cisono Posted 9 November 2006 Posted 9 November 2006 Plant sterols in Mars chocolate bars lowers cholesterol http://www.newstarget.com/021029.html 08/11/2006 - Mars' CocoaVia nutritional chocolate bar range has had its healthy image boosted by a new study indicating that the product actively reduces cholesterol levels. The paper, published in the November edition of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that the bars helped to lower levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol in the blood due to their 1.5g plant sterol content. Plant sterols are commonly known as a favourite ingredient among manufacturers in the functional food industry thanks to their cholesterol-lowering properties and have been used in breads, spread and chocolate. Their inclusion in the CocoaVia products, which were launched last year through internet sales, has allowed Mars to market them as 'heart healthy' chocolate. Researchers at the University of California-Davis tested the cholesterol of 67 men and women with elevated levels who were placed in one of two groups. One group ate a CocoaVia snack bar twice a day and the other an equivalent placebo. After six weeks, the group eating the Mars product had reduced their total cholesterol by 4.7 per cent and their LDL levels dropped by an average of 6 per cent. High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost the EU economy an estimated €169 billion ($202 billion) per year. Mars research scientist Dr Catherine Kwik-Uribe said: “Heart health is a national public health priority and our study supports that offering consumers a great tasting lower calorie chocolate snack product with plant sterols, like CocoaVia bars, can be a practical and enjoyable dietary strategy.†Masterfoods US, who own the Mars brand, has conducted over 15 years of research into the benefits of cocoa flavanols and owns the patent for its Cocoapro process which extracts naturally occurring antioxidant flavanols from cocoa beans. In June this year the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent the company a warning letter expressing how worried they were about health claims attached to the CocoaVia range. While it was not disputed that the chocolate contained a high amount of cocoa flavanols and therefore antioxidants, the FDA had a problem with the extensive ‘healthy' marketing of the product it in light of the amount of saturated fat it contained. Not too sure I believe this...
Nationwider Posted 9 November 2006 Posted 9 November 2006 It's like the old story about the French... Q. Why do they have a lower incidence of heart disease than the British? A. Because they drink more red wine. Q. Why do they have a higher incidence of liver disease than the British? A. Because they drink more red wine. Still no clinical trials based around Mars' frankly ridiculous claims that it can make you work, rest AND play, though...
Fez of Mahrez Posted 9 November 2006 Posted 9 November 2006 My mate reckons an Extra Large Whopper meal, or whatever they're called, is the equivalent of ten Mars bars. Does that mean it's healthy then?
lookwhaticando Posted 9 November 2006 Posted 9 November 2006 I've a months supply on hand. I'll trial this for you all. I'll consume the entire months worth... tonight... and tell you tomorrow morning whether it lowered my cholesterol or not.
The People's Hero Posted 10 November 2006 Posted 10 November 2006 I've got this theory that cholesterol is actually make believe. I don't care what you say - I'm sticking to it.
Fez of Mahrez Posted 10 November 2006 Posted 10 November 2006 I've got this theory that cholesterol is actually make believe. I don't care what you say - I'm sticking to it. Like the fat sticking to the inside of your arteries?
The People's Hero Posted 10 November 2006 Posted 10 November 2006 Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na I can't hear you!
Janx Posted 10 November 2006 Posted 10 November 2006 Dble Whopper CHeese, would take the average man 9 miles to walk off! FACTEROIDS!!
Master Fox Posted 10 November 2006 Posted 10 November 2006 Dble Whopper CHeese, would take the average man 9 miles to walk off! FACTEROIDS!! Boll0x i want extra cheese
cisono Posted 10 November 2006 Author Posted 10 November 2006 I've got this theory that cholesterol is actually make believe. I don't care what you say - I'm sticking to it. Cholesterol is there (and is needed in the body), but it is not the bad guy as such. I've heard it said that Blaiming cholesterol for coronary heart disease is like blaming a fire engine for a fire...
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