Common Questions about Mona Vie

What does ORAC mean?
An acronym for oxygen radical absorption capacity, ORAC is a way to measure the antioxidant capacity of a food. Foods with high ORAC values are desirable for their ability to neutralize free radicals, thus inhibiting the ability of the free radical to cause cell damage. The ORAC measurement was developed by a scientist at the National Institute of Aging in 1992 and has been a valuable tool in quantifying health benefits associated with consuming fruits, vegetables, and other antioxidant-containing foods and supplements.

How many servings of fruits and vegetables does the U.S. National Research Council recommend we eat daily?
The U.S. National Research Council recommends that you consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day to maintain a proper supply of food derived antioxidants for your body. Research indicates that only five percent of the U.S. population consumes five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients are naturally occurring compounds that contribute to the flavor, color, and disease-resistance of plants (i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes). Phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, but their value extends much beyond free radical protection. Maximum health benefits are derived from consuming a variety of phytonutrients with a full spectrum of colors and pigments, such as those found in MonaVie products.

What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are “agents” that help inhibit harmful compounds known as free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to your cells through the process of oxidation. By donating an electron to unstable free radicals, antioxidants neutralize their harmful effects. Obtaining a variety of antioxidants through diet or supplementation is essential to maintaining your good health.

What are free radicals?
Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Free radicals are analogous to cattle let loose on a field of planted crops. Uncontrolled, the cattle would destroy the crops. Ranch hands are hired to make sure the cattle stay in place and graze. Antioxidants act much the same way. As the ranch hands for our bodies, antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy, functioning cells.

What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs in your body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals.

What causes excess free radicals?
Tobacco smoke, alcohol, pollution, insecticides, radiation, chemicals in the home or at work, and excessive amounts of sunlight are all prolific contributors to the formation of free radicals. Other causes include a high-fat diet, stress, insufficient sleep, and strenuous exercise.

How well does freeze-dried acai scavenge other free radicals such as peroxynitrite (NORAC), hydroxyl (HORAC), and superoxide anion (SORAC)?
The MonaVie juice blend is a very powerful antioxidant against these additional free radicals; in fact, the SORAC assay score of 1,614 unit/g represents the highest value ever reported for superoxide scavenging activity in vitro of any food.

What is glucosamine hydrochloride?
Glucosamine hydrochloride is a natural compound found in the body that is used to help make and form cartilage. Glucosamine has also been shown to help lubricate, cushion, protect, and rebuild joints.

Is one form of glucosamine more effective than another?
There are three types of glucosamine: glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl), N-acetyl glucosamine, and glucosamine sulfate. Both glucosamine HCl and glucosamine sulfate are rapidly converted into “free” glucosamine in the stomach. So, from a medicinal standpoint, they are equally effective. However, glucosamine HCl is 79 percent glucosamine, while glucosamine sulfate is only between 47 and 52 percent glucosamine. We formulated MonaVie Active juice with glucosamine HCl because this form of glucosamine contains the highest level of free glucosamine.

What are esterified fatty acids?
Esterified fatty acids promote joint health, improving flexibility and mobility. Esterification is the general name for a chemical reaction in which two chemicals (typically an alcohol and an acid) form an ester as the reaction product.

How much potassium is in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active?
For customers concerned about potassium levels for reasons relating to dialysis or contraindications with prescription medicines, please consult a physician before taking MonaVie products. The potassium level in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active is approximately 55 mg/oz (2% Daily Value). MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active contain no potassium additives, grapefruit, or cantaloupe.

Is there any vitamin K in MonaVie Original or MonaVie Active?
For customers concerned about vitamin K levels because of blood thinning medication, please consult a physician before taking any MonaVie products. The vitamin K level in MonaVie Original and MonaVie Active is approximately 12.4 µg/oz (12% Daily Value).

Why do MonaVie products contain preservatives?
Preservatives help maintain a product’s freshness. Sodium benzoate, an organic chemical preservative, can prevent the growth of almost all microorganisms (e.g., yeast, bacteria, and fungi) and occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts, wines, and teas.

Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt version of sorbic acid, a polyunsaturated fat used to inhibit mold growth. Sorbic acid has been repeatedly tested for safety and efficacy, and today stands as one of the most thoroughly tested food additives in history.

MonaVie juices contain the preservative sodium benzoate and the antioxidant vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Is it true that sodium benzoate and vitamin C can react to form benzene?
In the presence of trace amounts of certain metals, which act as catalysts, vitamin C can produce free radicals that convert benzoate into benzene. The FDA and World Health Organization have set a standard for benzene levels in water and that level is 5 parts per billion. MonaVie tests its MonaVie juices for benzene regularly, and we are always well below the FDA’s and World Health Organization’s acceptable levels for benzene.

Do any of MonaVie’s products contain MSG?
No.

Is MonaVie Active juice safe for children and pregnant or nursing women?
The MonaVie Active formula is extremely safe; however, MonaVie Active juice contains glucosamine hydrochloride and esterified fatty acids, which have not been tested in these types of individuals. It is MonaVie’s recommendation that children under the age of 12, pregnant women, and women who are nursing should not consume MonaVie Active juice. If further information is required, please consult with your physician.

Are MonaVie products gluten-free?
Yes.

If someone is allergic to shellfish can they consume glucosamine hydrochloride?
Shellfish are a known allergen and glucosamine is derived from shrimp shells. However, people who are allergic to shellfish are actually allergic to the protein troponin, which is found in the muscle (protein) of shrimp. Analyses do not find any protein in the glucosamine hydrochloride used in MonaVie Active juice. Glucosamine hydrochloride (GHCl), the form of glucosamine used in MonaVie Active juice, is more than 99 percent pure. Because shellfish is a known allergen, please consult with a physician before taking MonaVie Active juice.

Why are there natural flavors in MonaVie products?
MonaVie uses natural flavors in its products because a juice concentrate, which contains only the juice from a fruit, does not give you the entire flavor of the fruit. MonaVie’s natural flavors make our products more palatable and balanced by staying true to the natural flavor of the entire fruit. The natural flavor used in MonaVie Original and Active juices and in MonaVie Gel is a mixed berry natural flavor.

Why does the MonaVie Active label list “tree nuts (palm nut)”?
MonaVie Active’s esterified fatty acids are derived from a 100 percent vegetable source (palm nut oil). The (US) FDA has made it mandatory to list all sources of potential allergens found in a product on its label. Eight major foods or food groups have been identified as common allergy causing foods in some individuals. Of these foods crustacean shellfish and tree nuts are included. Since palm nuts are a tree nut and the esterified fatty acids come from palm nut oil, it is necessary to list it on the product label.

How might esterified fatty acids cause a severe allergic reaction?
Allergic reactions, severe or otherwise, are caused by proteins. The esterified fatty acids in MonaVie Active may contain an extremely low level–an almost undetectable level–of protein from palm nuts. Because the amount of protein is so minute, it is unlikely that people with tree nut allergies will have an allergic reaction; however, in extremely sensitive persons it is best to avoid it all together. If you have an allergy to palm nuts, it is best to consult with your physician prior to drinking MonaVie Active.

If I have an allergy to peanuts, will I also be allergic to tree nuts?
No, not necessarily. Individuals with peanut allergies only should not have an allergic reaction to MonaVie Active.

Nutrional Facts about the Fruit in Mona Vie

Acai – Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is the fruit of a palm tree that grows in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil. The fruit is a small, round, blackish purple berry about 1 inch in diameter. Two or three crops of fruit are produced each year. The harvesting of this little berry, allows for the trees to stay where they are. In other words, the famous heart of palm, becomes less valuable because the tree has to be cut down for it and obviously one only gets one rendering of the product by cutting down the tree. Whereas, with the production of the berry, the tree has at least two uses every year.

So the recent popularity of Antioxidant Açaí is not only helping humans in many ways, but also preventing deforestation of the Amazon.

Acai is loaded with antioxidants that protect your health and give you energy. In fact, it delivers 33 times more antioxidant power than both red grapes and red wine. Acai also contains amino acids, important vitamins and trace minerals.

In summary, Acai is rich in the following beneficial nutrients:

• antioxidants
• phytonutrients
• essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, & 9)
• vitamins and minerals
• complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber
• amino acids, trace minerals

Acai berry complex protects the body’s cells from pathogens, antigens and carcinogens. The body recognized these nutrients and adapts them to protect and strengthen the immune system. The berry allows blood/brain barrier transmission while strengthening cell membranes. All cell membranes need to protect against the unwanted entrance of pathogens. The berry strengthens the nervous system. From the brain to the smallest nerve ending, this physiological (electrical) process needs energy for proper synaptic responses that quality food delivers. The berry provides essential oils. Oils are an array of incredibly small particles that bind with other nutrients and transport them through membranes. Our bodies would not work without them. They not only transport, but contain phytochemicals themselves.

White Grape – White Grapes are also a great source of antioxidants like their sibling, Purple Grapes. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which, as we know, can protect against heart disease and gastrointestinal complaints.

Some nutritional benefits of white grapes are:
• Vitamin C
• Dietary Fiber

White Grapes can help with:

• Antioxidant Protection
• Gastrointestinal Health

Nashi Pear – The nashi pear, or Asian pear, was been cultivated for thousands of years. Its antioxidants and phytonutrient profile may help with heart disease. Modern Science shows that this powerful cleansing pear is helpful in treating urinary and digestive problems, including constipation.

The nutritional benefits of the nashi pear are:

• Vitamin C
• Dietary Fiber
• B Vitamins

The nashi pear can help with:

• Red Blood Cell Production
• Gastrointestinal Health

Acerola – The acerola cherry (Malpighia glabra) or Acerolla, also known as the Barbados cherry or wild crapemyrtle, native to the West Indies and northern South America, is also cultivated in India. It grows on a shrub that reaches 3M in height and has a thorny crown. The cherry is bright red and contains 2-3 hard seeds. Historically, the acerola has been used to treat dysentery and fever. Recent research suggests that the cherry possesses anti-inflamatory and astringent properties. It is rich in Vitamin C and over 150 phytonutrients have been found in the acerola cherry.

Some nutritional benefits of the acerola cherry are:

• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Other Minerals

The acerola cherry can help with:

• Immune Function
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea

Aronia – The aronia berry (also known as the Black Chokeberry (Aronia melancarpa/Aronia melanocarpa)), a close cousin of the blueberry, is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and benefits of those properties. Aronia berries are dark pigmented berries that are extremely high in antioxidants. Higher than blueberries, higher than cranberries, higher, even, than pomegranates. Although native to the Americas, it is far more popular in Eastern Europe where its juice has been known to help people with heart conditions.

It has high levels of proanthocyanins and quinic acid (ten times more than cranberries). Quinic acid prevents urinary infection.

Some nutritional benefits of the aronia berry are:

• Polyphenols
• Anthocyanins
• Quinic Acid
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Flavonols

The aronia berry can help with:

• Diabetes
• Inflamation
• Cardiovascular Ailments
• Ciculatory Problems
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Influenza (Flu)
• Cancer

In 2006, Nutrition and Cancer published a study done by the University of Maryland. The study on the aronia berry found that this antioxidant berry may provide protection against colon cancer.

Purple Grape – Ah, the ever popular purple grape. Surely, it has had a long reputation for improving health. All grapes contain resveratrol, the antioxidant that is found in red wine and other grape products. Purple grape juice contains a high flavonoid content which can help protect the body from cardiovascular disease. Some nutritional benefits of purple grapes are:

• Resveratrol
• Proanthocyanins
• Flavonoids

Purple Grapes can help with:

• Aging
• Cardiovascular Problems
• Eye Problems

A study done in Greece found that grapes still uphold their reputation for protective power through antioxidants. The study showed how the formation of cancer cells was inhibited by the extracts from grapes. Those extracts limit the activity of certain types of free radicals.

Cranberry – The cranberry is very tart and is commonly recommended by doctors for urinary tract infections. A study showed that it reduced E. coli bacteria in urine at twice the levels of the placebo. Cranberries are high in vitamin C and proanthocyanins, both of which are powerful antioxidants….which makes the cranberry another one of our antioxidant fruits.

The nutritional benefits of the cranberry are:

• Vitamin C
• Polyphenols

The cranberry can help with:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• High Cholestrol
• Antioxidant Protection

In the medical world, the cranberry is best known for its protective effects on the urinary tract. A 2006 study confirmed this information, showing that the cranberry can inhibit the formation and activity of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The cranberry’s capability to fight bacteria is one way it prevents and effectively treats urinary tract infections.

Passion Fruit – Native from southern Brazil through Paraguay to northern Argentina, the passion fruit (Passiflora edulis / P. edulis flavicarpa) is used for anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. There are two varieties of Passion Fruit – one that becomes dark purple in color when it reaches maturity and the other that is yellow at maturity. The fruit is often grown to eat or for its juice. A great product that has the passion fruit in it as well as 18 other antioxidant fighting fruits is this product. Traditional medicine uses it for urinary tract infections, much like the cranberry. The Vitamin C, potassium and other relaxing agents in passion fruit, may help with asthma or spasmodic coughing conditions.

The nutritional benefits of the passion fruit are:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fiber

The passion fruit can help with:

• Urinary Tract Infection
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Asthma

Studies suggest that passion fruit can fight chronix inflammation, which is increasingly being linked to more diseases.

Apricot – The velvety-orange skin apricot is known for its antioxidant properties and contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute overall to the health and protection of the heart and eyes.

Some nutritional benefits of an apricot are:

• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Fiber

The apricot can help with:

• Eye problems
• Heart Disease
• Stroke

In 2005, a study done by researchers in Spain was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, identifying the antioxidant compounds in apricots, including cyanidin-3-glucoside.

Prune – Prunes are the dried result of a plum. Surely, we all know the biggest benefit of prunes is regularity! Hallelujah for that! As we know, plums have impressive antioxidant properties, but when converted into prunes their antioxidant powers can increase by as much as 600 percent!

Some nutritional benefits of a prune are:

• Vitamins
• Anthocyanins
• Minerals

Prunes can help with:

• Aging-related conditions
• Constipation

A recent study done at Oklahoma State University found that prunes can help reverse bone loss due to menopause. It suggested that dried plums can reverse a particular process of osteoporosis previously thought to be irreversible.

Kiwi – The Kiwi Fruit was created in New Zealand, but originates from the Actinidia, which is native to Southern China. The fruit has a green-brown skin and inside is bright green flesh with rows of small black seeds. Kiwi has the ability to protect cell DNA from oxidant-related damage and it protects cardiovascular health. In addition to its protective qualities, kiwi provides generous amounts of vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, trace minerals and dietary fiber. Its potassium levels are slightly less than that of a banana.

Some nutritional benefits of the kiwi fruit are:

• Vitamins
• Fiber
• Minerals

The kiwi fruit can help with:

• Damaged DNA
• Eye Problems
• Cardiovascular conditions

Blueberry – Before the acai berry, the blueberry was touted as having very high antioxidant values when compared to other fresh fruits and vegetables. The anthocyanins in the berries are the chemicals responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflamatory properties.

Some nutritional benefits of the blueberry are:

• Anthocyanins
• Vitamins
• Minerals

The blueberry can help with:

• Heart Disease
• Memory Loss
• Urinary Tract Infections

In June 2006, Pharmacology and Biochemical Behavoir published a study which showed that diet supplementation with blueberries improved performance on memory tasks in mice. Also, the berry’s polyphenols help give it a protective effect on DNA damage.

Wolfberry – Although the wolfberry’s, also the goji berry, original habitat is unknown, researchers believe its origins are southeastern Europe or southwest Asia. China is the country that produces the wolfberry the most. The wolfberry contains lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) which helps the berry protect and repair cellular DNA. The berry is also an excellent source of 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals. Like the acai berry, it helps with sexual health, a natural viagra, if you will.

Some nutritional benefits of the wolfberry are:

• LBP
• Vitamins
• Amino Acids
• Minerals

The wolfberry can help with:

• Damaged DNA
• Sexual Dysfunction

In 2006, the World Journal of Gastroenterology suggested that extracts from the wolfberry help prevent the proliferation and induce the self-destruct mechanism (apoptosis) of certain types of liver cancer cells.

Pomegranate – In the last couple of years, the pomegranate has been all the rage…with new pomegranate juice appearing on the shelves. This seasonly available fruit is renowned for its nutritional properties. Studies show that the juice from the pomegranate is one of the most powerful antioxidants, which contains a very high level of polyphenols and other free radical-fighting agents.

Some nutritional benefits of the pomegranate are:

• Polyphenols
• Vitamins
• Anthocyanins

The pomegranate can help with:

• Arteriosclerosis
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes

In 2006 the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study which showed that “the polyphenolics in pomegranate can play an important role in the modulation of inflammatory cell signaling in colon cancer cells.”

Lychee – The lychee, a tropical fruit originally from Southern China, is gaining popularity in the United States. This low-calorie fruit has more Vitamin C than citrus fruits, as much fiber as an apple and potassium levels comparable to a banana.

Some nutritional benefits of the lychee are:

• Dietary Fiber
• Vitamin C
• Potassium

The lychee fruit can help with:

• Gastrointestinal Health
• Overall wellness

A study found in the Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology publication done by a Chinese team, found that the lychee fruit may have anti-breast cancer properties.

Camu Camu - A native of Peru, Camu-camu, or Myciaria dubia, is a purple-skinned
fruit with a diverse nutritional profile. It is essentially unknown in the United States, but is held in high esteem in Japan. The Japanese believe it improves mood, fights depression and increases energy levels.

• Potassium
• Flavonoids
• C Vitamins
• Amino Acids

Camu-camu can help with:

• Immune Disfunction
• Mood disorders
• Viral Infection
• Bacterial Function

In 2005, researchers in Brazil discovered that Camu-camu has a lot of antioxidant powers – many of which reduce a variety of diseases linked to the aging process.

Pear – The “common” or European pear is packed full with a variety of nutrients,
including dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C and several polyphenols. Research has concluded that pears may be able to help normalize blood sugar levels, boost metabolism and provide a variety of other health benefits.

The nutritional benefits of the Pear are:

• Potassium
• Dietary Fiber
• Vitamin C

The pear can help with:

• Gastrointestinal health
• Blood glucose
• Diabetic conditions

Banana – Your favorite snack food is popular for a reason. Bananas, as we all know,
are an excellent source of potassium and keep us from getting bruised easily. Bananas contain no fat, sodium or cholesterol. And is a great source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and magnesium in addition to potassium.

Some nutritional benefits of a banana are:

• B Vitamins
• Potassium
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium

The banana can help with:

• Sleep and nervous system health
• Blood cell health

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

Bilberry – The bilberry, a close relative to the blueberry, has impressive antioxidant properties and is historically linked to eye health. Studies indicate that bilberry, with its abundance of antioxidants, may also be effetive in protecting the body against carcinogens and free radicals. Some of its nutritional highlights include:

• Flavonoids
• Anthocyanins
• Resveratol

The bilberry can help with:

• Eye Problems
• Arthritis
• Heart Attack and Stroke
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea and dysentery

A study done in Canada in 2006, found that the bilberry can help and may be able to prevent and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson’s), mainly due to its antioxidant powers.

Our Healthy Family . . . History

Let me start from the beginning of our family. My wife and I lived in Palm Harbor, Florida since we got married in 1989. Our daughter was born in 1996 and our son in 1998. Living in Florida wasn’t that easy as insurance was high, taxes were high and salaries were low. We tried to have somewhat of a health lifestyle, but it was hard and expensive. Our daughter is healthy with the typical childhood issues. Our son has a form of ADHD known as Asperger’s with some OCD, Sensory issues and Tics (little things that he does that is not normal), but he was never diagnosed this in Florida. We move in 2006 to Cumming, Georgia where he was diagnosed and went through Psychologists, Psychiatrists and several different attempts with medicines that only made him sick, sleepless and lack of appetite and increased tics. Our Realtor who showed us numerous homes here in Georgia had become friends of ours and had introduced us to a healthy fruit drink that is not available in ANY store (no it is not) has many copycats but cannot match to what it has and we have been drinking it as a family since early July. The key is the 19 fruits. Best way to tell a products is by the first few ingredients that are listed. The benefits we have seen have been:

full nights sleep

more energy in the daytime

no fatigue after working in our yard planting trees, mowing, etc.

and our son has had even more results, due to his ADHD symptoms in the past he had meltdowns for when we were with a lot of people, he wouldn’t want to stop playing on the computer or XBOX unless you turned it off, he couldn’t get to sleep easily at night, he blamed me for all of his problems, he complained and had sit down strikes if he didn’t get fed at specific times, he had issues at school and he could finish his homework the first time. Now:

We went to the World of Coke in Atlanta and had to wait with 100’s of other people in line and even as the day progressed didn’t get to have lunch until later in the day. No complaints. We had to walk 3 blocks from the MARTA to and from the World of Coke, no complaints. When he is on the computer or XBOX, we let him know his time is up. He saves and exits without 2nd requests. He sleeps through the night. He has given me plenty of hugs and not blamed me for anything since. Schools started this week. No complaints from the school and he is doing his homework right away now.

Our daughter used to get up before 6 am every morning before the juice. Now she sleeps in (and can) since she doesn’t have to get up as early since her school day start at 9 am.

This is a great product. If you want to know more about this, email us.