This Information is based on information provided by Punch News on June 23, 2024. Earlier this year, BBC Yoruba conducted an interview with a family who had fallen ill and even lost a member after consuming cassava peels. The woman interviewed explained that, due to a lack of food, she collected, dried, and processed cassava peels into a powder to make "Amala." This tragic story highlights the dangers of eating raw cassava, which contains toxic cyanide. Proper fermentation is necessary to make cassava safe for consumption. The current economic hardships are causing severe hunger, but it's important to stay hopeful that these tough times will eventually pass.
In 2021, I began a series on medicinal plants in Nigeria, which was quite extensive. Having recently discussed Stevia and Monk fruit, I am inspired to revisit this topic periodically, focusing on exotic medicinal plants whose seedlings are available for planting in Nigeria.
This week, we explore noni juice, derived from the Morinda citrifolia tree, a species in the coffee family found in the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India. Known as "starvation fruit," it was historically used as emergency food during famines. The noni tree is incredibly resilient, capable of regrowing after being burned and producing fruit year-round. In various cultures, noni fruit is consumed in different ways, such as fresh with salt, cooked in curry, or included in salads. The leaves are also used in dishes like Thai Kaeng bai-yo and Cambodian fish amok.
Traditionally, noni fruit is credited with preventing and curing numerous diseases by boosting the immune system and fighting infections. Polynesian healers have utilized it for centuries to treat conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and infections. In Samoan and Hawaiian cultures, all parts of the noni plant are used medicinally.
I recently spoke with Mr. Damilare Adewuyi, the CEO of DAMADES GLOBAL RESOURCES, a noni plant grower in Nigeria. He mentioned that noni leaves are used for wound healing, arthritis, libido enhancement, and blood sugar regulation, among other benefits.
Noni has garnered attention as a dietary supplement, available in various forms such as juice, powders, cosmetics, and oils. Its juice is particularly popular; according to a 2018 review in the journal *Foods*, over 108 million gallons were consumed in 80 countries within twelve years of commercial availability.
Despite its pungent odor, likened to "cheese fruit" or "vomit fruit," noni's health benefits are significant. Garlic, similarly, owes its health properties to its strong-smelling compound, allicin. The odor in both cases is linked to their medicinal properties.
Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja from Fortis Hospital notes that noni fruit has been used medicinally for thousands of years, rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, and iron. Dr. Mona Harrison, a pediatrician, observes its broad health benefits across many bodily systems.
Research, such as the study by Dusanka Kitic et al., highlights noni's potential in cancer prevention and treatment, suggesting the need for further investigation. Another study by Brett J. West et al. underscores noni juice's superior antioxidant activity and its potential health benefits, including immune support, joint pain relief, and improved physical endurance.
Noni juice is noted for its high antioxidant content, which helps prevent cellular damage. Its main antioxidants, including beta carotene, iridoids, and vitamins C and E, contribute to its health benefits, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Studies also indicate that noni juice can enhance immune health, as evidenced by an 8-week study showing increased immune cell activity and reduced oxidative stress in participants.
No comments:
Post a Comment