This Sunday in Miami,
"Medicine Hunter" Chris Kilham kicks off his 10-day, nine-city
tour of GNC markets to discuss the benefits of cocoa and to foster a
broader understanding of the "exceptional super fruit." Says Kilham, "This is the best way to set the groundwork for broad education of the health-conscious market about the
remarkable health benefits of cocoa." CocoaWell is the first-ever
line of cocoa-based supplements combining whole food cocoa with pure
plant flavanols. "They are supported by clinical studies and
science to help support heart health, healthy blood pressure,
increased energy, and improved mental acuity," Kilham endorses. So much for feeling guilty about chocolate binges.
Chris Kilham, an ethnobotanist, became interested in cocoa
in the 1990s. After visiting a large cocoa
plantation in the South Pacific, his interest intensified. Since
then, he claims to have studied cocoa extensively in the field and in journals. Naomi Whittle, CEO of
Reserveage, met Kilham at a cosmetic trade show in Paris. "She
described to me her interest in putting together a line of effective
cocoa-based supplements, and I thought it would be a rewarding and
innovative project," shares Kilham.
The cocoa comes from a
cooperative of small-scale farmers, named FONMSOEAM. Kilham found the
co-op while investigating for product that is certified fair-trade
and organic. The cocoa is a "beautifully and thoughtfully
manufactured product," describes Kilham. He acknowledges, though, that it also produces for major chocolate companies such as Mars.
There are two different brands, but
each are the exact same three products with just slightly different
names. Reserveage Organics ($27.99 to $29.99) are sold direct to
consumers from their website with the Reserveage Organics LLC logo.
CocoaWell's branded products for ResVitale ($29.99) are sold in
retail stores such as GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods, and other
fine health food stores.
Although Cocoawell's website boasts support by
science for their products' health benefits, clinical studies, with facts and complete findings, are not
referenced. And a search of the Food and Drug Administration's website for "Cocoawell," "ResVitale," and "Reserveage" turned up empty. So while these thirty-dollar cocoa capsules may help keep
your mind sharp and your heart beating, according to Kilham and Cocoawell, I'll take my chances and grab
a Snickers.
Chris will be available in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area all day on Sunday, April 10, with the exception of 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, you may contact Joyce Burkhardt, with Dean Draznin Communications, at 641-209-3883 or via email at [email protected].
