About CocoaVia® Heart Healthy Snacks — Getting the maximum benefits
Research Findings — The scientific evidence
Medical Questions — Concerns about interactions, portions, and special medical conditions
Shopping for CocoaVia® Snacks — How to buy CocoaVia® Brand Heart Healthy Snacks
Diet and Heart Health — General healthy heart dietary information

About CocoaVia® Heart Healthy Snacks

Q: How does this product support heart health?
A: CocoaVia® products contain both cocoa flavanols and plant sterols, which are naturally occurring compounds that research suggests promote cardiovascular health. Research suggests that the consumption of cocoa flavanols can improve both the flexibility of blood vessels and the function of platelets, suggesting that these cocoa flavanols may support cardiovascular health through their ability to promote a healthy circulation. Clinical research shows that the regular consumption of plant sterols can reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels in the normal range for most individuals. This is further supported by clinical studies on some of the CocoaVia® Snack Bars which showed up to a 10 % LDL cholesterol reduction.

People who know their LDL and/or total cholesterol is elevated should consult their healthcare professional for medical advice and how to begin a cholesterol-lowering diet regimen.

Q: What makes CocoaVia® Heart Healthy Snacks different from other chocolate products?
A: CocoaVia® is the first snack of its kind to combine real heart health benefits with real chocolate pleasure. The health benefits come from a combination of natural cocoa flavanols and plant extracts called sterols.

All CocoaVia® snacks are guaranteed to contain at least 100 mg of cocoa flavanols, natural ingredients which have been shown to enhance vessel and platelet function and may support heart health. In addition to the cocoa flavanols, CocoaVia® also contains plant sterols which may help to reduce cholesterol levels. CocoaVia is an excellent source of calcium, and a good source of heart healthy vitamins including folic acid, vitamin B-6, B-12, C and E. All of these ingredients are used to create CocoaVia® , a great tasting product formulated with your heart health in mind. CocoaVia® can be found in the health and nutrition aisle of your supermarket, drug and discount stores.

Q: What happens to my cholesterol if I stop eating CocoaVia products?
A: CocoaVia®, or any plant sterol-containing food, provides the best cholesterol-lowering results if eaten every day. If you stop eating the foods with plant sterols, it is likely that any beneficial impact on cholesterol levels will cease.

Q: What if I don't have high cholesterol — can I still eat CocoaVia® Snacks?
A: Yes, CocoaVia® Snacks can be consumed as part of a healthy diet. Clinical studies have shown that individuals with normal circulating cholesterol levels can help maintain those healthy cholesterol levels by consuming plant sterols, thus creating a dietary strategy for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The cocoa flavanols in CocoaVia® may help maintain heart health and healthy blood flow.

Q: Can I consume too much CocoaVia® product?
A: This product, like any food, should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. CocoaVia® Snacks can be enjoyed as a substitute for other foods that may not provide heart health benefits. Per serving, each CocoaVia® Snack contains 1.1–1.5 g sterol esters (0.7–0.9 g free sterols). Research demonstrates that consuming more than 3 grams of plant sterols (~5 g as sterol esters) per day provides little additional cholesterol lowering benefits.

Q. Has CocoaVia® been clinically tested?
A: Some of the CocoaVia® Snack Bars were clinically tested with results reported at the American Heart Association® annual Scientific Sessions in 2004. In the study, when two servings of CocoaVia® Snack Bars were consumed per day, LDL cholesterol was reduced by up to 10%. (Note: The majority of clinical studies in this area use two servings of sterol containing foods per day eaten with meals.)

Q. Why did you add Wild Maine blueberries and almonds?
A: In addition to the combination of cocoa flavanols and plant sterols, plus the heart healthy vitamins, we selected other ingredients that are believed to be heart healthy and great tasting.

Q: What are soy crisps/crispies?
A: Soy flour is combined with a few other ingredients and made into puffed, crispy pieces, similar to crisp rice cereal. We felt soy was another ingredient that heart health-conscious consumers would be interested in.

Q: Is CocoaVia® lower in calories compared to other snacks?
A: All of the CocoaVia® Snacks Bars are 80 calories per serving. All of the CocoaVia® Chocolate Bars are 100 or fewer calories per serving. The CocoaVia® Chocolate Covered Almonds contain 140 calories per serving. Since each pre-portioned serving is packed with heart healthy flavanols and plant extracts, you can eat a relatively small portion and still reap the benefits. That means fewer calories compared to a regular, larger-sized chocolate bar.

While CocoaVia® snacks can easily be incorporated into a heart healthy diet, they should replace your regular snacks instead of being eaten in addition to your regular diet.

Q: Is CocoaVia® low in fat?
A: The pre-portioned CocoaVia® Dark and Milk Chocolate bars range from 2 grams to 7 grams of fat per serving — which is less than most larger-sized chocolate bars. The Milk Chocolate Covered Raisins contain 6 grams of fat per serving. The Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds contain 11 grams of fat per package, but the majority of the fat comes from the almonds — which are rich in monounsaturated fat and are considered a "good" fat. The Rich Chocolate Indulgence Beverage contains 3 grams of fat per serving.

Q: Does CocoaVia® contain any trans fats?
A: No. You won't find any trans fats in CocoaVia®.

Research Findings

Q: What are cocoa flavanols?
A: Cocoa flavanols are naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa beans. Preliminary studies suggest that cocoa flavanols may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health by:

• Promoting healthy platelet function, which may contribute to the maintenance of healthy blood flow and circulation.
• Promoting vessel health by promoting relaxed blood vessel walls, allowing for healthy blood flow.
• Reducing the oxidation of LDL, a process believed to be an initial step in the development of heart disease.

The results of all of this promising research suggest that the consumption of cocoa flavanols may support cardiovascular health.

Q: What is the difference between flavonoids and flavanols?
A: Flavonoids represent a diverse class of naturally occurring compounds found in a variety of foods such as fruits and vegetables. Flavanols are a distinct group of compounds within the flavonoid family and are the predominant flavonoids in tea, red wine and cocoa. Research on flavanols, including cocoa flavanols, provide compelling support in the role of these natural compounds in cardiovascular health.

Q: Are cocoa flavanols in all chocolate or cocoa?
A: Not all chocolate or cocoa contain the same level of cocoa flavanols, because these compounds can be lost during processing of the cocoa. Mars, Incorporated developed a proprietary method of gently processing cocoa beans shown to retain much of the naturally occurring flavanols in their chocolate products. The company marks these products with the Cocoapro® logo — a symbol featuring a hand holding a cocoa bean — which is our guarantee that the cocoa beans used in making this chocolate have been carefully handled.

Q: What are plant sterols? Where are they found?
A: Plant sterols are naturally occurring compounds in plants and as such, they can be found in a variety of foods. In the Western diet, they are commonly consumed in vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils and cereals. Plant sterols in CocoaVia® can also be referred to as: sterols, sterol esters, soy sterols, natural soy extracts, phytosterols, soy sterol esters or natural plant extracts. Plant sterols are recommended by the American Heart Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program as a way to help lower elevated cholesterol levels.

Q: How many plant sterols are in CocoaVia®?
A: Each serving of CocoaVia® provides 1.1 to 1.5 grams of plant sterols. The FDA has said that 1.3 grams of plant sterols a day are needed to show a significant cholesterol-lowering effect if eaten at two different times a day with other foods and incorporated into a diet that's low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Q: How do sterols work?
A: Sterols are thought to work primarily by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine during digestion. By interfering with the absorption of cholesterol within the gut, less cholesterol is absorbed into the body. The regular consumption of sterols results in less cholesterol getting into the body, and thus less cholesterol in the circulation.

Q: Do sterols affect "good" cholesterol?
A: No. Studies show that plant sterols have a neutral effect on "good" cholesterol or High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Q: What is the percent of cocoa in CocoaVia®?
A: You may have heard that a higher percentage of cocoa means that the product contains more heart healthy flavanols. When it comes to heart health and cocoa flavanols, the most important factor is whether the naturally occurring flavanols have been preserved or maintained in the final product. Seeing 30%, 50% or 70% cocoa on the label does not guarantee that it has higher levels of cocoa flavanols. The chocolate in CocoaVia® products contains approximately 50–60% cocoa, but more importantly, we guarantee at least 100 mg of cocoa flavanols in each serving. This is why you get the same heart health benefits from our milk chocolate as from our dark chocolate snacks and Rich Chocolate Indulgence Beverage.

Q: Are antioxidants the same as flavanols, and if so, how many antioxidants are in CocoaVia®?
A: No, antioxidants are not the same as flavanols. Antioxidants are compounds which can slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. While flavanols have been shown to have some antioxidant-like effects, it is a true understatement to refer to them as solely antioxidants. While the vascular benefits of antioxidants have yet to be clearly shown, the results of several human studies demonstrate that cocoa flavanols can enhance the relaxation of blood vessels and improve the function of platelets, suggesting that the consumption of cocoa flavanols can support a healthy heart. So while it is tempting to view flavanols as antioxidants, the results of several studies strongly support that benefits of cocoa flavanols go well beyond their ability to function as antioxidants. Any number of compounds, vitamins or ingredients can be called antioxidants because they demonstrate an antioxidant function in a test tube. While cocoa flavanols can function as antioxidants, it is incorrect and misleading to call them antioxidants because research suggests that flavanols have many other exciting functions such as promotion of blood vessel relaxation, tendency to reduce platelet activity and plaque formation, as well as support healthy blood flow. All of these benefits are unlikely to be attributed to an antioxidant function which is what sets flavanols apart from the simple classification as an antioxidant. We guarantee a minimum of 100 mg of cocoa flavanols in each of our CocoaVia® products.

Q: How much saturated fat is in CocoaVia®?
A: CocoaVia® contains 1 gram to 3.5 grams of saturated fat per serving. But it's important to remember that the saturated fat in cocoa butter is made up of approximately equal parts of stearic, oleic and palmitic acids. This combination doesn't act like a saturated fat, and research supports that the cocoa butter in chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol like other saturated fatty acids.

Medical Questions

Q: How will this interact with my cholesterol medications?
A: There have been studies suggesting that consumption of plant sterols can have beneficial effects when also taking certain cholesterol-lowering medications. However, if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medication, you should consult your physician about adding plant sterols to your diet.

Q: Is it dangerous to consume plant sterols over a long period of time? Is there a limit?
A: A number of long-term studies concluded that plant sterol-containing foods may be consumed without adverse side effects. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) considers plant sterols as "Generally Recognized As Safe". It is always a good idea to check with your physician about consuming plant sterols over the long term.

Q: Can I eat CocoaVia® snacks even if I'm already using cholesterol-reducing spreads (Benecol® or Take Control®) or other foods?
A: Yes, it is safe to consume CocoaVia® snacks with cholesterol-reducing foods. There are a few different foods that contain stanol or sterol esters, and they all work similarly to reduce cholesterol. It is safe and probably more enjoyable to consume a variety of food products that contain these substances. However, CocoaVia® Snacks contain a combination of cocoa flavanols and plant sterols, which has the potential of providing additional heart health benefits that products containing only a plant sterol or stanol may not offer on their own. It is always a good idea to check with your physician about consuming soy sterols over the long term.

Q: Can plant sterols cause my cholesterol to go too low?
A: No. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that soy sterols can safely and effectively reduce cholesterol levels. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends total cholesterol to be below 200 mg/dl and optimal LDL cholesterol, below 100 mg/dl.

Q: Can I have an allergic reaction to CocoaVia® Snacks?
A: If you are allergic or sensitive to certain foods or ingredients, you should always read the ingredient statement and any allergen statements to ensure the product does not contain ingredients of concern to you. Some CocoaVia® Snacks contain nuts and other allergens which are clearly indicated in either the ingredient listing on the label or just below it in an Allergy Information statement. Since these products are produced on the same factory lines as other products, it is always important to read all label information if you are allergic to certain ingredients.

Q: Can my children eat CocoaVia® Snacks?
A: Numerous studies indicate that sterols are safe and effective in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. However, it is recommended that you speak to your pediatrician about making changes to your child's diet.

Q: Can diabetics consume CocoaVia® Brand Snacks?
A: People with diabetes may have specific nutritional requirements, since they are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke and high cholesterol. It is best to speak with your physician about your cholesterol levels and how CocoaVia® products fit into an appropriate diabetic diet. Consuming plant sterols may be one way to help maintain cholesterol levels within the normal range, but blood sugar levels and body weight must be monitored and maintained. CocoaVia® Snacks provide 80-150 calories, 11-28 grams of carbohydrates and 7-24 grams of sugar — about the equivalent of one carbohydrate exchange. These products can be enjoyed as you would any other snack food within the boundaries of a sensible diet.

Shopping for CocoaVia® Snacks

Q: Where can I buy CocoaVia® snacks?
A: CocoaVia® Brand Heart Healthy Snacks are available at an increasing number of retail stores. Use our handy Store Locator to find a store convenient to you that carries them. Because of their heart health benefits, CocoaVia® Brand Heart Healthy Snacks will most likely be found in the retailer's "Nutrition/Energy Bar" section. Or, if you prefer the convenience of buying online, you can place an order now.

Diet and Heart Health

Q: How do I know if my cholesterol is "high"?
A: Because high cholesterol is a risk factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is important to have a physician check your cholesterol levels regularly. Your doctor can tell you whether or not you have high cholesterol by a simple blood test. Total cholesterol (TC) level of less than 200 mg/dL is healthy and normal. TC levels above 200 mg/dL increases your risk for CVD.

CocoaVia® snacks are specially formulated with compounds called plant sterols, which have been shown to help maintain cholesterol levels within the normal range when combined with a healthy diet. CocoaVia® snacks also contain cocoa flavanols, naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa beans which research suggests may benefit heart health.

Q: At what age should I start testing my cholesterol?
A: It is important for people of all ages to have their cholesterol checked, since even children can have high cholesterol levels. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), people aged 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels tested once every five years. People with a family history of high cholesterol should be particularly diligent in monitoring their cholesterol levels. You're never too young (or old) to follow a heart healthy lifestyle. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, speak with a physician.

Q: How often should I have my cholesterol tested?
A: According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), people aged 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels tested once every five years. If cholesterol levels are found to be borderline-high or high, medical professionals may request more frequent testing. People with a family history of high cholesterol should be particularly diligent in monitoring their cholesterol levels. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, it is best to speak with your healthcare provider.

Q: In addition to eating CocoaVia® snacks, how should I change my diet to help promote heart health?
A: The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends making two main dietary modifications in order to reduce cholesterol levels and the risk for heart disease: limit the intake of saturated fats by choosing lean meat, poultry and fish, and include more whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish, beans and nuts in your diet. In addition, the ADA encourages daily physical activity for all individuals to improve overall general health through the prevention and reduction of risks for chronic disease, including heart disease. Check with your doctor before starting a physical activity program.