In the May 2008 issue of Maxim Magazine, our Functional Instant Noodles struck all the right cords as the editors praised our nutrition and functional ingredients, attractive packaging design, and our safe and environmentally friendly packaging!

“This Bowl is Great for Your Health - Other brands of instant noodles with intense flavors will have to move over now that this Bowl is here!

We have all been eating instant noodles for a long time now. As tasty as they are, most people probably try to limit their consumption because of concerns about the lack of nutrition. This issue, however, will be a concern no more as a new brand new brand of instant noodles, Red Chopsticks, is daring to be different. New thinking and making it a reality to create a healthy product with added functional ingredients. Isn’t that awesome?!!

The functional ingredients are different for each of the Bowls and flavors. There are 4 varieties to choose from: Beauty Bowl - Chicken Flavor with added marine collagen, Power Bowl - Hot and Sour Shrimp (Tom Yum) Flavor with added L-Carnitine, Kid Bowl - Seafood Flavor with added Omega-3 and DHA, Green Bowl - Seaweed Flavor with added dietary fiber Inulin-Oligofructose.

Besides being packed with nutritious and beneficial ingredients, the bowl packaging is also attractively designed as well! The bowl material is tolerant of high temperatures and is microwaveable. For those that want to reuse the bowls in order to reduce the amount of garbage and decrease our impact on global warming, it is something that should be encouraged! After you are finished with reading this article, rush to the nearest Tops Market or Central Food Hall nationwide for a taste! “

Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) produced by many types of plants.[1] They belong to a class of fibers known as fructans. Inulin is used by some plants as a means of storing energy and is typically found in roots or rhizomes. Most plants which synthesize and store inulin do not store other materials such as starch.

Inulin is indigestible by the human enzymes ptyalin and amylase, which are adapted to digest starch. As a result, inulin passes through much of the digestive system intact. It is only in the colon that bacteria metabolise inulin, with the release of significant quantities of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and/or methane. Inulin-containing foods can be rather gassy, particularly for those unaccustomed to inulin, and these foods should be consumed in moderation at first.

There are two types of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber increases the movement of materials through the digestive system and increases stool bulk; it is especially helpful for those suffering from constipation or stool irregularity. Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gelatinous material. Some soluble fibres may help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Inulin is considered a soluble fiber.

Because normal digestion does not break inulin down into monosaccharides, it does not elevate blood sugar levels and may therefore be helpful in the management of diabetes. Inulin also stimulates the growth of bacteria in the gut.Inulin passes through the stomach and duodenum undigested and is highly available to the gut bacterial flora. This contrasts with proprietary probiotic formulations based on Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in which the bacteria have to survive very challenging conditions through the gastrointestinal tract before they are able to colonize the gut.

Some traditional diets contain up to 20g per day of inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides. Many foods naturally high in inulin or fructo-oligosaccharides, such as chicory, garlic, and leek, have been seen as “stimulants of good health” for centuries.

Prestige Magazine, the lifestyle magazine of choice for Asia’s affluent and influential that is packed full of useful, relevant material that enriches, informs and entertains, has graciously included our products on their Food News page!

Beauty Bowl

“Instant noodles have now gone hi-tech and hi-tasty. Mawai Food Corporation has got folks in a slurping frenzy with its four healthy varieties of Red Chopsticks noodles: Beauty Bowl, Kid Bowl, Power Bowl and Green Bowl. As seen here, the chicken flavoured Beauty Bowl is a rich source of marine collagen, the main protein of connective tissue in animals and humans. It makes up some 25% of total protein content and its rejuvenating effects include increasing the skin’s moisutre content and flexibility while improving conditions such as kurtosis (skin roughness). info@redchopsticksbrand.com”

Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Both the Omega-3 Alpha-linolenic acid and OmegA-6 linoleic acid are essential nutrients which must be obtained from food.

People with certain circulatory problems, such as varicose veins, benefit from fish oil. Fish oil stimulates blood circulation, increases the breakdown of fibrin, a compound involved in clot and scar formation, and it lowers the blood pressure. There is strong scientific evidence, that Omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels and regular intake reduces the risk of secondary and primary heart attack.

Some benefits have been reported in such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiac arrhythmias.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid.

DHA is a major fatty acid in sperm and brain phospholipids, and especially in the retina. Dietary DHA may reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the level of blood triglyceride in humans. Low levels of DHA result in reduction of brain serotonin levels and have been associated with AHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression, among other diseases, and there is mounting evidence that DHA supplementation may be effective in combating such diseases.

Trans fat is the common name for a type of unsaturated fat with trans- isomer fatty acid(s). Trans fats may be monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.

Most trans fats consumed today are industrially created by partially hydrogenating plant oils — a process developed in the early 1900s and first commercialized as Crisco in 1911. The goal of partial hydrogenation is to add hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats, making them more saturated. These more saturated fats have a higher melting point, which makes them attractive for baking and extends their shelf-life. Another particular class of trans fats, vaccenic acid, occurs naturally in trace amounts in meat and dairy products from ruminants.

Unlike other dietary fats, trans fats are neither required nor beneficial for health[1] and, in fact, the consumption of trans fats increases one’s risk of coronary heart disease by raising levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and lowering levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. [3] Health authorities worldwide recommend that consumption of trans fat be reduced to trace amounts. Trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils are generally considered to be more of a health risk than naturally occurring oils.

Partially hydrogenated oils have been used in food for many reasons. Partial hydrogenation increases product shelf life and decreases refrigeration requirements. Because baking often requires semi-solid fats to suspend solids at room temperature, partially hydrogenated oils can replace the animal fats traditionally used by bakers (such as butter and lard).

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) advises the United States and Canadian governments on nutritional science for use in Public policy and product labeling programs. Their 2002 Dietary reference intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids contains their findings and recommendations regarding consumption of trans fat (summary).

Their recommendations are based on two key facts. First, “trans fatty acids are not essential and provide no known benefit to human health”, whether of animal or plant origin. Second, while both saturated and trans fats increase levels of LDL cholesterol (so-called bad cholesterol), trans fats also lower levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol); thus increasing the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The NAS is concerned “that dietary trans fatty acids are more deleterious with respect to CHD than saturated fatty acids”. This analysis is supported by a 2006 New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) scientific review that states “from a nutritional standpoint, the consumption of trans fatty acids results in considerable potential harm but no apparent benefit.”[

Cleo is one of the most popular women’s magazines and is famous for being packed with fashion, news, informative articles and also useful tips.

In the March 2008 issue, our Red Chopsticks Functional Instant Noodles got a great mention again in their “Eat Right by Plypular” Section. Here’s what they had to say:

“”Bowl Noodles that Do Your Health No Harm

Generally, instant noodle products may be a convenient product, but it doesn’t have much benefits. They lack in nutritional value, and has a high fat content. If you enjoy eating them to satisfy your desire, then it is ok. However, if you wanted it to sustain your life with them, we would definitely not recommend it.

A new entrant is set to change that! Bowl instant noodles under the Red Chopsticks Brand, are products that have added functional ingredients in order for it to truly be beneficial for your health. For instance, the Chicken flavor has added marine collagen, suitable for women. Their Shrimp Tom Yum (Hot and Sour Shrimp) flavor had added L-Carnitine and is suitable for those who like to exercise and play sports. The Seafood flavor had added Omega-3s and is beneficial for children’s development. Lastly, the Seaweed flavor has added soluble dietary fiber that is good for gut health. Furthermore, the entire bowl can be micro-waved safely without any potential harm to your health as well.”

Shape is one of the most read and authoritative fitness magazine’s available. Their motto is “Smart Active Lifestyle”

In the March 2008 issue, in the Eat Rights section of the magazine, our Red Chopsticks were mentioned again in the Events and Promotions page.

“Instant Noodles with Added Functional Ingredients

Mawai Food Corporation Ltd would like to introduce their Functional Instant Noodles under the Red Chopsticks Brand. There are 4 flavors available. Beauty Bowl - Chicken flavor has added marine collagen. Power Bowl - Shrimp Tom Yum (Hot and Sour Shrimp) flavor has added L-Carnitine. Kid Bowl - Seafood Flavor has added Omega-3 and DHA. Green Bowl - Seaweed flavor has added soluble dietary fiber.

Available in stores at Tops Markets and Central Food Hall stores nationwide.”

Dietary fibers are the indigestible portion of plant foods that move food through the digestive system, absorbing water and making defecation easier. Dietary fiber consists of non-starch polysaccharides such as cellulose and many other plant components such as dextrins, inulin, lignin, waxes, chitins, pectins, beta-glucans and oligosaccharides.

Sources of dietary fiber are usually divided according to whether they are water-soluble or not. Both types of fiber are present in all plant foods, with varying degrees of each according to a plant’s characteristics. Insoluble fiber possesses passive water-attracting properties that help to increase bulk, soften stool and shorten transit time through the intestinal tract. Soluble fiber undergoes metabolic processing via fermentation, yielding end-products with broad, significant health effects.

On average, North Americans consume less than 50% of the dietary fiber levels required for good health. In the preferred food choices of today’s youth, this value may be as low as 20%, a factor considered by experts as contributing to the obesity crisis seen in many developed countries.

In clinical trials to date, these fiber sources were shown to significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels — thus are important to general cardiovascular health– and to lower risk of onset for some types of cancer.

Consistent intake of fermentable fiber through foods like berries and other fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts is now known to reduce risk of some of the world’s most prevalent diseases — obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and numerous gastrointestinal disorders. In this last category are constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and colon cancer–all disorders of the intestinal tract where fermentable fiber can provide healthful benefits.

Other examples of fermentable fiber sources (from plant foods or biotechnology) used in functional foods and supplements include inulin, fructans, xanthan gum, cellulose, guar gum, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and oligo- or polysaccharides.

nsufficient fiber in the diet can complicate defecation. Low-fiber feces are dehydrated and hardened, making them difficult to evacuate — defining constipation and possibly leading to development of hemorrhoids.

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends a minimum of 20-35 g/day for a healthy adult depending on calorie intake (e.g., a 2000 cal/8400 kJ diet should include 25 g of fiber per day). The ADA’s recommendation for children is that intake should equal age in years plus 5 g/day (e.g., a 4 year old should consume 9 g/day).

The British Nutrition Foundation has recommended a minimum fiber intake of 12-24 g/day for healthy adults.

Health Plus, a popular magazine for the health conscious, made a spotlight mention of our products to recommend to their readers in the March 2008 issue.

“Chopsticks
Mawai Food Corporation would like to recommend a new type of instant noodles (functional instant noodles). There are many flavors available four available under the Red Chopsticks Brand. For more information, please call 02-706-3755 or 081-623-5865 or visit www.mawaifoods.com”

What is Polypropylene Plastic?

Polypropylene or polypropene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer, made by the chemical industry and used in a wide variety of applications, including packaging, ropes, textiles, stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes. An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids.

Polypropylene is rugged, often somewhat stiffer than some other plastics, reasonably economical, and can be made translucent when uncolored but not completely transparent.

It can also be made opaque and/or have many kinds of colors. Polypropylene has very good resistance to fatigue, so that most plastic living hinges, such as those on flip-top bottles, are made from this material.

Polypropylene has a melting point of 160 °C (320 °F), making it easily Microwave Safe! Many plastic items for medical or laboratory use can be made from polypropylene because it can withstand the heat in an autoclave. Food containers made from it will not melt in the dishwasher, and do not melt during industrial hot filling processes.

Polypropylene is most commonly used for plastic moldings where it is injected into a mold while molten, forming complex shapes such as bowls, bottle tops, bottles and fittings.

Even our stickers are made of PP materials too! Same materials make recycling of our packaging not only possible, but highly encouraged as well! Do it for the environment!

Before you toss it out though, REUSE, REUSE, REUSE! The bowls are food grade which makes them safe for storage of essentially anything, from toys, foods, stationary, or even plants! The more use you get from them, the better! The bowl and lid are easy to clean - plus, the sticker feels off easily because it’s plastic, not paper!

No foil, no messy glue residue, no melted brittle foam bits, and no wax covered paper cups! No questions about whether there is any wax film that could possible melt and line your stomachs!

We chose this material multiple reasons but this is one aspect that the consumer can feel especially good about as waste and garbage issues are a rising global issue that affects every community.

You can find all sorts of products, especially food packaging materials, that use this same material. Internationally, the recycling sign with a numerical 5 also means it is made from PP as well.