Mila, marketed by Lifemax, is priced at $50. for a 1lb bag. The exact same product is available from a variety if in-store and online sites for roughly $13.00. No wonder the Lifemax consultants are working so hard to get other sales people to join the "team" and sell. The profit margin to them in this Ponzi scheme must be great.
Why would a "friend" want to hook you on something that costs you $37.00 more than what you could get down the street or online elsewhere - because your friend is lining her / his pocket at your expense.
Take a look at the material behind the website and it is ALL about how much money you can make as a consultant - nothing about the health benefits of the product. Mila is no different that the Cha seed sold by other retailers, and the others provide lots more information and support for 1/4 the cost.
Don't be ripped-off, fooled, sucked in or taken advantage of by high pressure, manipulative sales tactics employed by your "friends" who seem to have morphed into snake oil selling cult members.
11 Updates & Rebuttals
Higherhawk
Denver,North Carolina,
USA
Mila Truth
#12Consumer Comment
Thu, October 08, 2015
The person who made the angry report about Mila obviously has never tried it. There is a difference in chia seeds out there if you do your research. In fact there are over 30 different types of chia out there and not all of them give you the same benefits. Mila is a blend of the best ones. I have been eating Mila for 2 years now and it helped lower my cholesterol as well as give me a healthy source of omega 3's. And Mila isn't ground it is what is called cold fractured because the heat of what you normally have in a grinder extracts some of the needed oils out of the seeda when you grind them. I have tried chia seeds from different stores and it's not the same. I have tried whole seeds and they seem to pass through you whole. Mila is higher priced but it is worth it and 1 bag lasts me a month so $50 a month is not that much. I also give Mila to my dog who is older and has joint pain and it makes a huge difference with him everyday. So before you start going off about the price try the product and realize not all chia seeds are the same.
AlexDaCat
Perth,Nationwide,
Australia
Here's the Proof! Mila is a RIPOFF
#12General Comment
Thu, January 03, 2013
So many people that are Pro Mila need to seriously take a look at why they want to believe such a ludicrous scam! Seriously... I can believe how Cults are started with the supporters for this ripoff after reading all the reviews from obviously LifeMax employees and their gullible friends and buyers! Here is the fact that I presented to the LifeMax representatives when they tried to get me to sign away hundred but really Thousands of my hard earned money!!
Attached is the Graph I showed the top seller at the Mila promotion and she couldn't answer the fact that Mila is a ripoff! Sure Mila is good... It's Chia Seeds... and for those of you who say Mila is better than Chia Seeds you sure have been brainwashed and need to go and sign up with Scientology!! So when I read that Mila is better than Chia seeds I'm thinking... "these people are pretty dumb"
I don't want to be offensive but really??? You would rather give your hard earned money to someone that wants to line their pockets... How about giving the extra money you waste on mila to supporting the sick, animal rights, Children without families etc etc... They sure can use the money rather than the money hungry entrepeures who own Lifemax..
Dave Hunt
GREENSBOO,North Carolina,
United States of America
Mila helped my arthritis
#12General Comment
Wed, December 19, 2012
I am 75 years old. Obviously, that writer has anger issues and obviously didn't give Mila a fair trial. My 10-level arthritis pain in my back and legs was so severe that I had to use a cane just to walk 30 feet from my door to my car. I could not walk up any stairs without the cane and extreme pain.
Three medical doctors, my G.P., an orthopedic specialist m.d. and a neurosurgeon m.d. each examined me and ordered MRI, MRA and Xrays of my hips, legs and full spine. As a result, each of the m.d.s said the problem was arthritis in the spine which was causing pinched nerves resulting in the various pains.
One doc said I needed back surgery. One said he could give me steroid injections which might help. All 3 doctors prescribed narcotics to limit the pain during the daytime and so I could sleep at night. I opted for no surgery and I had heard bad things about the spinal injections. So I went on the drugs, much to my dismay. I hate taking pills!
My daughter, a very successful practicing attorney and health food eater and athlete, suggested I try Mila as it had helped her with some issues. She got me a bag of Mila. I did not expect the Mila to do anything for me.
I thought it was just another fad.
NOT SO.
The results were astounding.
After 3 weeks eating two tablespoonsfull of Mila per day I noticed a significant reduction of pain, from the usual 10-level to a 5-6 pain level and I could walk without the cane but still with a bad limp. I stopped taking the prescribed narcotics. Each day after that, the pain dropped a level or
two. I quit carrying the cane.
I started a second bag of Mila, so it was week-5. Now I could walk up the long flight of stairs at church without the cane. Friends started noticing the big difference in my gait and no cane. By week 6 I could walk a mile with no pain and no cane. On week 7 I walked 5 miles as witnessed by my fifty-year-old son who is a fitness enthusiast.
I'm not a distributor or employee of the company. But my attorney daughter wanted to be a distributor so she could help her friends. She now has many happy Mila customers in her running club who have amazing results of their own.
I certainly suggest all of my friends try it for awhile. Fifty bucks is a pretty small price to pay to get real relief from arthritis pain. I am happy to eat Mila every day for the rest of my life, no matter what it costs. The pain has not returned. I could do the Tango!!
lookingforthetruth
Breckenridge,Colorado,
United States of America
looking for the truth about Mila
#12Consumer Comment
Mon, February 06, 2012
I have tried Mila. I have also tried organic, health food store chia seeds. Definitely see a difference w/ the Mila. Possibly a problem is that I have pre-ground the chia seeds and use them over time in smoothies. But that lends credence to Mila's special "cutting process". My energy level with Mila is amazing. I don't really have alot of health issues, peri menopause maybe (not really an "issue", but have seen a decrease in night sweats using Mila and/or chia.
I am considering selling Mila, getting involved in Lifemax. Contrary to what another reviewer stated, they talk about the health benefits of their product ALOT! I am concerned about the return, though, as I don't have alot of money to start out with and it would take everything that I have saved to even start on the lowest level.
If anyone else has any information or has had a positive or negative experience with this company, please respond! I do believe in the product but am wary of losing what little money I have to get involved... Thanks!!
WholeFoodGuru
California,United States of America
Mila is Amazing!
#12General Comment
Tue, November 15, 2011
I have never responded to something like this, but when I read an emotional attack on a product that is not evidence based - but presented as such, I feel the need to comment.
I have had the great joy of seeing Mila profoundly change the health of many, many people. Not just a minor change, but literally restore the quality of life of a person and not just one or two. I have seen this food improve the health of hundreds of people very specifically - The testimonials of consumers are many and nothing short of amazing. When this nutrition is added, peoples heath is improved. From acne to arthritis to autism, bi-polar to bowel disease, cholesterol to chronic pain, constipation to depression, diabetes to fibromyalgia, migraine headaches to seizures to PMS to ADD/ADHD and every thing in between, positive change is seen. Weight loss, increased energy, decreased appetite, better sleep, better behavior, better grades these examples simply represent the power of this nutrition in our bodies.
I have spent my entire career in the medical field and never have I seen a food have such a profound effect on the health of so many people so quickly as Mila. Many people I know have done their own personal comparison of eating chia purchased from the market after they had previously tried and benefited from Mila for a month and every one said "it's not the same". Every one of them had their symptoms return after a short period of time.
I too, have done my research. My medical background and schooling give me a firm foundation to understand the science and proof of why Mila is very different than other chia. Perhaps a person with out my background would not as easily understand the studies and why Mila, a proprietary mix of highly nutritious seeds grown in optimal soil, is different from other types of chia. But I couldn't accurately explain why some wine cost $50 a bottle and another is $10 or $100. Are the consumers of these different priced wines being scammed? After all, wine is wine.
It comes down to education and personal benefit and Mila is very different than store bought chia and has the clinical data and studies to prove it is different as well as the testimonies of consumers.
On a personal note......My grocery bill has gone down since I began feeding my family Mila as it turns even a glass of water into a meal. My children tell me they love the increased focus and feeling of well being they have noticed since I began feeding it to them. It is a great feeling knowing that my children go to school with all of the nutrients they need for optimal health and more nutrition in 2 tablespoons then most people get in a week!
neveragaindupedbymlm
United States of AmericaChia seeds are Chia Seeds MILA is a SCAM
#12Consumer Comment
Tue, October 11, 2011
I too have had a good experience consuming Chia Seeds!
I first tried Chia Seeds in the form of MILA. I got violently ill. Tried it in little quantities there after but then quit because it was too hard for me to deal with the intense pain. I went to the company my MILA contact "friend" said to go to... They said I had Diverticulitis. I got it checked and I don't have it. I am stubborn so I tried cleaning up my diet and stress reduction and voila! I drank scads of MILA and no problem...the rest of the bag. I tried to get some more but couldn't get through to my "friends" so I went to Whole Foods Store and bought Organic Chia. I ground them and serve them immediately with wonderful results and immediately felt responses. I think the answer is adding raw foods. I enjoy a fluctuating percentage of Raw foods in my diet but always as high a percentage as I can manage per week. I am getting better very day. I think the most important lesson here is that I learned to use fresh ground chia seeds in many types of dishes from beverages (which I love!) to hot and cold foods. The benefits are measurable I think. I didn't need MILA for THAT! THANKS TO MY RAW CHEF FRIENDs (Real friends this time not MILA POSERS)
CHIA is CHIA! MILA is a Scam.... JUST WANT to RIP PEOPLE OFF Making up their special story... Lifemax is no different than other corporation and they have their capitalist interests at their bottom line. I recommend going out and finding RAW FOOD Chef Friends! Learn their fun tricks and Hahaha! Enjoy!
neveragaindupedbymlm
United States of AmericaLifemax cannot prove claims about MILA is predatory and exorbitantly expensive.
#12Consumer Comment
Tue, October 11, 2011
Lifemax has a terrible compensation plan, cannot substantiate it's product claims and uses unscrupulous tactics.
A) Lifemax's compensation plan is terrible! Lifemax has a complicated, unmanageable, lame and inegalitarian compensation plan especially as compared with other MLMs. The Lifemax comp plan is outrageously complicated but beyond that it is fraught with hidden and deceptive tactics disguised as incentives which is typical in scams and in illegal MLM practices. Though most MLM's compensation plans can be somewhat of a challenge to understand, they're not at all usually this bad. I have analyzed Mary Kay Cosmetics, Youngliving Essential Oils, Amway , MonaVie, Xango, Herbalife, and many others. Lifemax is the worst! Lifemax markets only ONE exorbitantly expensive product and membership does NOT provide their distributor/consultants with residual income without excessive investment in their product and their upgrade package up selling program and recruiting/mentorship program in order to pump thousands of dollars into the upper levels of the company. (not like profit sharing) Lifemax's requirement for membership and privilege to buy MILA is called Enrollment, Activation and Qualification (EAQing) A new member must meet EAQ every "period" (week/month) which is meant to gain advancement, eligibility for bonuses at all levels in the Membership plan. This is extortionate and rapacious. Looking deeply into EAQ one sees it as the divisive technique implemented with what they call Product Activation Orders (POP program). When you get your downline to purchase $800 worth of product you are then ACTIVATED and you can become Qualified for their Bonuses. These PRODUCT ACTIVATION ORDER purchases called the POP Program function as what they call an "Upgrade" from the initial Silver to Gold or Platinum, it advances rank to the next qualifying level so that the new distributor can earn additional bonus incentives but moreover the sponsoring recruiter is motivated by this tactic to sell this idea POP to their new distributors in order to bump up their Group Volume and make them eligible for more ranking bonuses. Are you dizzy yet?.Hope not, because it only gets worse.
The average person lacks the skill set to sufficiently do the research and analyze the product cost and compensation scheme of this Marketing Plan. One does not make back even their initial investment until they have a very large number of people in their down line generations who are "activated" and committed to recruiting distributors, selling and consuming MILA at great personal cost and in the guise of mentorship selling these upgrade packages to needy people seeking to start a legitimate new small or home based business. Furthermore, as if the previous is not enough I quote from the Lifemax Compensation Plan Narrative"In order to remain eligible to rank, advance and receive bonuses and commissions from the Lifemax Compensation Plan, you must pay an Annual Renewal Fee of $49.95 (USD) in addition to meeting all other eligibility requirements. " ...
B) Lifemax cannot substantiate its scientific claims of superior quality of their sole product.
Lifemax exploits the common knowledge regarding the widely accepted claims about Chia Seeds' healthful beneficial nutrients. Lifemax Takes advantage of less knowledgeable average or common folks in hopes that their cursory understanding of the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids and the benefits of Antioxidants in general will inspire interest but the worse part happens when that interest is motivated by deep desire to cure some specific ailment in themselves or a family member. This population becomes vulnerable to practices such as these and is likely to invest at great risk to themselves or their family.
Lifemax claims that MILA has and can deliver 10 times the Omega 3 compared to other Chia Seed, but they cannot substantiate that claim. Some of their distributor/consultants claim MILA is a plant based food product that has the ability to create a better life for (people) in the areas of Joint Pain, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and many other areas. What (one) finds hard to believe is that you can get all of these benefits in one Omega 3 food! There is usually a reason it is hard to believe.
Science has been verifying Chia NOT MILA CHIA for a decade or more now. Lifemax is simply usurping that work and using the common information to lure people to use their product claiming their product is TEN times that of common and widely available AND reasonably priced chia seed. Their science does not prove their product is what it says it is. It is extremely hard to substantiate their claims because one would have to have a very specialized knowledge of farming and environmental impact upon the yielding of specific nutrients produced by THOSE REGION dependent farming practices. Also they claim to have avoided the common problem of oxidation and degradation of the quality of their chia seeds. When crushed, exposed to Oxygen, all antioxidant levels are well known to plummet in all like substances. For example, It is recommended to grind flax seeds and serve immediately, for this very reason. This presents a problem when we purchase a Pre-ground bag of Chia seed product as in MILA. Lifemax claims to have special technology to avoid this called Freeze Fracturing. AGAIN, one would have to have specialized knowledge and expertise to substantiate what they claim this technology accomplishes. AGAIN we see tactics used taking advantage of the undereducated classes of people in order to rip them off.
C) Lifemax uses predatory MLM practices to lure members who will invest initially hundreds even thousands of dollars initially only to find that working this comp. plan requires a full time commitment to make substantial return or even to break even on business investment, notwithstanding their cost for both personal and business product consumption which is exorbitant. Just compare the cost of entering the LIFEMAX membership with the cost of initial membership in other MLMs and you see that they are looking to recruit people with start-up capital. For example to start purchasing with the full benefit of compensation eligibility in Youngliving Essential Oils one only pays $40 in addition to their initial product purchase. This $40 is only for the packet of introduction to the business and its policies and procedures. Compare that to the Lifemax which costs upwards of $360 plus application fees and all other shipping and handling fees just to begin to have the privilege to sell their product and try to be eligible for their bonuses.
The sad thing is, it is common in financially trying times like these now that some people invest their life savings in schemes like this and ultimately find that unless they don't have to work full time or take care of a family they are quickly out of time, out of luck and ultimately out of their investment money as well. AGAIN, they KNOW MANY EVEN MOST PEOPLE WILL NOT BE SUCCESSFUL in this plan and this unscrupulous means COUNTS ON THAT to reach their ends and have their company succeed.
This MLM run by Lifemax gives other MLMs yet again a worse reputation than is fair to them all by far! Lifemax's tactics create an atmosphere that makes most people ultimately highly wary of investigating the business building side of any legitimate MLM or small business or home based business that has a profit sharing plan or some kind of Multi-level compensatory payout plan. I personally only recommend the profit sharing model.
Incomplete list of References and Resources used in this article:
http://www.mlmwatchdog.com/MLM_comp_matrix_plans.html
http://deekoo.net/peeves/lifemax/
http://media.lifemax.net.s3.amazonaws.com/download/lifemax-site/LifemaxCompPlanNarrative.pdf
TruWealth
United States of AmericaClinical proof of Mila's superiority
#12General Comment
Sun, September 04, 2011
This video sums up the proof that Mila is the #1 chia seed on the market: http://vimeo.com/16211273
Smarterthanur
Stow,Ohio,
United States of America
Mila
#12General Comment
Sat, September 03, 2011
I would like to share my experience with this product in regard to the negative report. First of all I tried this product in an open area at a surf event. Within hours I could tell that there was some benefit from it. I had no jet-lag and had more energy. I returned to ask about getting info on this product. I then had another sample, gathered info, and was given at no charge another sample for the following day. After 48 hours I began to notice other effects of Mila. I have suffered from Diverticulosis for several years. I didn't have all the stomach issues and pain after 3 servings. I ordered this online and informed the party who gave it to me and was offered for free enough to get me through until my shipment arrived. One should always go with the highest quality product one can find. Would you feed your children low quality food? Oh, I guess that's a loaded question. I am living proof that this works and works fast in many ways. The seeds are of the highest quality and don't have any of the stems or leaf pieces you may find if you buy them at a whole-foods market. That is my experience. Go with the truth. Not some statement from a disgruntled individual that would want to pay a fair price for a quality product. Live long and prosper my friends.
Victor
Santa Clara,California,
United States of America
Response to Lifemax reply
#12Consumer Comment
Thu, November 18, 2010
Lifemax: 2) The exact same product is available [elsewhere]: FALSE -- there are several things that make this product truly and irrefutably unique. We'll describe those in further detail below.
In truth there is no difference to other products aside from price. There are other cold milled chia in the market. Its definitely not "irrefutably unique".
Lifemax: A) Selection & Blend: We carefully select our seed from different regions considering factors such as seed maturity (for optimal levels of omega-3s), climate, soil, and time of harvest. Once harvested, we then have the various seed batches analyzed by independent labs so that we can create our proprietary blend of Mila to offer the highest possible levels of omega-3s, protein, fiber, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
Is anyone foolish enough to take their word for it? They claim to have their product analyzed by "independent labs", yet nowhere and I mean nowhere (website, brochure etc.) can one find any mention of a lab's name or certificate attesting to the quality. Other online and in store products show more proof.
Lifemax: B) Cleaning & Quality: We look at the seed cleaning aspect to ensure that the chosen seeds are of the absolute best quality.
This makes them different? At least with unmilled seeds you can see if there is any material which isn't chia seed.
Lifemax: C) Micro-slicing & Bioavailability: Using a proprietary cold-fracture system, we mechanically open the seeds (we often refer to this as micro-slicing) without increasing temperatures which would lead to unwanted oxidation. This cold-fracture process increases bioavailability--meaning your body will get more out of the seed as your stomach acids access all aspects of what the seed has to offer.
A real big lie. Its not "micro sliced", its milled. The word slice implies that the seed is being cut by some sort of micro knife. Its not unique to them the seeds are simply cold milled like the other chia in the market as well as other products like cold milled flax seeds.
Lastly, don't just take my word for it, the person who lifemax once said was responsible for the development of their product (Dr. Coates) says about the same thing.
Lifemax
United States of AmericaCorrected Facts on Mila by Lifemax
#12UPDATE Employee
Mon, May 24, 2010
The author of this article includes some accurate (though ambiguous) information. This post also includes inaccurate statements which we'll correct below.
In the big picture, we recognize this industry and this business are not for everyone, and to expect otherwise would be unwise on our part. We at Lifemax work very hard to provide high-quality products and an opportunity for earning -- just as any other business does -- and we encourage those who are interested in learning more to contact us or visit our website for more information: www.Lifemax.net
1) Mila is priced at $50 for a 1lb bag: TRUE -- however, that price is for Preferred Customers. Retail Customers can purchase a package for $55 and distributors enjoy distributor net pricing of $45 per package. It is common in the network marketing industry to see premium products of highest quality with a commensurate cost structure. This business model supports the high commission and bonus earning opportunities inherent to the Lifemax compensation plan.
2) The exact same product is available [elsewhere]: FALSE -- there are several things that make this product truly and irrefutably unique. We'll describe those in further detail below.
3) Lifemax consultants work hard: TRUE -- in order to be successful in this business, it requires hard work and determination to reach your goals.
4) Lifemax is a Ponzi scheme: FALSE -- Lifemax is a network marketing company in good standing with the Direct Selling Association (DSA), dedicated to making a difference in our worldwide community through the Lifemax Foundation, and proud to serve our distributors and customers worldwide.
5) Our website is ALL about how much money you can make as a consultant: FALSE -- however, we do include detailed information about the opportunity we offer. A quick glance at our site shows that we first focus on our product, the testimonials we've received, the frequently asked questions we often answer, and the nutritional breakdown of Mila. www.Lifemax.net
6) Mila is no different than chia seed: TRICKY! Mila is 100% Salvia hispanica L. (commonly known as chia), so in fact, Mila IS chia seed! A more important distinction is how Mila DIFFERS from other packages of chia you might find in a retail store. A more thorough explanation can be found on our website (http://home.lifemax.net/en/products/mila/#faqs) but here is a brief explanation of what makes Mila "the Miracle Seed":
A) Selection & Blend: We carefully select our seed from different regions considering factors such as seed maturity (for optimal levels of omega-3s), climate, soil, and time of harvest. Once harvested, we then have the various seed batches analyzed by independent labs so that we can create our proprietary blend of Mila to offer the highest possible levels of omega-3s, protein, fiber, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
B) Cleaning & Quality: We look at the seed cleaning aspect to ensure that the chosen seeds are of the absolute best quality.
C) Micro-slicing & Bioavailability: Using a proprietary cold-fracture system, we mechanically open the seeds (we often refer to this as micro-slicing) without increasing temperatures which would lead to unwanted oxidation. This cold-fracture process increases bioavailability--meaning your body will get more out of the seed as your stomach acids access all aspects of what the seed has to offer.
More Lifemax information can be found here:
http://www.Lifemax.net
http://www.Twitter.com/LifemaxCorp
http://www.Facebook.com/LifemaxCorp