374 replies to this topic

[baertacgraff]

A fav': Uli Mana Mana, Raw Organic Chocolate & Honey Concentrate, alias Cacao-a-Menta. Also a blend with goji berries. Yum!

www.ulimamamama.com

out of Ashville, NC

Ya gotta working link for them?

Thanks!

Hey, hmm, 'don't know why it's not working. I just called the owner. She said whom ever wants to call go give you the phone number. Try her truffles, divine!!!

828-713-3469

http://www.ulimanama...om/aboutus.html

[krillin]

40% polyphenol cocoa extract from Solaray: 160 mg polyphenols per capsule.

http://www.nutraceut...t_index=1249428

[krillin]

Solaray products are tough to find. I found the best price at Vitamin Life

[inawe]

Solaray products are tough to find. I found the best price at Vitamin Life

It would be nice if they had a COA listing the catechins.

[derek san]

Apologies if this has already been dealt with, but someone earlier asked whether the mixing of cocoa with milk would reduce the effectiveness of the cocoa.

Here's some Australian research which concludes that the addition of milk solids did not reduce polyphenol concentration but did slightly improve absorption. Very small sample size.

http://www.ingentaco...000003/art00030


The Effect of Milk Protein on the Bioavailability of Cocoa Polyphenols
Authors: Keogh, J.B.1; McInerney, J.1; Clifton, P.M.1

Source: Journal of Food Science, Volume 72, Number 3, April 2007 , pp. S230-S233(1)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Abstract:


In order to determine whether milk proteins interact with cocoa polyphenols to modulate the uptake and concentration of polyphenols in plasma, 24 middle-aged men and women consumed 2 g of chocolate polyphenols, plus sugar and cocoa butter in 200 mL water, on 2 occasions. On 1 occasion, the chocolate mix contained 2.45 g of milk proteins. Blood samples were taken fasting and at regular intervals for 8 h. Catechin and epicatechins levels were measured in these samples and no differences were seen in average concentrations between the 2 treatments. Milk protein caused a slight increase in concentration at the early time points and a decrease at the later time points. In conclusion, milk powder did not influence the average concentration of polyphenols. While it slightly accelerated absorption, this is of no physiological significance.
Keywords: bioavailability; cocoa; milk; polyphenols; protein

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00314.x

Affiliations: 1: Authors are with CSIRO Human Nutrition, PO Box 10041 Adelaide BC, South Australia 5000. Direct inquiries to author Keogh ( )., Email: jennifer.keogh@csiro.au

[Brainbox]

Regarding the FAT issue related to cocoa consumption, I stumbled upon this study, that basically states that some of the forms of saturated fat in cocoa might not be harmfull. Cocoa fat consists of 34% stearic acid (18:0), 34% oleic acid (18:1), 25% palmitic acid (16:0), and 2% linolenic acid (18:3) (link, I couldn't find a better scientific reference on short notice...).

The study seems to suggest that: "With realistic intakes of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, differences between their effects on the serum lipoprotein profile are small." The palmitic acid is still of concern though, but it's good to see that 70% of the cocoa fat seems to be not to bad.

Or am I to optimistic?

Small differences in the effects of stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid on the serum lipoprotein profile of humans.Thijssen MA, Mensink RP.
Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. m.thijssen@hb.unimaas.nl

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that oleic and stearic acids, as well as oleic and linoleic acids, have comparable effects on the serum lipoprotein profile. If so, then substituting these three 18-carbon fatty acids for each other would result in similar effects on the serum lipoprotein profile. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare simultaneously the effects of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids on the serum lipoprotein profile of healthy subjects. DESIGN: Forty-five subjects (27 women and 18 men) consumed in random order 3 experimental diets, each for 5 wk. The diets provided 38% of energy from fat, of which 60% was supplied by the experimental fats. The dietary compositions of the diets were the same, except for 7% of energy, which was provided by stearic, oleic, or linoleic acid. At the end of each intervention period, serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were measured. In addition, LDL, HDL, and VLDL particle sizes and particle concentrations of lipoprotein subclasses were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: No significant diet-induced changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins were found. Mean (+/-SD) serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 3.79 +/- 0.91, 3.71 +/- 0.79, and 3.65 +/- 0.91 mmol/L with the high-stearic acid, high-oleic acid, and high-linoleic acid diets, respectively (P = 0.137 for diet effects). Mean (+/-SD) HDL-cholesterol concentrations were 1.45 +/- 0.43, 1.46 +/- 0.45, and 1.46 +/- 0.44 mmol/L (P = 0.866). LDL, HDL, and VLDL particle sizes and lipoprotein subclass distributions also did not differ significantly between the 3 diets. CONCLUSIONS: With realistic intakes of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, differences between their effects on the serum lipoprotein profile are small.

PMID: 16155261 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Typo's again .....

Edited by brainbox, 18 July 2007 - 11:37 PM.

[s123]

Regarding the FAT issue related to cocoa consumption, I stumbled upon this study, that basically states that some of the forms of saturated fat in cocoa might not be harmfull. Cocoa fat consists of 34% stearic acid (18:0), 34% oleic acid (18:1), 25% palmitic acid (16:0), and 2% linolenic acid (18:3) (link, I couldn't find a better scientific reference on short notice...).

The study seems to suggest that: "With realistic intakes of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, differences between their effects on the serum lipoprotein profile are small." The palmitic acid is still of concern though, but it's good to see that 70% of the cocoa fat seems to be not to bad.

Or am I to optimistic?

Small differences in the effects of stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid on the serum lipoprotein profile of humans.Thijssen MA, Mensink RP.
Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. m.thijssen@hb.unimaas.nl

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that oleic and stearic acids, as well as oleic and linoleic acids, have comparable effects on the serum lipoprotein profile. If so, then substituting these three 18-carbon fatty acids for each other would result in similar effects on the serum lipoprotein profile. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare simultaneously the effects of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids on the serum lipoprotein profile of healthy subjects. DESIGN: Forty-five subjects (27 women and 18 men) consumed in random order 3 experimental diets, each for 5 wk. The diets provided 38% of energy from fat, of which 60% was supplied by the experimental fats. The dietary compositions of the diets were the same, except for 7% of energy, which was provided by stearic, oleic, or linoleic acid. At the end of each intervention period, serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations were measured. In addition, LDL, HDL, and VLDL particle sizes and particle concentrations of lipoprotein subclasses were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: No significant diet-induced changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins were found. Mean (+/-SD) serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 3.79 +/- 0.91, 3.71 +/- 0.79, and 3.65 +/- 0.91 mmol/L with the high-stearic acid, high-oleic acid, and high-linoleic acid diets, respectively (P = 0.137 for diet effects). Mean (+/-SD) HDL-cholesterol concentrations were 1.45 +/- 0.43, 1.46 +/- 0.45, and 1.46 +/- 0.44 mmol/L (P = 0.866). LDL, HDL, and VLDL particle sizes and lipoprotein subclass distributions also did not differ significantly between the 3 diets. CONCLUSIONS: With realistic intakes of stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, differences between their effects on the serum lipoprotein profile are small.

PMID: 16155261 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Typo's again .....

In cocoa there isn't any linolenic acid present.
The triglycerides in cocoa have as fatty acid structure:
POP - POS - SOS
P = palmitic acid
O = oleic acid
S = stearic acid

[tintinet]

Nonetheless, stearic acid has been noted, at least in some clinical human studies, to have a hypocholesterolemic effect- the opposite effect of most saturated fats.

[wydell]

WOW I got a report. 2.6 ppm (parts per million) which NOW Foods says is very low, I'm sure it's lower than less conscious companies like Hershey's... Still it doesn't seem that low to me.The government supposedly was talking about limiting Lead levels to 1 ppm for Raw Cocoa and .1 ppm for final product "candy" but apparently that was never approved. Still considering the following most lead statistics I found related to children:

From the FDA:
                                                Average Lead Levels
                                                        ------------------------EARLY 1970s      ------         CURRENT
Infant formula ............ 0.10 ppm          ................        0.01 ppm
Infant juices    ............... 0.30 ppm            ................  0.011 ppm
Infant foods    ................                                    0.15 ppm          ................        0.013 ppm
Evaporated milk .........                              0.52 ppm     ................             0.01 ppm

From an Article on Food Safety:

"California considers candies with lead levels in excess of 0.1 ppm adulterated"   ..........          http://www.emaxhealt...m/75/12078.html


2.6 ppm for a food item seems pretty darn high.....





*Edit*  Note: I use a lot of NOW products and consider them to be great and I'm sure that if there is lower lead Cocoa powder to be had then they would have it.... thus I am lead (no pun intended) to believe that most Cocoa powders are much worse than this certified organic product from this reputable company. I'm not sure if I want to be ingesting at minimum 2.6 ppm lead by the tablespoon...

I have been eating the NOW Product - about 4 tsps a day. Their product is less expensive than just about everyone elses, about $6 per pound. But I would like to switch to a different lower level lead brand. Has anyone been able to get a COA from Navitas? Navitas is only like $15 per pound. Navitas makes a claim that their product is free of heavy metals, but that has to be bogus. Sunfoods is about $30 per pound and claims a lower lead level. At 6X the price, I wonder if it is worth it. Any comments, opinions, information? Does anyone know how my lead intake compares to a candy bar? Am I getting more lead than a hershey's bar, for example?

[chrisp2]

I'm glad you posted this. Sorry I don't have answers, but I will add commentary.

I had been waiting for Sunfood's (Nature's First Law) to get some in stock (have been out of stock for what seems like 2+ months).

During that time when I checked on a semi-regular basis... They really screwed around with their volume discount. They use to give 20-25% off if ordering 3 jars. (And I think 3 was their max level of discount)

Now they only give a 10% discount, and you have to order 12 to get a 20% discount.

I think I'll pass for now... Will reconsider if anyone can get a COA from Navitas and Sunfood's is significantly lower.

[efosse]

Cocoa for weight loss...

Volume 21, Issue 5, Pages 594-601 (May 2005)

Ingested cocoa can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity by regulating the expression of genes for fatty acid metabolism

Naoko MatsuiaCorresponding Author Informationemail address, Ryoichi Itoa, Eisaku Nishimura, Ph.D.a, Mariko Yoshikawaa, Masatoshi Kato, Ph.D.a, Masanori Kamei, Ph.D.a, Haruki Shibatab, Ichiro Matsumoto, Ph.D.c, Keiko Abe, Ph.D.c, Shuichi Hashizume, Ph.D.b

Received 5 August 2004; accepted 1 October 2004
Abstract
Objective

We previously found that ingested cocoa decreased visceral adipose tissue weight in rat. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of that effect, we carried out experiments aimed at analyzing biochemical parameters and gene expression profiles.
Methods

Rats were fed either of two high-fat diets, differing only in supplementation with real or mimetic cocoa. On day 21, body weights, mesenteric white adipose tissue weights, and concentrations of serum triacylglycerol were measured. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of cocoa on lipid metabolism and triacylglycerol accumulation, we examined gene expression profiles in liver and mesenteric white adipose tissues using the GeneChip microarray system.
Results

Final body weights and mesenteric white adipose tissue weights were significantly lower in rats fed the real cocoa diet than in those fed the mimetic cocoa diet (P < 0.05), and serum triacylglycerol concentrations tended to be lower in rats fed the real cocoa diet (P = 0.072). DNA microarray analysis showed that cocoa ingestion suppressed the expression of genes for enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis in liver and white adipose tissues. In white adipose tissue, cocoa ingestion also decreased the expression of genes for fatty acid transport-relating molecules, whereas it upregulated the expression of genes for uncoupling protein-2 as a thermogenesis factor.
Conclusions

Ingested cocoa can prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity by modulating lipid metabolism, especially by decreasing fatty acid synthesis and transport systems, and enhancement of part of the thermogenesis mechanism in liver and white adipose tissue

[tintinet]

Email I received from Navitas Naturals in response to my inquiry regarding COA for their raw organic cocoa powder:



"Hello Tintinet,

Thanks for your interest in our product line. Our products are free or contaminants and lead, and are certified organic. We only provide C of A's to manufacturers at this time, this is confidential information.

We appreciate your concerns.

Kindly,

C McMahon

www.navitasnaturals.com"

[ajnast4r]

Email I received  from Navitas Naturals in response to my inquiry regarding COA for their raw organic cocoa powder:



"Hello Tintinet,

Thanks for your interest in our product line. Our products are free or contaminants and lead, and are certified organic. We only provide C of A's to manufacturers at this time, this is confidential information.

We appreciate your concerns.

Kindly,

C McMahon

www.navitasnaturals.com"

just so you know when a company refuses to provide you with CofA they are full of shit... and ive found that the best companies HAPPILY supply them, and a good majority have them right on their websites.

[zoolander]

I'm with ajnast4r on that one. Tintinet I would send back an email asking as to why a COA is confidential. COA's or certified documents outlining the level of contaminants. To take a companies word that their products are safe over a COA conducted by an independant lab is freaking ridiculous and naive.

It's the right of the consumer to know what is in the substance that they are taking. For them to say that you can't see the details is no different to someone who sold you are car not allowing you to see a roadworthy certificate.

Tintinet, I would demand a COA from them. If they refuse I would then advise them that because they cannot provide the COA then it's safer to assume that the product is not safe. In saying that then it is your duty of care to inform others that their product may be unsafe because a COA cannot be provided. Don't be afraid to tell them that you belong to a large community of supplement users who value supplements and supplement companies that certify their products.

The thing that pissed me off the most was this line

We appreciate your concerns.

then provide the COA! The concerns are not for their company but for your own health!

[chrisp2]

I did a scan of the last few pages of this thread and don't seem to see a link to a COA for Sunfood's product? (Yes I saw their lead page - but no officially posted COA.)

Do we have one somewhere?

[tintinet]

Yes. I did already respond to Navitas Natural stating I found their response unsatisfactory and I'd be avoiding any of their products in the future as well as advising others to do the same.

[shadowrun]

This sucks because I just bought a big bag of their Cocoa from my health food store...

Its imported from Peru, I don't think the Lead can be that bad - I know there are issues with African Cocoa.

"Hello Tintinet,

Thanks for your interest in our product line. Our products are free or contaminants and lead, and are certified organic. We only provide C of A's to manufacturers at this time, this is confidential information.

We appreciate your concerns.

Kindly,

C McMahon

www.navitasnaturals.com

I used to work in customer service - Sometimes you just get a lazy employee who doesn't want to put in the extra foot work of attaching the COA...Then again sometimes the employees are directed by an idiot customer service manager who thinks they can't share the information.

Your best bet is to ask to speak with a supervisor or department head - They can often make things happen

[EmbraceUnity]

I still have Navitas powder left. I will probably finish it, but try to alternate it with a different brand that provides their COA. I will do my own inquiries and try to reach a supervisor, as suggested.

[zoolander]

I've sent them an email asking that they provide the COA

[health_nutty]

I found this interesting tidbit about cocoa inhibiting glycation!:

http://www.life-enha...ate.asp?ID=1840

"The results also showed that the cocoa powder ameliorated some of the deleterious effects of the sugar intake by reducing the excretion (a 24% reduction from baseline) of urinary dityrosine, which was significantly greater than in the control group (–1%), and there was also a trend of lower production of Maillard reaction products (chemical reactions between sugar and protein) as measured by Nε-(hexanoyl)lysine excretion."

[wydell]

I've sent them an email asking that they provide the COA

I have been trying to get some manufacturer to disclose without success. I am hoping someone finds a fair priced brand that is willing to disclose.

[wydell]

Yes. I did already respond to Navitas Natural stating I found their response unsatisfactory and I'd be avoiding any of their products in the future as well as advising others to do the same.

I just sent Navitas a similar email and advise others to do the same.

[wydell]

By the way Dagoba also refuses to disclose.

[tintinet]

I wonder what the potential for a ConsumerLab.com like truly independent, subscription based supplement analysis venture might be. I recently wrote ConsumerLab.com inquiring about their now long overdue resveratrol supplement report, and was assurred it would be forthcoming shortly, again.....

[chrisp2]

You know what is amazing...

They claim this is proprietary.

But there is no real (cost) barrier for competitors to purchase their product and have it tested.

[wydell]

right, competitors could test it and publish it. I guess we could too, but why should consumers have to absorb that expense. That was more or less a rhetorical question.

[dannov]

Well, contacted RawGuru asking for CoA for their organic cocoa powder product:

http://www.rawguru.c...owder-1-lb.html

Will report back here if I get a reply.

[ajnast4r]

dagoba shouldnt be refusing anything considering they recently had to recall HUGE amounts of chocolate due to lead contamination.


when companies refuse to provide COA's, its because they usually dont have them. a refusal is nearly a 100% indication that they are NOT having their product inspected 3rd party and just taking their suppliers 'word' for it or accepting suppler COA's. the chinese are notorious for expired and outright faked COA's, and having rather high levels of contamination in their supplies...


unless you know for sure that the company has state of the art labs in-house (like gaia herbs), then you should demand a COA for at least some of the products you use... until you can be satisfies that they are adhering to high quality standards on all products.

if a company doesnt provide a COA, they are hiding something or just plain ignorant... and needless to say none of their products will go into my body, nor will they be recomended by me.

[dannov]

So, when all is said and done, is there a site I ought to order it from that is trustworthy? Provides CoA and all that?

[shuffleup]

At what dosage of a cocoa powder like Hersheys, would the theobromine content lead to noticeable increase in anxiety and/or heart rate? I am prone to anxiety and I don't want to take so much cocao that I exacerbate it....