Nature’s Powerful Juices
Today more than ever people are discovering the
delicious healthy benefits of natural fruit juices
Noni, Wolfberry, Acai Berry and Mangosteen
Originally recognized by earliest man as a
plentiful and appetite appeasing source
of food, our relationship with indigenous
plants has evolved through experiencing their
basic health benefits as energizers, sedatives,
topical treatments for cuts, bruises and burns,
laxatives, etc.
Each plant contains a unique amalgam of vitamins,
minerals, enzymes, trace elements, beneficial
alkaloids, cofactors, plant sterols, and the full
spectrum of amino acids that has enabled them
to survive and flourish in the changing and now
challenging environment, which has influenced
their habitat for eons.
For thousands of years, native healers
have used the leaves, roots, bark, flowers,
and fruit of these indigenous plants to
prepare effective remedies for hundreds
of diseases and health challenges. From
centuries of miracles in the natural world
to scrutiny by scientists in the laboratory,
these substances have produced significant
results.
Over the past few decades, techniques
have been developed that make it easier to
study and document the beneficial effects
and nutritional make up of natural substances
found in fruit juices. The research has shown
that those compounds and constitution play a
vital role in the prevention of numerous diseases,
especially those related to aging, such as cancer, coronary
vascular disease and diabetes.
The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC)
test is an emerged standard by which science measures
antioxidant activity in foods and natural supplements.
Antioxidants are important to protect the body’s cells
from damage caused by free radicals (reactive oxygen
species). Cell membranes are susceptible to free radicals
because they are largely composed of fatty acids
(lipid bilayer). Polyunsaturated fatty acids are particularly
susceptible to free-radical-mediate oxidation
because of their unique structure.
Cell membrane damage due to oxidation of
fatty acid membrane components (lipid peroxidation)
can lead to the disruption of the function and structure
of whole cells. Furthermore, for good health it is
important to maintain normal levels of lipid peroxidation
of lipoproteins.
These dietary antioxidants, or free radical-scavengers, have been shown to play a preventive role
in protecting a person’s health. High levels of antioxidant
activity, as determined by ORAC, have been found to be present
in a number of the fruits and berries of these indigenous
plants, which have been recognized for their therapeutic
value for centuries. As a result, we continue
to explore how to provide convenient vehicles for
accessing the constituents found in these foods,
such as phenols and polyphenols, which are significant
contributors to antioxidant activity
in the human body, and delivering them
in a manner that is efficacious, reasonable
and affordable.
Following are profiles of four nutritious
natural juices created from
nature’s “super fruits.” Noni was
the first of these fruits to gain
broad recognition in the united
States for its traditional and
research proven benefits. Today,
with increasing understanding of
their potential as basic to both
establishing and maintaining optimum
as well as therapeutic potential, the
natural fruit juice category is literally
exploding. Each of these
extraordinary, refreshing juices is
bursting with flavor and minerals,
vitamins and antioxidants. Also,
each delivers its own unique amalgam
of nutrients, and all of them are
healthy substitutes to regular diet soft
drinks. Try mixing them with other juices,
water or sparkling water for a delicious, healthy beverage
alternative…and drink to your health.
Protect—Rejuvenate and Heal with Noni
Historically, noni comes from the South Pacific Islands of
Tahiti and other tropical locations. Noni has been used
medicinally for thousands of years by Polynesian healers. The
fruit from the noni (Morinda citrifolia) plant is now touted
by mainstream medical physicians, biochemists, herbalists,
and medical researchers as a healing substance for the
human body.
For over 2,000 years Polynesian healers have used noni
leaves, roots, bark, flowers, and fruit to prepare effective
remedies for hundreds of diseases and health challenges. It
is considered “the sacred plant.” From centuries of miracles
in the natural world to scrutiny by scientists in the laboratory,
noni has produced incredible results. Noni contains naturally
occurring vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes,
beneficial alkaloids, cofactors, and plant sterols. In addition,
the noni leaves and roots contain the full spectrum of amino
acids, which makes products from the leaves and roots a
perfect source of complete protein.
Noni has been used to treat conditions that affect the
respiratory, digestive, nervous, and immune systems. It
was also used to treat joint, skin, and skeletal problems.
Traditionally, the noni plant was and still is used to treat pain, inflammation, burns and other skin afflictions, intestinal worms, nausea, food poisoning, fever, infections, wounds, diarrhea, constipation, menstrual cramps, insect and animal bites, and the conditions of aging.
Noni has proven beneficial to the body by lowering
blood pressure. Noni juice also exhibits
anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral, antitumor,
and antihistamine properties. Noni fruit is rich in vitamin C
and selenium, essential nutrients that give our body antioxidant
protection. Scientific studies show that noni has the
potential to stimulate the immune system, inhibit tumor
growth, regulate proper cell function, purify the blood, and
regenerate damaged cells.
Noni juice has also been shown to increase the ability
of cells within the body to absorb and utilize nutrients
such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Noni contains
enzymes that promote more complete digestion and
that inhibit the growth of fungi and yeast in the digestive
tract. Noni can provide relief from allergies and arthritic
joint pain plus shorten the duration of infections such as
influenza and the common cold.
Noni contains a variety of beneficial phytochemicals, some
of which are not found in any other known plant. These phytochemicals
work synergistically to enhance biologically the
expression of each individual component found in noni.
Noni is also known to alleviate many kinds of pain, emotional
as well as physical. Noni contains a chemical called
Scopoletin, which has the ability to convert specific brain
proteins into active receptor sites for endorphins, otherwise
known as the well-being hormones. Endorphins are chemicals
with potent analgesic (pain relieving) properties.
Research indicates noni is useful
for a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Producing unique anti-pain and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Regulating cell function and regeneration of damaged cells. Since noni seems to operate on the very basic and critcal cellular level, it is useful for a wide variety of conditions.
- Fighting against many types of bacteria, including E. coli. Stimulating the production of T-cells in the immune system. (T-cells play a pivotal role in fighting off disease.)
- Inhibiting the growth of cancerous tumors. Damnacanthal, a compound found in Morinda citrifolia, was found to inhibit precancerous function.
- Generating adatogenic properties.
- Stimulating and enhancing the immune system, including macrophages and lymphocytes—vital components of the white blood cells and the body’s natural defenses.
Noni and Immune System Disorders
Dr. Darryl M. See, M.D., assistant clinical professor of medicine
at the university of California’s College of Medicine at
Irvine, has published several textbook chapters and over
25 peer-reviewed journal articles on chronic viral illness
and immunological disorders.
Dr. See has tested more than 400 natural
products for safety and immunological enhancement.
He found noni juice to be extraordinary
and stated that the noni juice he subjected to vigorous
testing in the laboratory was totally nontoxic
to cells of the immune system and other cells of the
body studied, and that it did not disrupt the function of
normal immune system balance.
Dr. See’s laboratory studies also showed that the
noni juice he tested dramatically increased natural
killer cell (NK cell) function in persons having normal
immune systems. Those with compromised immune
systems, such as persons afflicted with HIV disease,
AIDS, and chronic fatigue syndrome, had responses
that are even more dramatic. Dr. See reported receiving
numerous anecdotal reports from patients who
enjoyed astounding health improvements.
ACIA BERRY
Acia (Euterpe oleracea) is a palm tree that grows
throughout the Amazon basin. The fruit of the
acai is small and dark purple or black in color,
about the size of a grape.
The natives of the Brazilian rain forests have used
acia berry for thousands of years. They believe that acai
has healing powers. Modern science has discovered many
nutrients in the acai berry, including vitamin B1 (thiamin),
vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), iron, potassium,
phosphorus, and calcium, as well as a concentration
of antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, and phytonutrients
(healthy chemicals that are only found in plants) called
anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are the rising stars of nutritional science
and deserve special attention. Anthocyanins are the purple
pigments that give acai fruits, red grape skins, and other
dark berries their rich color. These phytonutrients have successfully
been used to treat and prevent a wide range of
conditions, including high cholesterol, diabetic retinopathy,
macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and varicose
veins. Anthocyanins also protect artery walls from the damage
that can lead to plaque buildup and heart disease. Acia
juice provides more anthocyanins than either blueberries or
grapes, two dark purple fruits that have been studied extensively
for their free radical destroying properties. The combination
of vitamin C, vitamin E, and anthocyanins found in the
acai fruit make it one of the highest antioxidant-producing
fruits and may be very helpful as a cancer-preventing agent.
Acai berries are also an abundant source of protein and
dietary fiber. They deliver significant levels of omega-6 and 9 fatty
acids and are considered to help in delaying the aging process.
With all of the attributes credited to and accolades being
paid to the acai juice, it is certainly a valued consideration for
any individual committed to optimum health.
WOLFBERRY
Wolfberry, is a small, raisin-sized red fruit that is grown
on a vine. It has been prized for its nutritional and healing
value in traditional Asian medicine for countless generations.
Science has isolated at least four unique polysaccharides,
which are phytonutrients compounds that
“amplify signals” between cells and improve immune
defense.
The health promoting and medicinal benefits of the
wolfberry plant have been recognized in China for thousands
of years. According to Chinese traditional medicine,
wolfberry possesses yang energy, enhancing and
strengthening the eyes, lungs, liver, heart, and kidneys.
Wolfberry is also considered a blood and energy tonic useful
in the treatment of a number of conditions, including
fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, premature
aging, high cholesterol, impatience, and poor vision and
eye diseases.
In recent years, studies by both Chinese and western
scientists have confirmed that wolfberry is effective in
reinforcing the immune system, improving vision, supporting
liver function, regulating healthy blood pressure,
promoting antiaging, and delivering powerful antioxidant
activity. Numerous studies have also shown that wolfberry
stops the growth of cancer cells and contains compounds
that prevent cells from mutating.
MANGOSTEEN
The people of Southeast Asia have treasured mangosteen
for thousands of years for its health benefits. Mangosteen
is called the queen of fruits in recognition of its incredible
flavor.
As with noni, acai, and wolfberry mangosteen has
been highly regarded as a traditional medicine showing
success in treating a wide variety of conditions including
dysentery, diarrhea, eczema, infections, burns, headaches,
fever reduction, and a number of other common
health conditions. The fruit also has an extraordinary high
antioxidant ORAC value, which provides the body with the
ammunition to fight the constant attack of free radicals,
generated by our toxic environment.
While at this juncture there are no formal medical
studies to report, the known benefits of mangosteen juice
suggest it could be considered as an addition to a well balanced
nutrition diet to help promote a healthy lifestyle.
In summary supplementing our diets with health promoting
and therapeutic juice, whether consumed separately or in
a multi-juice blend, warrants consideration as a sustaining
ingredient in your self-managed natural health program.
However under no circumstances should you use these
substances to either treat a disease or condition or as a
substitute to a prescribed medicine without consulting
your physician.
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