Frequently Asked Questions
What is cupuaçu?
Cupuaçu, pronounced "cuu-pwah-SUU", and belonging to the cocoa family, the cupuaçu fruit grows on the cupuaçu tree in Brazil where it reaches up to 20 meters in height. It has been a primary food source for the hearty indigenous people of the often harsh Rainforest for centuries.
Cupuaçu's super-antioxidant theograndins are extremely effective at neutralizing free radicals. Thus, it is being recognized as the super-fruit of all fruits, and has gained the prestigious moniker by nutritional experts of "the pharmacy in a fruit". It is the latest and most significant discovery in the family of antioxidant-rich foods known as 'super-fruits'.
Researchers have also discovered that the polyphenols in cupuaçu are completely unique-they have never been seen before now. In fact, the antioxidants in cupuaçu are so unique they have been given their own name: theograndins. These super-antioxidant theograndins are more effective at neutralizing free radicals and strengthening the immune system and overall health, than any other superfruit on the market today.
According
to Dr. Jeffrey Klein, Ph. D.--a leading researcher in the field of antioxidants
and their effects on living organisms--the top 5 reasons to make cupuaçu a regular part of your diet include:
1. Beneficial effects on the immune system.
2. Healthier-looking hair and more radiant 'elastic' skin.
3. Beneficial effects on cholesterol levels that are already at their normal
level.
4. Increased libido and stamina.
5. Cell-protection in an 'antioxidant cocktail'.
Additinoally, cupuaçu has been shown to have beneficial effects on circulation. Rich in essential fatty acids, cupuaçu also plays a vital role in keeping cell membranes healthy, supporting heart health, having beneficial effects on joints and tissues, and maintaining feelings of well-being. Cupuaçu also gives you a natural boost of energy without caffeine or any jittery side effects.
Why Koopuwa™?
The human body is amazing. With the right nutrition, it can fight off the damage caused by injuries, stress, the sun and the environment. But our diets simply don't provide that kind of nutrition anymore.
That's where Koopuwa™ fights fearlessly to provide the human body with crucial, powerful antioxidants and vitamins that activate the body's natural powers to restore itself to health on the cellular level. Experts in antioxidant research marvel at how rich cupuaçu is in vitamins and antioxidants. Packed with as many as nine powerful antioxidants including vitamin C and A, as well as energizing B1, B2 and B3 vitamins, plus iron, fiber, and potassium, cupuaçu makes Koopuwa an antioxidant powerhouse in the war against free radical damage. Koopuwa gives your body an abundance of vital vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols that you simply can't get in your daily food intake.
What other ingredients are in Koopuwa? And how does it taste?
In addition to the stunning health benefits of cupuaçu, Koopuwa combines a exclusive blend of acai, pomegranate, blueberry, goji berry, yum berry, apple, pear, red grape and raspberry. Combined cupuaçu's exotic, creamy flavor with a tart citrus twist, your taste buds are in for a delicious, natural treat.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food; or by environmental exposure to pollutants such as tobacco smoke, fossil fuel emissions, and radiation. These molecules have an unpaired electron and are thus highly reactive in the body. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.
What do free radicals do to your body?
Free radicals damage human tissue. In the process of stealing an electron, heat is released which can damage surrounding tissue. An excess of free radicals causes a condition called oxidative stress, which has been associated with a majority of health conditions including, aging, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, stroke, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer.
What are antioxidants? How are they good for you?
To understand why antioxidants are so important, it is necessary to explain how oxidation works. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals, which start chain reactions that damage cells. An antioxidant is a molecule capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation of other molecules by donating, sharing, or accepting an electron from a free radical, thus terminating the chain reaction of oxidation.
The human body produces many of its own antioxidants, but there are still deficiencies which lead to oxidative stress. Having enough antioxidants available to combat free radicals is critical for maintaining good health. Antioxidants are substances that protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Fruits, herbs and berries contain powerful natural defenses in their pigments that protect the critical plant structures from oxidation. These same antioxidant pigments become phytonutrients when we consume them, providing our tissues with essential defense from free radical damage. Many of these phytonutrient pigments have whole body benefits, but others have tissue specific affinities in the body. For example, blueberry pigments concentrate in the macula of the eye providing protection from the damaging effects of sunlight and free radical damage.
What does ORAC stand for? Why is a high ORAC beneficial?
ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbency capacity. ORAC measures how much antioxidant activity there is in a food-not what causes it to have a high antioxidant level. That means a fruit can have unknown antioxidant compounds in it, and ORAC will still measure its antioxidant activity.
The classic ORAC test generates peroxyl radicals in an assay, introduces an antioxidant substance, and measures how many peroxyl radicals are left after the antioxidant has done its work. This allows for a quantitative measure of how well an antioxidant can react with a certain free radical.
What is Total ORACFN testing?
Total ORACFN(Total Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity for Food and Nutrition) is the latest patent-pending test from Brunswick Labs that measures broad-spectrum antioxidant potential against not one but five primary free radicals (reactive species), which include:
Peroxyl. The first and most commonly measured free radical by ORAC; it represents antioxidant capacity but does not measure complete or comprehensive antioxidant capacity. The ability to quench peroxyl is a meaningful, but measurement of comprehensive antioxidant capacity must include the other primary radicals as well.
Hydroxyl. A highly reactive molecule that cannot be eliminated by the body's own antioxidant defenses; i.e., we need to ingest antioxidants to protect against this harmful radical. Hydroxyl can damage virtually all macromolecules, including carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and amino acids. In the skin, hydroxyl radicals are created by UV exposure.
Peroxynitrite. Peroxynitrite is particularly harmful to proteins. It has been implicated in the development of various health issues including inflammation. In the skin, peroxynitrite contributes to the breakdown of vital proteins, such as collagen.
Superoxide Anion. A precursor of all other reactive oxygen species, this is sometimes referred to as "the mother of free radicals." It is highly toxic, contributes to lipid (fat) and DNA damage, and has been linked to hypertension and cardiovascular damage. Antioxidants that scavenge superoxide anion also help prevent the formation of radicals such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl.
Singlet Oxygen. In the skin, singlet oxygen is generated by UV. Inside our bodies it is linked to the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol and poor cardiovascular health. Singlet oxygen is highly unstable and durable, however, carotenoids are very effective at scavenging them.
As you can see, reactive species, come in many varieties and harm our bodies in different ways. Protection against one does not guarantee protection against the others.
What is the difference between the ORAC and ORACFN?
Classic ORAC tests only for the peroxyl radical. ORACFN tests for all five reactive oxygen species commonly found in the human body. This makes the ORACFN test much more similar to the conditions inside the body, and provides a more complete picture of antioxidants ability to protect against oxidative stress.
How does Koopuwa's Total ORACFN stack up against other juices?
Koopuwa is a carefully formulated blend of the world's most powerful superfoods which, when combined together, have a synergistic 'stacking' effect. Stacking occurs in nutrition when a combination of natural phytonutrients provides an exponentially higher health effect on the body than each of the compounds would have individually. Simply put: each of the nutritive properties of the nine fruits and berries in Koopuwa amplify and boost the effect of the other. Koopuwa combines the best of the super-foods to create a remarkable source of health-producing qualities. You can think of this "stacking effect" like layer after layer of armor protecting your cells and DNA.
Koopuwa' Total ORAC score was determined by the leading testing laboratory in its field, Brunswick Labs with a total ORACFN score of 275,426 µmole TE/liter! Here are the scores against each free radical:
Peroxyl radical scored 14,787 µmole TE/liter
Hydroxyl radical scored 43,720 µmole TE/liter
Proxy nitrite molecule scored 1647 µmole TE/liter
Super oxide anion scored 6169 µmole TE/liter
Singlet oxygen scored an amazing 209,103 µmole TE/liter
Koopuwa provides balanced protection against all five radicals.
Is ORAC fluctuation possible?
There are natural fluctuations that occur in fruits due to weather variances, soil conditions, and other variables. Maakoa does everything possible to ensure that the product stays consistent in terms of efficacy and flavor; however, some fluctuation will occur due to the natural ingredients.
What are phytonutrients?
Phytonutrients are plant-based compounds that may confer health benefits through antioxidants, along with anti-inflammatory properties and other mechanisms.
What are polyphenols?
Polyphenols are a large family of natural compounds widely found in plant foods.
How many antioxidants should I consume in a day?
The USDA suggests that we consume between 3,000 and 7,000 ORAC units per day - roughly three to five servings of fruits and vegetables. However, most nutritionists recommend doubling the USDA's suggestion to compensate for increased demand on the body.
Where is Koopuwa manufactured?
Maakoa has secured several manufacturing parters forKoopuwa, each of whom meet the GMP "A" rating; which is the highest possible rating given by the National Nutritional Foods Association.
Will Maakoa have difficulty sourcing cupuaçu?
We have contracted for adequate supplies of premium cupuaçu to accommodate our growth.We also have several sources of supply for cupuaçu and have no concerns about availability.
Can I drink too much Koopuwa?
While there have been no reported issues from consuming large servings of Koopuwa, it is made of potent fruit juices. As with all juice beverages, moderation is the best policy. We recommend starting with two ounces twice per day.
Is Koopuwa organic?
Koopuwa is 100% natural, but it is not certified as organic. Rest assured that that our producers follow strict standards of quality assurance and environmental responsibility. We also take important steps to ensure that our final product contains no herbicides or pesticides, and we test every batch before it is delivered to the consumer.
Are there natural phytonutrients and enzymes in Koopuwa?
Maakoa utilizes a microbial-targeted pasteurization process that is designed to prevent spoilage of the drink, while simultaneously preserving a high level of the natural enzymes and phytonutrients found in the ingredients.
What vitamins, nutrients, and minerals are in Koopuwa?
Because it is based on natural foods that contain countless vitamins and minerals, Koopuwa comprises numerous nutrient. To name a few, Koopuwa contains vitamin C and A; as well as the energizing B1, B2 and B3 Vitamins.
When can I expect to see results with Koopuwa?
Results will vary based on each person's individual nutritional needs. We recommend taking the product for six to eight weeks to experience maximum benefits.
Can I replace my current multi-vitamin with Koopuwa?
Multi-vitamins, generally speaking, are made from synthetic, laboratory-based imitations of natural compounds. Koopuwa is made from superfoods that are the source of countless natural phytonutrients. The actual vitamin and mineral content of Koopuwa, while high, may fluctuate, because each crop has some variation. However, it's clear that the body absorbs naturally occurring vitamins and minerals much more effectively than those that are synthetically created. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether to continue with your potions, lotions, and pills, or to make the switch to Koopuwa.
What is the advantage of a liquid supplement as compared to pills?
Liquids don't have to dissolve like tablets and capsules. Also, tablets and capsules require manufacturing and processing that can destroy the health-producing properties of the fruits, berries and herbs, thereby reducing the health benefits.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic supplements?
In short, it's the difference between something that's living and something that's not. Although a synthetic version may resemble some compounds found in natural foods, no test tube product can duplicate the number and structure of nutrients contained in natural food. Thousands of enzymes and phytonutrients, both known and unknown, contribute to nature's superfoods. Natural foods work together in a way that a man-made process can't possibly match.
Do I need to refrigerate Koopuwa?
Yes. Refrigeration and keeping the cap on the bottle will help to preserve the antioxidant capacity of Koopuwa. After opening, Koopuwa should be consumed within 30 days.
Are there any side effects to drinking Koopuwa?
The only known side effect to Koopuwa is the possibility of food or vitamin allergies. However, Koopuwa contains none of the ingredients listed by the USDA as the most likely suspects in food allergies.
What is the recommended daily amount of Koopuwa?
The recommended minimum daily intake is 2 ounces, twice daily. However, because Koopuwa is a natural food product, it's safe to take it in larger doses.
When is the best time of day to take Koopuwa?
Be sure to take your first serving of Koopuwa first thing in the morning with a healthy breakfast. The body is able to quickly ingest and absorb the critical nutrients in Koopuwa more effectively in the morning before consumption of more difficult-to-digest foods.
Do I need to take Koopuwa with food?
Koopuwa helps stimulate the stomach's digestive enzymes. For this reason, many consumers prefer to drink Koopuwa after eating.
How do natural foods help to replenish the body?
The natural enzymes and compounds necessary for healthy cells in the human body are also found in the cells of fruits, vegetables and herbs. A diet rich in a variety of natural superfoods helps to replenish the body by providing cells with replacements for the losses they incur over time.
What ingredients are in Koopuwa?
There are 11 fruits and berries in Koopuwa: Cupuaçu goji, açaí, pomegranate, wolfberry, Blueberry, yumberry, red rasberry, pear, red grape, and apple. There is never any added artificial sweeteners, artificial colors or artificial flavors in Koopuwa.
What kind of preservatives are in Koopuwa?
Sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid--Koopuwa uses the minimum amount of preservatives (0.06%) required to deliver the safest product with the freshest, most active ingredients.
Does Koopuwa contain caffeine?
Koopuwa does not contain caffeine. Cupuacu in the only member of the cacao (Chocolate) family that does not have caffeine in it.
How does Koopuwa increase energy?
Just as a well-tuned engine operates more powerfully, Koopuwa helps activate your body's cells, maximizing your body's efficiency and giving you more energy to help you get the most out of life.
Can I purchase a single bottle of Koopuwa?
Yes you can.
Is Koopuwa approved by the FDA?
Because it is a dietary supplement, Koopuwa is not classified as a food by the FDA and does not require its approval.
Is Koopuwa kosher?
Koopuwa is not kosher at this time.
Where is Koopuwa available for purchase?
Currently, Koopuwa is available for purchase in the United States and several Asain countries. Please check our web site for additional countries as they are opened.
Can pregnant and/or nursing women drink Koopuwa?
No contradictions have been found. However, we recommend that you consult with a nutritionally-oriented physician before starting something new during this special time in your life.
I'm currently taking medications. Can I drink Koopuwa?
We are unaware of any harmful interaction between the Koopuwa and medication. However, it is important to discuss any new supplements with your physician if you are taking medication.
Can infants and/or babies drink Koopuwa?
Koopuwa is helpful to people of all ages; and the ideal amount of depends largely on a person's size, lifestyle, and nutritional needs. However, you should consult with your child's pediatrician before introducing any nutritional supplements to her.
What is the shelf life of Koopuwa?
It has been determined that Koopuwa has a shelf life in unopened bottles of at least two years from the date of manufacture. When Maakoa first manufactured Koopuwa a one year expiration date was used until it was determed that Koopuwa would maintain its efficacy for at least two years.
Is Maakoa opening in the Asian market?
Maakoa LLC is not officially doing business in certain Asian countries. Maakoa will fully engage in business activities when Maakoa is fully licensed and approved to conduct business in specific countries/regions. Maakoa is in preparation to launch and conduct business internationally as licensing and legal requirements are met. Maakoa LLC. is in the process of acquiring our MLM license and getting our products registered. Until we are fully licensed to conduct such business, we are not officially doing business overseas. We will keep you updated on what countries we will be doing business in, and when we officially launch in those countries. As of June 4, 2010, we are not doing any official business, in Asian countries.
Have questions about Maakoa or Maakoa Products?
Please submit them by email to the following address:
info@maakoa.com