A-Z superfruit Articles

The noni tree is a tropical evergreen that grows large green-yellow fruit that has an unpleasant bitter smell and taste. There is a rich history of the medicinal use of noni from Polynesia but very few scientific studies have tested these uses. Traditionally, the noni fruit is used for internal conditions, and the leaves are used externally. Let's explore the benefits of noni on your health. 

Top Health Benefits of Noni

Internally, noni is given for:

• Asthma
• Digestive complaints
• Fevers
• Infections
• Managing blood pressure
• Boost Antioxidants

Topically, noni leaves are tied around painful joints, used like a headband for headaches and made into a salve for wound healing.

There is some evidence that topical use of noni can improve skin quality and prevent hair loss. Further research is required to confirm the medicinal benefits of noni. Currently, noni can be used as a dietary supplement due to its rich nutritional benefits.

Key Nutrients That Give Noni Its Health Benefits

Noni fruit is a good source of fibre and is believed to contain more than 150 nutrients, including vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C and E), minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and selenium), protein, amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), phytonutrients, polysaccharides and digestive enzymes. It is due to the large number of nutrients in noni that it is considered a superfruit.

Shopping For Quality Noni Supplements

Noni juice comes from fruits that have been ripened, softened and fermented. The bitter, pungent juice is then separated and bottled, or dried and put into capsules. Some manufacturers add other fruit juices to noni liquid to improve the taste. Dried extract of noni can be purchased but it is not known how the drying process affects the medicinal value of the fruit.Noni juice may also be found in skin creams shampoos and conditioners.

Important Information Regarding Noni

Some brands of noni juice may be high in potassium. Individuals with compromised kidney function, people taking potassium supplements or those on medications that alter potassium levels, should not use Noni. Noni juice is high in sugar and may upset the blood sugar levels of diabetics. The safety of noni in pregnancy and lactation has not been studied. Noni juice can cause harmless changes in the colour of your urine.

What is Sea Buckthorn?

The Sea Buckthorn plant thrive in harsh mountain conditions and as such have been consumed in Mongolia, China and Tibet both as a nutrient dense treat, and for its medicinal properties. The bright orange berries of the Seabuckthorn plant, only 1/3 the size of a blueberry, are both tart and bitter to taste and packed with antioxidants.

Nutritional Profile of Sea Buckthorn

This berry is a rich source of vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene, as well as carotenoids and phenolics, such as catechins, gallocatechins and epigallocatechins.

Seabuckthorn oil is also a source of Omega 3, 6, and 9, as well as the lesser-known omega 7 fatty acids (40% of Seabuckthorn oil is omega 7 fatty acids), vital to collagen production. Palmetoleic acid, (Omega 7), is a common constituent of adipose tissue as well as a component of skin. It is considered a monounsaturated fat, thought to be high in antioxidants. Having an affinity for the skin, as well as an antioxidant component, it can provide some protection from sun damage, and when applied topically has been shown to increase triglyceride concentration in the lipid barrier of the skin, effectively increasing the protective nature of the stratum corneum. It is said to decrease as we age, potentially making both internal and topical use more important the older we get. It can be used for a variety of skin related issues, including eczema (atopic dermatitis), for the treatment of burns, ulcerations, and infections and/or simply everyday use.

Omega 7

Due to the effects that Omega 7 fatty acid has on the stratum cornea of the skin, it has been reported to be beneficial in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles, often called an anti-aging agent. There is some research to suggest this fatty acid may have anti-bacterial properties, as well, explaining why individuals use it both internally and topically for the treatment of acne. Omega 7 oils also have an affinity for the mucous membranes of the body, particularly those lining the urogenital and digestive tracts. This is one way in which the juice of the Seabuckthorn berries are said to aid in the prevention and treatment of constipation. They keep the intestinal tract healthy by keeping it moist and mucous secreting, allowing for better absorption of nutrients and healthy flow of wastes.

Top Health Applications of Sea Buckthorn

Most of the research on Seabuckthorn to date has been shown to be inconclusive. That being said, with further support, there may be evidence to suggest a wide number of health benefits associated with its use:

• Skin irritations (such as burns and atopic dermatitis)
• Gastric ulcer
• Cardiovascular disease and various inflammatory conditions
• Liver health and protection/prevention of cirrhosis
• Weight loss
• Acne
• Wrinkles
• Free radical protection
• Eczema
• Common colds & even pneumonia!

Seabuckthorn has been suggested to benefit all of these conditions and more. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Seabuckthorn juice and oil is commonly used as an expectorant and demulcent for coughs. Recently, animal studies have suggested it also has adaptogenic properties. The oil is often used topically in creams and acne remedies, as it is known to calm acne, help soothe and restore skin, prevent wrinkles, and leave the skin moisturized and protected from free radical damage.

Seabuckthorn Supplement Forms & Dosages

Seabuckthorn can be purchased in the form of pure juice, seed and berry oils, capsules and creams. There is little information about specific dosing recommendations, although 500 mg/day of the juice has been recommended for constipation, as has 5 g of the fruit or seed oil/day for a variety of other health concerns. Seabuckthorn is not advised for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, for individuals taking anticoagulant medications or supplements that can thin the blood (ginkgo biloba, garlic, saw palmetto, etc.), speak to a healthcare professional before starting seabuckthorn oil or juice, as there may be additive effects. For the same reasons, do not use Seabuckthorn 2 weeks prior to surgery, in order to ensure adequate clotting time.

Cautions & Considerations

Speak to your healthcare professional before combining Seabuckthorn products (internal) with any immune modulating, cholesterol or blood glucose-lowering medications. It may also interfere with medications that are broken down via the liver.