Xocai is a line of chocolate products that manufacturer MXI Corp. claims provide health benefits. Xocai solid chocolates come in plain nuggets, peanut butter cups and probiotic- or omega-3 fatty acid-enriched squares. The chocolate beverages include energy drinks and protein shakes. All Xocai products are high in antioxidants. Eat them in moderation, however, as part of a balanced diet for the best nutrition.
Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Xocai chocolate may lower your risk for heart disease because of its antioxidants. It has antioxidants from dark chocolate, and added antioxidants from blueberry and acai berry powder. The antioxidant content of Xocai chocolate is higher than that of regular chocolate or berries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A high blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, and compounds in dark chocolate may lower your blood pressure, according to the University of Michigan. Xocai with omega-3 fats may also promote heart health. However, many factors affect your risk for heart disease, so consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Lower Cholesterol
Xocai chocolate may lower your cholesterol because it provides up to 4 g dietary fiber per serving. Dietary fiber comes from the parts of plant foods which your body cannot digest, and dark chocolate is a natural source. Additional fiber in Xocai chocolate comes from maltodextrin, which is a functional fiber because it is an ingredient that is added to the product, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Fiber lowers your cholesterol levels and may also reduce your risk for constipation, according to MayoClinic.com.
Weight Control
If you are underweight, Xocai products can be healthier choices for increasing your calorie intake because they are rich in nutrients as well as calories. For example, Xocai ready-to-eat chocolate contains about 160 calories per ounce, and beverages have up to 190 calories per serving. If you wish to lose weight, you can use Xocai protein shakes as you would any other meal replacement shake.
Nutrient Adequacy
Some varieties of Xocai chocolate can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia because they contain about 10 percent of the daily value for iron. Eating Xocai can help you meet your requirements for magnesium, an essential nutrient for muscle function. A disadvantage of Xocai is that dark chocolate contains compounds called oxalates, which block calcium absorption and may lead to weaker bones when you have too much. To reduce your risk of negative effects of oxalates from chocolate, limit your intake of dark chocolate to no more than 7 oz. per week, according to the University of Michigan.
References
- Xocai: Healthy Chocolate
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Oxidative Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods; 2007
- Xocai: X Protein Shake
- University of Michigan; Healing Foods Pyramid: Dairy; 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Dietary Fiber; Jane Higdon; December 2005
Member Comments