years ago suggested that a post-workout chocolate milk will do more to optimize your recovery.

A team of researchers led by Joel M. Stager of Indiana University found that milk contains key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, in quantities that sports drinks can’t match.

In the study, nine male cyclists rode until their muscles were depleted of energy, then rested four hours and biked again until exhaustion.

During the rest period, the cyclists drank low-fat chocolate milk, Gatorade, or another sports drinks Endurox R4. During a second round of exercise, the cyclists who drank the chocolate milk were able to bike about 50 percent longer than those who drank Endurox, and about as long as those who drank the Gatorade.

The findings suggest that chocolate milk has an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to help refuel tired muscles, Stager said.

While the study speaks more to the effects of chocolate milk, we also know from other research that post-exercise dark chocolate (nature’s anti-oxidant superfood) is a great way recover from the inflammation and other oxidative damage to muscles after long periods of exercise.

As a matter of fact, I know of a mixed martial arts gym in Oregon that gives out squares of dark chocolate with acai to fighters after workouts to speed recovery and reduce inflammation.

[Click here to read more about the study]

The polyphenols in dark chocolate have been reported to improve levels of serotonin in the brain, which might also be the reason for the results seen in this small study (”Chocolate aids fatigue syndrome”):

RESEARCH carried out by Professor Steve Atkin, pictured, HYMS’s Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggests that a daily dose of specially-formulated dark chocolate may help to cut chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

Patients in a pilot study found they had less fatigue if they eat dark chocolate with a high cocoa content than with white chocolate dyed brown.

[Click here to read the entire article]

From Preeclampsia.org:

Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.

And now for some good news about chocolate:

According to scientific research, eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, during pregnancy is good for mother and baby, as it could help prevent a serious complication known as preeclamsia [sic], where the blood pressure soars during pregnancy and excess protein is released into the urine. Pregnant women who suffer from the condition sometimes complain of swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and vision problems.

[Click here to read the entire article.]

More support for the healthy effects of dark chocolate.

According to the August issue of Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, a study concluded that 6 grams of dark chocolate a day lowered systeolic and diastolic blood pressure by 2 points each.

From the article:

Dark chocolate also may lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by about 5 points. While not a huge affect, it’s sending that “bad” cholesterol in the right direction.

Also, flavonoids have a beneficial effect on how the lining of the blood vessels function.

[Click here for the full article]

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[From The Telegraph (U.K.)]

Once the poor relation of the confectionary world, sales of dark chocolate have almost doubled in two years, growing 96 per cent to £85 million.

Sales of luxury chocolate brands have also soared over the last two years, according to research by consumer analysts Mintel, with some varieties being served in bars as an accompaniment to wine.

According to the report many chocolate lovers are turning to the richer varieties over the more traditionally popular milk chocolate because of the growing evidence it contains antioxidants.

Dark chocolate is considered the healthier option because of its high raw cocoa content - sometimes up to 95 per cent. Milk chocolate only has to have 25 per cent.

First cultivated by ancient Mayan civilisations, raw cocoa or cacao is now considered one of the world’s most beneficial ’super foods’ due to its high content of antioxidants.

Researchers say it is this reputation that is driving sales of dark chocolate.

Read the entire article here.

I get this question quite a bit, so I decided to address it here on my blog.

First of all, you have to make sure you’re getting the right kind of chocolate. We see more studies and news reports coming out about the health benefits of dark chocolate, but practically every one has a disclaimer at the end, warning about sugars and unhealthy ingredients in most chocolate on the market.

Bitter is always Better
To get the health benefits of dark chocolate without the “bad stuff,” here’s what I recommend:
+ At least 70% pure cocoa
+ Cold-pressed (not alkalyzed or roasted)
+ Contains cocoa butter rather than milk fats or hydrogenated oils
+ No refined sugar (look for raw cane or other low-glycemic sweeteners)

So, now the question is: Can you eat too much dark chocolate? Here’s my answer