Monday, October 29, 2007

Stacia's Healthy Chocolate Experience

I thought it might be important to say something about my personal Xocai experience. I'll just give you a rundown of changes that's I've noticed in the last 3 months of eating the healthy chocolate:
  • I've lost 2 pants sizes (not quite into the skinny jeans, but I'm satisfied).
  • More sustained energy throughout the day!
  • Don't crave the unhealthy carbs.
  • No cramps last month (mine can be debilitating..especially since I can't take Ibuprofen or Tylenol)
  • No depression for 3 months!!
  • More willing to exercise lately (it seems I was allergic to exercise as well, but the chocolate appears to be lessening that allergy...a miracle?)
  • My skin is improving in texture and there have been less breakouts.
  • Recovery time from injury has improved tremendously (I crushed my fingers last night..they swelled up like a balloon...appeared like they were going to fall off, but today they are as good as new..not even a bruise)

Not too shabby, huh? :o) Remember to visit: idreamofcocoa.com to order your healthy chocolate, sign up for wholesale prices or request your free informational CD!!

Soy Protein; Why do we use it?

Soy is the protein source found in the protein bar. Excellent source of protein. There is no Soy Protein added to any other product. The allergen statement shows “May Contain” or “Contains” Soy because SOY is one of the 6 major allergens determined by the FDA and USDA in the 2006 Allergen Label Law that took effect January 1, 2006. Soy is common ingredient used in the manufacturing process of lecithin and there may be very small amounts used even in a flavoring system. The allergen statement is required for protection of children and adults suffering from severe allergies and should not be considered part of the ingredient declaration. There is no SOY added unnecessarily. This holds true for “Milk” as well. A disclosure is needed because some of our ingredients may contain trace amounts of cream extracts or other milk derivatives.

Are the Xoçai Nuggets sweetened with Sucralose?

No. The Xoçai™ Nuggets are considered a “Clean Product”, because they are not made with artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or Sucralose.

F A Q

  1. Some Chocolate from different countries, have been found to contain heavy metals, does MXI test for or can they assure the purity of their chocolate?
    Yes, the chocolate is tested for all metals. And, the only metal that tests high is iron, and that’s good.
  2. Are farmers receiving fair prices for produce?
    Yes
  3. Are there independent auditors of the producers to ensure standards are met?
    Yes
  4. Are there negotiations with producers to establish a fair price for products?
    Yes
  5. Are producers paying employees fair wages and mindful of working conditions?
    Yes
  6. Is there child labor (children under 16 years) working as employees for our producers?
    No, the MXI cacao beans are harvested from small, family farms to ensure that no child labor is used and that there is no use of pesticides.
  7. Are MXI products Kosher?
    The Nuggets & Omega Bars are BCK or British Columbia (Canada) Kosher this will appear on our next packaging production.

How are your products processed?

The processing varies by product.

  • The Activ™ is the least processed product. It is all-natural; and the cocoa powder is non-alkalized, non-lecithinized, and cold-pressed to remove about 75% of the fat content. It is the lowest per serving in fat, carbohydrate content, and calories.
  • The Nuggets also contain non-alkalized, non-lecithinized, and cold pressed cocoa powder in the chocolate. However, the Nuggets contain more fat and sugar (even though the sugar is all-natural).
  • The Omega Bars are made from the same chocolate as the Nuggets; however, we add 200 mg of Omega-3 from a vegetable source.
  • The Protein Bars are made from the same cocoa powder that is used in the Activ™ product, but we include 10 grams of protein to make the product suitable for a meal replacement.

Why does it say the products may contain milk or milk protein? I thought your products do not contain milk?

  • The Nuggets and X Power Squares may contain milk because they are manufactured on the same equipment that processes other products that do contain milk. The equipment is sanitized after every production run, however the “may contain milk” must legally be present on the label, but it is just an allergy warning. They are still considered Vegan.
  • The Omega Bars do contain a minute amount of milk as part of the Omega-3 powder; therefore, the allergy warning is present, and are considered Vegetarian only.
  • The Activ™ Beverage and the Protein Bars contain milk because one of the natural flavors in the flavor system is derived from cream; therefore, the Activ™ and Protein Bars have the allergy warning, and are considered Vegetarian only.

Will heat damage the ORAC value of the Xocai Products?

The ORAC value of the Nuggets survives temperatures in excess of 60 degrees Celsius in the molding process. So, there's now way that even a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit could reduce the ORAC value. And, everyone has to remember that the taste of Activ(TM) can change from batch to batch because the berry powders can change in taste from production to production.

Does Xocai contain caffeine?

Typically, Chocolate Companies have added caffeine to their chocolate, it does not occur naturally in chocolate. However, one of chocolate’s active ingredients is Theobromine, which occurs only in Cacao. The two stimulants are related and have similar structures, but are very different chemicals with different properties, effects and origins. Below is a table which compares and contrasts Theobromine and Caffeine.

Theobromine /Caffeine
gentle /intense
mild effect /strong effect
very slow /onset fast acting
long lasting /rapid dissipation
50% in bloodstream after 6 to 10 hrs /50% in bloodstream after 2 to 5 hrs
increases feeling of well being /increases alertness
mild antidepressant /increases emotional stress
gentle, smooth, sensual stimulation /jagged, nervous stimulation
stimulates cardiovascular system /stimulates cardiovascular system
stimulates muscular system /stimulates respiratory system
mild effect on central nervous system /strong effect on central nervous system
almost no one is allergic /many people allergic
not addictive /physically addictive
no withdrawal symptoms /many proven withdrawal symptoms
mild diuretic /extreme diuretic
stimulates the kidney /requires large intake of fluids to balance the diuretic effect

FACTS

State of the company: MXI Corp (maker of Xocai products)

  • MXI Corp started in June 10, 2005
  • Pure delight did $300,000,000 in sales, but closed their doors to open MXI.
  • All cacao is bought from small family farms in Guana, Africa to ensure no pesticides or human exploitation.
  • All acai is bought from coop farms for the same reasons and portions go back into the area.
  • Display boxes are made from recycled materials.
  • Debt-free company.
  • Family owned and operated business.
  • People stay on the product because it's chocolate!
  • Get paid to eat and share chocolate!
  • 83% in USA
  • 9% in Canada (opened Feb 07)
  • 6.3% in japan
  • 1.5% in Australia, New Zealand
  • 1 million a month in sales in Nov 06
  • 2.4 a month in sales in Sept 07 140% increase!
  • 3.2 million in october 07 -33% increase in one month!
  • 73% retention
  • 52% are on autoship
  • Average Network Marketer makes $7 per month!
  • Average MXI associate makes $145 per week /$600 per month
  • Over $8,000,000 paid out in 2007!

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

A few of the Double Blind, Peer Reviewed & Published Clinical
Studies done by Major Universities

Improves Cardiovascular Function (fights heart disease)
Increases Respiratory Function (alleviating asthma, breathing)
Decreases LDL Bad Cholesterol
Helps Control Blood Sugar for Diabetes
Helps Regulate High Blood Pressure
Antihistamine (helps with allergies)
Helps stop Inflammation of the Joints (Cox 2 inhibitor)
Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory within the Body
Appetite Suppressant before meals (aids weight loss)
Increases Serotonin Levels (alleviates depression)
Lowers Gum Disease and Cavities (promotes overall oral health)
Sexual Stimulant (like Viagra)
Helps with Chronic Fatigue (increases energy levels)
High in Fiber for Regularity in your Stool
Helps Control Heart Burn (like Zantac)
Essential Oils for our Bodies (replaces fish oil)
Benefits our Skin
Helps our Liver Function
Studies Show Pancreas Benefits
Studies Show Anti-Cancer Benefits
Helps our Kidney Function

Cocoa's Health-Promoting Compounds (a few)

X power squares are High in Flavonoids: Catechins and Epicatechins -3x per day yields over 1000mg (recommended 600-900mg daily)

Nuggets will reduce your cravings/appetite when eaten 30 minutes before meals. All of our products are also low glycemic, so they will not spike your blood sugars and insulin levels.

Omega Bars contains 200mg Omega 3s; EPA and DHA from algae oils.

Xocai Activ (chocolate beverage) is all natural with no preservatives. It is raw cocoa powder and acai berry and other healthful ingredients; with minimal fats and sugars. Activ is the ultimate antioxidant beverage-there is no comparison! (Both Type I and Type II diabetics can safely drink the Activ!) Highest ORAC value!


A Few of the Many Natural Health-Promoting Compounds: In Raw, Unprocessed, Non-Alkalized Cocoa, Xocai's principle ingredient:

Anandamide (a neurotransmitter known as "the bliss chemical")
Arginine (benefits cardiovascular function, cholesterol, nature's aphrodisiac)
Dopamine (a neurotransmitter affecting reward, learning, pleasure)
Epicatechins (antioxidants to fight heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke)
Histamine (anti-allergen)
Magnesium (for healthy heart function)
Phenylethylamine (PEA) (controls the ability to focus and stay alert, appetite suppressant)
Polyphenols (anti-cholesterol, powerful antioxidants, anti-arthritics)
Salsolinol (natural anti-depressant)
Serotonin (anti-stress neurotransmitter)
Tryptophan (anti-depressant amino acid)
Tyramine (anti-hypertensive)
Theobromine (natural energy/vitality booster, similar to caffeine but without the side-effects)

ORAC

The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Scale is a measure of the antioxidant potency of a substance or ingredient.

Xocai is made with Unprocessed Cocoa Powder, Acai Berry and Blueberries .

The average American consumes around 800 ORAC per day. The average adult human body NEEDS about 10,000-12,000 ORAC.

The recommended 3 servings a day of Xocai:
Omega Bars (1 bar)-8,840 ORAC
Nuggets (3)-9,360 ORAC
X Power Squares (3) -10,746 ORAC
Activ- (3 oz)-12,825 ORAC

Links: Info on Cocoa

Cocoa vs. 4 of top 5 fatal diseases

Disease, Free Radicals and Antioxidants

The new coffee?

The chocolate CD

Alton Brown talks about free radicals

Dr. Steve Warren: Read testamonies, see the research, learn the history of cocoa

WebMD Article

7 ways to earn $$$$: I'll be updating this compensation plan on the blog soon. Changes have been made since this was published. *The changes are good! :o)