Daniel Tuan, VP of the Greater China Region, opened with a welcome speech and was followed by Dr. Morton’s Eleviv presentation. We had over 1,000 attendees at our city meetings!

This was a major event for our Hong Kong market. Our distributors and their guests were so excited, they started to line up hours before the meeting started!

Of course, our Dr. David Morton was a hit and was bombarded with his fans trying to get a picture with him! He shared the Eleviv story and also the importance of Xanthones and XANGO Juice. All in all, he was a rock star while visiting our Asian Markets.

See more pictures from this event.

If you’re reading this blog, then it’s likely that you have already heard of Eleviv™ – the natural dietary supplement for improving “Vigor” from XANGO. If this is your first exposure to Eleviv, then you may be wondering what exactly “Vigor” refers to – or if you’ve been using Eleviv for a period of time, you may be wondering how to best explain Eleviv to people you may want to share it with.

As the formulator of Eleviv, the way that I typically describe the product to people is that it is the BEST and ONLY dietary supplement that I know of for significantly improving psychological Vigor in people with stress. I then tell them that researchers define “Vigor” as “a 3-tiered sustained mood state characterized by physical energy, mental acuity, and emotional well-being.”

As such, Vigor is a true measure of wellness because it encompasses much more than simply feeling “energetic” or being in a “good mood” or having a “sharp” mind. People with high Vigor scores are those “can-do” individuals who feel like getting things done – they’re motivated – they have a certain “momentum” in their daily lives – and for lots of people, “Vigor” is a state that they have not experienced in many years. Feelings of low Vigor are common in our modern stress-filled world. Millions of us succumb to chronic stress and end up feeling “tired, stressed and depressed” because of specific metabolic imbalances (specifically, disruptions in hormones like cortisol and testosterone, and neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine) that lead to feelings of reduced Vigor.

When hormones like cortisol and testosterone are out of balance – we lack physical energy, so we often feel constantly fatigued and depressed. When neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine are out of balance – we lack mental energy, so we often feel unfocused and irritable. When we can maintain balance between our hormones and neurotransmitters, we also maintain our feelings of physical and mental energy (the combination of which is what we refer to as Vigor) – and Eleviv is a novel and effective approach to doing just that.*

Can You Restore Vigor? Yes! However, very few people outside of the research community have ever even heard of “Vigor” or have any idea that you can achieve it naturally by maintaining metabolic balance (the balance between hormones and enzymes and neurotransmitters that have become disrupted by chronic stress). We can attempt to temporarily “reduce” fatigue with an energy drink or other stimulant, but that approach does not restore Vigor. Instead, energy drinks and related options are inadequate solutions because they do not address the underlying cause of low Vigor (metabolic imbalance). In fact, not only do energy drinks not restore Vigor, they are more likely to increase tension and anxiety (two other indications of “mood state” that we can measure in our studies). True Vigor goes much beyond what most people associate with energy/fatigue—it really gets to the heart of how people want to feel.

Shawn M Talbott, Ph.D. is the author of “Vigor – 7 Days to Unlimited Energy, Focus, and Well-Being” (www.VigorBook.com)

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second‐most consumed beverage in the world (water is the first) and has been used medicinally for centuries in India, China, and throughout Asia. A number of beneficial health effects are attributed to regular consumption of green tea and dried/powdered extracts of green tea are available as dietary supplements. Green tea is prepared by picking, lightly steaming the leaves, and allowing them to dry. Black tea, the most popular type of tea in the U.S., is made by allowing the leaves to ferment before drying. Due to differences in the fermentation process, a portion of the active compounds are destroyed in black tea, but remain active in green tea. The active constituents in green tea are a family of polyphenols (catechins) with potent antioxidant activity. Tannins, large polyphenol molecules, form the bulk of the active compounds in green tea, with catechins comprising nearly 90%. A number of commercial green tea extracts are standardized to total polyphenol content and/or catechin content and many are marketed with claims for preventing cancer, enhancing immune function, boosting antioxidant protection, reducing cholesterol, and stimulating weight loss. The green tea extract used in the Eleviv formula is a hot-water extract that is concentrated for 30% catechins. As part of the extraction and concentration process, the extract loses both caffeine and theanine (an amino acid naturally found in green tea leaves). IN the Eleviv formula, we replace the lost theanine by adding back pure L-theanine, but we leave out the caffeine – so the “energy boost” that so many people feel when they try Eleviv is not from a stimulant effect, but instead is due to a restoration of Metabolic Balance and Vigor.

In some studies, green tea is associated with a mild increase in thermogenesis (increased caloric expenditure) – which is sometimes erroneously attributed to its caffeine content. A handful of studies have shown that green tea extract stimulates thermogenesis to an extent much greater than can be attributed directly to its caffeine content alone – meaning that the thermogenic properties of green tea may be due to a synergistic interaction between small levels of naturally‐occurring caffeine and its high content of catechin‐polyphenols. A probable theory for the thermogenic effect of green tea is an increase in levels of norepinephrine – because catechin‐polyphenols are known to inhibit catechol‐O‐methyl‐transferase (the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine). Several studies have examined the norepinephrine-increasing effects of green tea extracts, showing that 24‐hour urinary norepinephrine excretion was 40% higher during consumption of green tea extract (compared to placebo). Because norepinephrine levels in humans are also associated with alertness, mental focus, attention, and overall mood – maintaining normal levels of this important neurotransmitter may have benefits for improving mood (reducing depression) and maintaining mental function (reducing attention deficit symptoms) through a mechanism of action similar to a number of pharmaceutical agents (Concerta, Strattera, Effexor).

Green tea consumption of as much as 20 cups per day has not been associated with any significant side effects (aside those associated with excessive caffeine consumption if the tea has not been decaffeinated). In high doses, however, teas that contain caffeine may lead to restlessness, insomnia, heart palpitations and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). Decaffeinated versions of green tea and green tea extracts are available – but due to differences in extraction methods, the amounts of catechin compounds and theanine can vary between extracts.

Theanine is a unique amino acid found in the leaves of green tea. Theanine is quite different from the polyphenol/ catechin antioxidants for which green tea is typically consumed. In fact, through the natural production of polyphenols, the tea plant converts theanine into catechins. This means that tea leaves harvested during one part of the growing season may be high in catechins (good for antioxidant benefits and norepinephrine levels), while leaves harvested during another time of year may be higher in theanine (good for anti‐stress and cortisol‐controlling effects, as well as improving dopamine levels).

A unique function of theanine is that it acts as a non‐sedating relaxant to help increase the brain’s production of alpha‐waves (those associated with “relaxed alertness”). This makes theanine extremely effective for combating tension, stress, and anxiety—without inducing drowsiness. By increasing the brain’s output of alpha waves, theanine is thought to control anxiety, increase mental focus, improve concentration, and promote creativity.

Research studies are quite clear on the facts that people who produce more alpha brain waves also have less anxiety; that highly creative people generate more alpha waves when faced with a problem to solve; and that elite athletes tend to produce a burst of alpha waves on the left side of their brain during their best performances (when they are “in the zone”).

In addition to being considered a “relaxing” substance (in adults), theanine has also been shown to have benefits for improving learning performance (in mice), and promoting concentration (in students). One of the most unique aspects of theanine activity is its ability to increase the brain’s output of alpha waves – perhaps by serving as a precursor for production of dopamine in the brain. Alpha waves are one the four basic brain brain‐wave patterns (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) that can be monitored using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Each wave pattern is associated with a particular oscillating electrical voltage in the brain, and the different brain brain‐wave patterns are associated with different mental states and states of consciousness (Theta = Drowsiness; Alpha = Relaxed/Alertness; Beta = Stress/Anxiety).

No adverse side effects are associated with theanine consumption – making it one of the leading natural choices for promoting relaxation without the sedating effects of depressant drugs and herbs. When considering the potential benefits of theanine as an anti‐stress or anti‐cortisol supplement, it is important to distinguish its non‐ sedating relaxation benefits from the tranquilizing effects of other “relaxing” supplements such as valerian and kava, which are actually mild central central‐ nervous nervous‐system depressants. When combined with green tea leaf catechins (to maintain norepinephrine levels and mental focus) the anti-stress and relaxation benefits of theanine (likely via an improvement in dopamine levels) can be measured as improved “Focus” and as the “mental energy” aspect of Vigor that is uniquely found in the Eleviv formulation.

About the author: Dr. Shawn Talbott holds a MS in Exercise Science (Univ Massachusetts), an EMP in Entrepreneurship (MIT), and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry (Rutgers). He is the author of more than 200 articles and 8 books on health and wellness, including his new book, “Vigor – 7 days to Unlimited Energy, Focus, and Well-Being” (www.VigorBook.com – 100% of profits support Operation Smile). Dr. Talbott is a scientific advisor to XANGO.

Let’s face it: Dad’s hard to shop for. All he really wants for Father’s Day is a Porsche, and though he’d settle for a fresh pair of knee-high socks, you want to find something you can afford that he’ll really love.

Go for the XANGO Father’s Day Promo Pack. Available May 17 to June 30, this collection includes a 60ct bottle of Eleviv™ to promote Dad’s natural vigor, the nutrition of XANGO 3SIXTY5 for Men and a classy stainless steel flask. The perfect Father’s Day gift, this collection will leave dad healthy, energized and de-stressed. It’s what Dad didn’t know he really wanted.

You can view the scientific abstract below and the PowerPoint or Adobe Acrobat versions.

The study was an evaluation of the effects of XANGO Juice/Eleviv on measures of C-Reactive Protein levels, Metabolic Balance, and Mood State. We supplemented subjects with 6 ounces of XANGO Juice plus 2 capsules of Eleviv (or a placebo juice/capsule regimen) everyday for 4 weeks. Compared to the placebo group, the subjects taking the supplements showed significant benefits in terms of reduced CRP levels (-59% CRP), improved Metabolic Balance (+421% ratio between “buildup” and “breakdown” hormones), and elevated Mood (-32% Tension and +27% Vigor).*

As a scientist who studies and educates about natural products, the most exciting part of the study was our finding that these products are truly “synergistic” with each other – meaning that each product helps the other to work better. We have already known for several years that XANGO Juice is effective in helping to lower CRP levels in the body.* It is important to balance these levels for optimal health – and XANGO Juice performs this function wonderfully. Likewise, we have also known for several years that the Eleviv formulation is effective at maintaining normal Metabolic Balance (the ratio of breakdown or “catabolic” hormones to buildup or “anabolic hormones) and improving Mood State (how we feel on a daily basis – especially the “physical/mental energy” that we measure as Vigor).*

By “synergy” I mean that these products are not simply “additive” or “complementary” to each other – but that they truly help each other to perform their own primary function in a superior manner (to a greater degree and in a shorter amount of time). For example, previous supplementation studies of “only” XANGO Juice have shown a significant and important reduction in CRP levels (up to 36% reduction in 8 weeks). But, this new study shows that by adding Eleviv to XANGO Juice, we can get a greater reduction in CRP levels (59% reduction) in a shorter period of time (4 weeks) – which is an example of true synergy (and which is so rare to see within the nutrition industry). We see the same synergistic benefits of adding XANGO Juice to Eleviv – where previous studies of Eleviv have shown significant improvements in Metabolic Balance (15-20% improvement) and Mood State (25-27% improvement in Tension and Vigor) over the course of 8-12 weeks – but when both products are used together, we see both Metabolic Balance (421%) and Mood State (27-32%) improved to a greater degree and in a shorter period of time (4 weeks).*

These new data are exciting for a number of reasons. First, they show us quite clearly that there is a range of positive “metabolic” effects from both products. Next, from a scientific perspective, these data support the concept that the combination of XANGO Juice plus Eleviv creates a “positive cascade” effect in the body whereby balancing CRP levels and stress hormone responses simultaneously has overlapping effects that extend and magnify the primary benefits of each product. Finally, from a consumer perspective, these results show us that people can derive meaningful health and well-being benefits quickly when both products are used together at recommended intake levels.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

I used Twitter to update everyone on my progress throughout the race – just in case I got lost, they could send out a rescue squad! (I am @DocTalbott and you can follow me at http://twitter.com/DocTalbott)

I only got lost once – on the first lap with 5 other new “friends” – but we realized our mistake after about 3/4 of a mile – so we only added a “bonus” 1.5 miles to our day (boy, did I regret those extra steps in the last 10 miles)!

I was a little nervous the day before the event – but I knew that my training was good and my mental status was good (though many people would beg to differ – thinking that running 100 miles is plain crazy).

Here is a picture of some of my most important “equipment” for the race:

I knew that I would be able to benefit from the joint and cartilage support of XANGO Juice and the energy/mood/mental focus benefits of Eleviv – and I have to say that I felt more focused and balanced for this race than for any race in the past (and I’ve done lots) – so I’m pretty sure that XANGO and Eleviv are going to become permanent additions to my race bag from now on…

I have also heard great reports about XANGO Juice helping to alleviate various types of stomach complaints – so I figured I’d give it a go to help calm the gurgling stomach issues that befall many ultrarunners in the later stages of the event. This is me getting some refreshment at mile 20:

I felt strong and steady the entire duration of the race – and tried to keep each of the 20-mile loops in about the same range of times:

1st 20 miles = 4 hours and 15 min (with the 1.5 “bonus” miles)
2nd 20 = 4:03
3rd 20 = 4:33
4th 20 = 4:30
5th 20 = 5:44 (ouch!) I made the mistake of sitting down when I came into the aid station at mile 80 – big mistake because my quads got really tight and hurt like heck for the last 20 miles. Thankfully, my amazing wife Julie was all suited up and ready to run the last 20 with me – in the cold – and the pitch dark – did I mention the coyotes howling their heads off? (I think I owe her a night out)!

The last 20 was a combination jog, walk, shuffle, grumble – you get the idea – but we were able to cross the finish line in a shade over 23 hours (23:05) and claim that silver belt buckle for a sub-24h finish!

You would have laughed out loud to see a gang of Rocky Raccoon finishers watching the Super Bowl the next day at the local Mexican restaurant. We were shuffling around the place like a bunch of geriatric patients – it was hilarious that we had all run 100 miles the previous day and now could barely make it from the table to the salsa bar.

I have a number of other endurance goals coming up throughout the 2010 season – and I’m sure that both Eleviv and XANGO Juice will help get me thru each of them. Thanks XANGO!

• Day 1 of the Mexico Regional included an energetic press conference, informative breakout sessions, and the XANGO store introduction of our top selling item–Eleviv.
• Day 2 brought down the house with XANGO honorary celebrities:
  • 500K Dwayne Dyer and 100K Eliseo Lee sharing the business potential of Eleviv.
  • Robert Conlee relaying the XANGO vision.
  • Joe and Gordon Morton who brought the crowd to the height of energy as only the Morton brothers can.
  • Larry Macfarlane and Mexico GM, Shane Brady, showing how the powerhouse team of XANGO Juice and Eleviv synergistically work together.

While all the Mexico event happenings were fun and even addicting, the real work on business building with Eleviv in Mexico begins this week.  We have some great tools to help you along the way.  Check out our full Spanish display of product information on www.XANGO.com.mx.  Learn about Eleviv science, measure your vigor score and much more.

All in all, I loved my trip to Mexico.  Of course I overdosed on tacos, danced a mean Mexican salsa and took in the amazing wonders of the Mayan pyramids.  But hands down, my favorite experience in Mexico was being with our Mexican distributors and hearing their stories of how Eleviv is changing their lives and will boost their business growth.  Viva la Mexico!!

For all participants taking Eleviv, total stress scores were significantly decreased after one week of supplementation and stayed significantly lower for the duration of the study as compared to the placebo group (figure 1).

Figure 1: Stress Measurement

For all participants taking Eleviv, total tension/anxiety scores were significantly improved after one week of supplementation and stayed significantly lower for the duration of the study as compared to the placebo group (figure 2).

Figure 2: Tension/Anxiety Measurement

Eleviv capsules significantly reduced POMs Depression-Dejection* scores from baseline to each of the other 4 weeks (figure 3).

Figure 3: Depression-Dejection* Measurement

In the end, the study showed a direct correlation between the participants’ ratings of their general health and the dosage taken. As the dosage increased, the participants’ scores increased showing more energy, better mood, and better overall health.

So, to answer the question, “what is the right amount of Eleviv for you?” You be the judge. Evaluate how you’re feeling on your current dose of Eleviv and make adjustments as needed. Do you need a little more? Maybe a little less? The good news is, our study conclusions showed in all groups that Eleviv reduced stress, tension, and depression scores while promoting better mood, activity and energy.

*Referring to the degree of a healthy mood state as assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS), not to depression as a clinical disease.

During the past seven years, XANGO has created three new wellness categories. From XANGO Juice we saw the new category of the Mangosteen Beverage, from Glimpse we saw Topical Skin Nutrition, and from Eleviv the category of Vigor. These category-creators have generated thousands of stories. And we say to you, “tell your story, share your story with everyone”. And share them with us too at testimonials@XANGO.com.

As you continually share your story, the business opportunity amplifies and ultimately will put money in your pockets. And that’s good news in 2010.

Here’s a story that I would like to share with you about Eleviv and the category of Vigor. It comes from Greg Bullis in Virginia.

Greg’s story is amazing, and there are many more out there that we want to share. Send us your stories at testimonials@XANGO.com and we will keep posting more.

Alena

I hate to sound like a Scrooge (because I truly love the Holiday Season), but it’s interesting to note that when New Year Day rolls around, “reduce my stress levels” is second only to “lose some weight” among the most popular New Year resolutions. This is encouraging, not only because stress is associated with a higher risk for many diseases, but also because of the many very effective, very easy-to-follow strategies that can help control stress.

The link between stress and disease is partly due to the fact that stress generally encourages us to eat more and exercise less – which is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing when we’re under stress. It also appears that these higher stress levels also cause a direct change in the body’s metabolic machinery – so brain cells shrink, immune cells shutoff, and both mood and energy levels plummet. Think about it – this means that holiday stress is making us feel moody, fatigued, bloated, confused, irritable, and sick – not exactly the type of “holiday cheer” you’re probably looking for in your stocking…

A key culprit in these metabolic changes appears to be an imbalance between body’s primary stress hormone (cortisol) and its primary anabolic (building) hormone, testosterone. Cortisol is one of the hormones involved in the body’s “Fight or Flight” reaction to stress – so in this way cortisol is a “good” thing. But prolonged exposure to cortisol, such as those that we’ll all experience during this holiday season, are most certainly a “bad thing” because of the growing link between cortisol and health problems. Even worse than simply being exposed to elevated cortisol, however, is having an imbalance between cortisol (too much) and testosterone (too little) – because that imbalance appears to be at the heart of the epidemic of depression and fatigue that we see (in men and women) across all parts of our modern society.

So how do we deal with this? There are many ways to reduce stress, but remember that strategic supplementation is a positive step towards healthy metabolic balance – which can also lead to better mood and less fatigue. In one particular clinical study that I conducted over the Holidays and presented at the peer-reviewed American College of Sports Medicine Scientific Conference, people who started the Holiday Season being “Tired, Stressed, and Depressed” – were able to significantly improve their feelings of well-being (+20%), mood (+40%), energy (+41%), and mental focus (+14%) by maintaining normal metabolic balance. So keep up with your supplementation regimen and enjoy the rest of the Holiday Season!