Letters From Steve June 2018

Natural vs. Organic 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 "natural" 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?
“By definition, GMOs are strictly prohibited in organic farming and food production. Perhaps even more importantly, organic farmers do not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fertilizers to grow crops or feed, and they cannot administer antibiotics, growth hormones, and many other banned drugs to livestock. They are mandated to improve soil health and allow their livestock outdoor access, resulting not only in safer food, but food of superior nutritional quality.

Non-GMO products are only verified not to contain genetically modified (GMO) ingredients. Non-GMO farmers do use synthetic agrochemicals and petrochemical-based fertilizers. They are not required to allow their livestock access to the outdoors or pasture, and are not restricted from administering a myriad of pharmaceuticals prohibited from use in organics.”

I've been an organic farmer for over 40 years, way before the certification process even began. For my family, organic practices on the Noni Farm are a way of life. We work with nature and all of its living organisms in the soil and in the plants. Healthy soil grows healthy trees and more potent Noni!

Our Noni Fruit Leather is certified organic and non-GMO. All of our Noni Lotions are made from our Noni Fruit Leather. And more food for thought is what exactly is in the raw pulp of Noni to feed the cells of my body? There are an impressive array of over 165 beneficial compounds that research has identified in the raw pulp of Noni.

SOME OF THE BENEFICIAL PHYTONUTRIENTS of Morinda Citrafolia (Noni):
Damnacanthal- stimulates T cell activity

Scopoletin- pain reliever and binds with serotonin, keeping levels elevated
Anti-depressive, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine

Anthraquinone- fight enzymes that break down collagen in the body, which may slow down the aging process, helps regulate smooth digestion

Terpenes- help with cell rejuvenation increasing nutrient-ion exchange

Phytonutrients and Selenium- anti-oxidant protection against free radicals

Soluble fiber- helps clean blood, decreases cholesterol, binds to fat, balances
blood sugar levels

Insoluble fiber- important for colon health

Amino acids- building blocks of proteins. Contains 17 of the 20 amino acids including all 9 of the essential making it a complete protein

Essential fatty acids- building blocks of fats and oils: maintains healthy skin,
nerve cells, heart tissue and blood vessels, helps balance mood, keeps cells working properly, improving nutrient-toxin exchange

Click Here to Read: What’s In Noni and see the whole list

RECOVERY FROM SPORTS INJURIES
For those with active lifestyles, IcyHeat Noni Lotion and IcyHeat Sports Formula Lotion can relieve pain associated with sore muscles and sport injuries. Former University of Hawaii sport trainer Melody Toth tells us: “I used Noni mostly for tired legs, bone spurs, arthritis, repetitive trauma and ankle support.” She also recommends using the Noni lotions for low back pain and quadriceps and hamstring injuries. Noni Lotions can be applied both, prior to and after exercise. For warming up the muscles before a work out, Melody recommends IcyHeat Noni Lotion with menthol and camphor to bring immediate heat to the area. Directly following a workout, Noni offers instant relief to injured or sore muscles when rubbed or massaged into the affected area.

Have a fantastic summer, enjoy the weather, enjoy the relaxation and enjoy your life. There is good in everything!!

 -Steve