What's in Noni?

What makes it work so well?

Noni fruit is a Polynesian superfood that contains over 165 beneficial compounds in its raw form. Noni is a tropical tree known scientifically as Morinda Citrifolia. The true traditional use for thousands of years among Polynesian cultures was to eat the raw fruit as a natural preventative to keep themselves from getting sick. Research has shown raw noni pulp to be a very high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which feeds the cells of the body to promote good health. Noni fruit also contains vital micronutrients, soluble and insoluble fiber, essential fatty acids, and countless other vitamins and minerals.

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Why Noni is So Special - E. coli

What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli better known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that resides in your intestines and the gut of some animals.

How can I become infected?

Most types of E. coli are harmless and keep your digestive tract healthy. However some strains of E. coli can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea if you consume contaminated food.

Although many associate E. coli with food poisoning, one can also suffer from pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.

Did you know? E. coli is responsible for approximately 75% to 95% of urinary tract infections.

E.coli High Risk Areas/Activities:

• Cross contamination: Using a knife or cutting board that touched uncooked meat (especially ground meat or chicken) with food that will be eaten raw (salads, fresh fruit) is very high risk for E. coli.

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Why Noni is so Special - Stroke

What is a Stroke?

A stroke, also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA or “brain attack”) is oxygen deprivation to the brain causing brain cells to die. This can cause a chain reaction impairing speech, vision, and motor function.

There are two types of strokes. An ischemic stroke where blood flow to the brain is halted due to cholesterol buildup or a blood clot leading to the brain. Approximately 80-90% of strokes are this type. The second type, a hemorrhagic stroke is when a ruptured blood vessel inhibits normal blood flow to the brain and blood seeps into regions of the brain causing damage. Approximately 70% of hemorrhagic strokes occur in individuals with hypertension.

Did you know?

• A stroke occurs approximately every 40 seconds.
• Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.

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Why Noni is so Special- Eczema

What is Eczema?

Eczema is the name for a group of conditions causing the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. It is the body’s immune response to an irritant or an allergen (either outside or inside the body) resulting in inflammation.

Did you know? While not contagious, more than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema.

The direct cause of eczema is unknown.

However, below are possible reasons for eczema flare ups:

• Genes: If your mom, dad, brothers, or sisters have eczema, you may have it too.
• Asthma and allergies: If you have asthma (a disease making it hard to breathe) or allergies (when your immune system tries to protect you from normal things that aren't hurting you), you're more likely to get eczema.
• Location: Eczema is more common in cities, polluted areas, and in the northern part of the world.

Types of eczema

Atopic dermatitis:

Atopic dermatitis is most common and usually what people refer to when talking about eczema. Atopic dermatitis occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive in response to an allergen or irritant inside or outside the body. Atopic dermatitis is part of what’s called the atopic triad: atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Researchers believe that people who come from families with a history of atopic dermatitis, asthma and/or allergic rhinitis are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis themselves.

Did you know? Approximately 1 in 5 children develop atopic dermatitis between infancy and age 5.

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Why Noni is so Special- Psoriasis

Psoriasis (pronounced: sore-EYE-ah-sis) can appear anywhere on the skin. Equally occurring in men and women, psoriasis is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 25. Anyone can have psoriasis, however psoriasis affects Caucasians more than any other ethnicity.

Did you know? Approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs when your immune system sends multiple signals to produce new skin cells. These unnecessary skin cells create buildup (also called plaque) creating red patches and silvery scales. Most individuals in the the psoriasis population have this condition on their scalp. Psoriasis can also appear in other locations of the body such as: forehead, behind the ears, hands, elbows, creases of the knees and the back of the neck.

Did you know? Psoriasis is not contagious but is believed to be inherited. The affected genes appear to be linked to an overactive immune system.

Common Symptoms

• Reddish patches on the skin.
• Dandruff-like flaking and silvery-white scales.
• Dry scalp.
• Extreme itching.
• Bleeding from scratching the skin.
• Burning sensation or soreness.
• Temporary hair loss from scratching and removing psoriasis scales.

Did you know? Alopecia (severe hair loss) can occur during a flare up. In most cases, once the psoriasis flare up subsides and the scalp heals, normal hair growth resumes.

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Tropical Fruits of the Hawaiian Islands

Aloha!

Steve Frailey here! When visiting the beautiful island of Hawaii, it’s fun to try new and exotic fruit. Hawaii is blessed with a warm climate, perfect for growing a variety of tropical fruits year round. We actually grow several types of Hawaiian fruit on our Organic Noni farm and love to share with those on the farm tour with us. Since not everyone is able to visit us, I would like to take some time a personally bring a piece of Hawaii to you! Below is a little about some of the amazing fruit that grows here in Hawaii. To read about Hawaiian flowers click here!

	Pitaya Loaded with natural antioxidants and vitamin C, the pitaya or dragon fruit is easily recognized by its hot pink skin. When cut, it has transparent white flesh (texture similar to a kiwi), freckled with tiny black seeds and taste between a pear and a kiwi. These are excellent in smoothies or a fresh fruit salad.
	Starfruit Starfruit is easily recognizable with its yellow waxy skin and starlike shape when cut open. You can eat the whole fruit skin and all. Individuals likened the taste to grapes with a citrus overtone. Starfruit are used mostly eaten raw or juiced.

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Plan a Safe Picnic This Summer

Summer means only 2 things to kids: No school and summer fun! Camping, swimming, playing sports outside, and fun in the sun (don’t forget sunscreen). Almost all of these activities involve bringing food to enjoy and share. Before we kick off summer, let’s go over some simple yet effective reminders to keep everyone safe (and healthy) in the upcoming summer months.

Plan ahead

Here is a list of items you may need this summer: food thermometer, cooler chest with ice, bottled water, serving utensils, storage containers, paper towels, wipes/hand sanitizer, bandaids and trash bags.

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Safe and Fun Camping Tips

Sleeping under the stars is not always as romantic as it sounds. Before exploring the great outdoors, consider this blog a refresher course in campsite safety.

Weather and gear:

Verify the weather forecast ahead of time. Weather conditions like thunderstorms and snow can be very dangerous (and uncomfortable!) when unprepared. Pack appropriate gear. In addition to your tent, make sure you have warm clothing, proper sleeping bags, lanterns, fuel, matches, a hatchet, first aid kit, compass, a shovel ect.

Setting up camp:

Tell someone else of your plans. If anything goes awry someone will know your approximate location to coordinate a rescue. Arrive before nightfall. Setting up camp in the dark can be complicated and dangerous since you did not have the opportunity explore immediate surroundings for potential hazards.

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Say No to GMO

Natural Vs. Organic and Certified Organic vs. Non-GMO

Many years ago, I was attending a trade show on the mainland for our organic Noni products when someone asked our group what the word "natural" meant to us. It was interesting listening to others in my booth with their interpretation of “natural”. When it came my turn, my response was that it means absolutely nothing when dealing with food, drugs or health products. The word “natural” is used by many companies to impress you but in reality, there are no regulations concerning growing or producing products in a natural manner. My advice: buyers should beware when something is advertised as “all natural”.

However, certified organic with the USDA insignia means a lot. I highly recommend visiting The Cornucopia Institute's website (https://www.cornucopia.org/). They're watchdogs for organic practices and regulations, and post many, many good articles and updates on organics and the importance of organic practices.

Their recent newsletter has a section on Certified Organic and Non-GMO. Here is a portion as food for thought:

"What’s more important, looking for the organic seal or the non-GMO verified logo?

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Steve Frailey - My Noni Story

Aloha,

Over thousands of years Polynesians and Hawaiians learned by trial and error the amazing ability of Noni to heal or act as a natural preventative. Research has shown that the raw pulp of Noni is extremely high in anti-inflammatory and natural anti-oxidant properties. Is Noni a miracle? No. Does Noni heal? Absolutely, if you do not destroy the potency of the raw pulp in processing.

We recently posted to Facebook a short video of me on the farm showing you a Noni Fruit, talking about traditional uses and what Noni has done for me over the years.

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The True Meaning of Aloha

The term Aloha is often misunderstood. Many think “Aloha” is a word that can be interchangeably used for hello and goodbye. Although this is true, “Aloha” has a much deeper meaning than most realize.

Once you understand what Aloha means, you will no doubt appreciate our life here on the Hawaiian islands. Native Hawaiian or not, anyone can practice Aloha in their daily lives. Let's break down what each part of “Aloha” means.

A, ala or alertness. Can also mean being of positive mind and heart. Making sure our lives and the lives of those around us are always moving forward.

L, lokahi or working in unity with others. Support people in the community and family circle. Unity requires being PONO/one with everybody. Open communication and willingness to be neighborly is something everyone can do to make the world a better place.

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A Day Walking in Hawaii- Flowers

Aloha!

Steve Frailey here. During our free noni farm tour, we discuss the principles of sustainable farming, why Noni Fruit Leather is superior to noni juice, and other Hawaiian plant life. For those who can’t visit Hawaii in person, we wanted to take the opportunity and bring Hawaii to you! Below is a brief overview of the many flower varieties that grow here in Hawaii. To read about native Hawaiian fruit click here!

	Hibiscus With blooms ranging 4-6 inches in diameter, the Hibiscus is often associated with native Hawaiian plant life. The hibiscus is unique because most tropical flowers grown in Hawaii are not native whereas the islands host 7 types of Hibiscus that are considered native. Did you know? Hawaii State Flower is the Yellow Hibiscus.
	Plumeria Plumeria are very fragrant. A local favorite, plumeria bloom frequently from spring to fall, plumeria come in an array of colors such as white, yellow, and pink. Did you know? Plumeria are famously know as the "lei flower".

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Ease Back to School Jitters

Ready for the new school year to begin?! Whether this year is Pre-K or College for your child, there are some things loving parents can do for their children to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.

Sleep Schedule

Establish a bedtime and wake-up routine approximately 2 weeks prior to the big day. By the time the first day of class begins, children will more likely be ready to wake up on time. To read more about a restful sleep click here.

Meet the Teachers

Find time to connect one-on-one with your child’s teacher(s). At the very least, find a picture of your child's teachers online. A familiar face can help ease your child’s fears/anxieties. If possible, email your child’s teachers introducing yourself and include any concerns you may have. As with anything, prevention is key and the more information your child (and teacher) has the better.

School Lunches and Snacks

Currently, child obesity is an alarming 19% and climbing. The healthier the meals and snacks consumed at home, the more likely your child will make similar choices at school. To learn more about healthy eating click here.

Set up a School Supply Area

Find a central spot to store everything school related. Be sure to include: backpacks, sports uniforms, backup school supplies, a dry erase calendar for school events and outings, scarves, boots, paper, Kleenex ect. Try to keep this area free of non-school clutter so your child can find what they need quickly. Also, encouraging your child to personalize the area will make the space feel their own.

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Get Your Daily Vitamin C with Noni

What is Vitamin C?

Discovered in 1912, isolated in 1928, and synthesized in 1933, vitamin C is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Also known as L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin naturally present in most foods (especially raw fruits and veggies).

Did you know? Unlike most animals, humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C internally and must obtain vitamin C from the foods we consume.

Why is Vitamin C Important for my Health?

As a water-soluble vitamin and powerful natural antioxidant, vitamin C helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and skin.

Vitamin C also helps repair and regenerate tissues, protects the heart against disease, aid in the absorption of iron, and decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Research also indicates vitamin C may help protect against a variety of cancers by combating free radicals, and helping neutralize the effects of bad nitrites (preservatives found in some packaged foods that may raise the risk of certain forms of cancer). To read about good nitrites click here

Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen (essential component for healthy skin), and L-carnitine (an essential amino acid). Vitamin C is vital antioxidant supporting the regeneration of other natural antioxidants like alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E). Natural antioxidants block some of the oxidation damage caused by free radicals. Click here to read more

Studies suggest that vitamin C may also be helpful for:

• Boosting immunity
• Improving vision
• Treating allergy-related conditions, such as asthma, and eczema
• Reducing effects of sun exposure
• Healing burns and wounds
• Decreasing blood sugar

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