By DR BETTY ADDERLEY

THOUSANDS of years ago the French Polynesians discovered the powerful health-supporting benefits of a fruit that grew year-round in abundance known as Noni. Today there are numerous companies manufacturing and exporting Noni.

In the Bahamas, particularly in Nassau, a Noni tree can be seen in almost every back or front yard. My first experience with Noni dates back to the late 1990s when a friend from the Philippines who was diagnosed with cancer introduced me to the product.

Although she was taking it for cancer, she encouraged me to take it as a good health measure. My interest grew and the research began. Around the same time I wrote an article on Noni.

I received many calls, one was from a Dominican living in the Bahamas who was elated that Noni was being highlighted. He went on to educate me about the benefits of Noni and presented me with a plant.

In less than a year I had Noni fruits from my tree. The research went further into producing the juice. I came up with the formulae, did my first batch, had it tested and approved by the Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The product was then sent to a company in California for further testing and certification of nutritional contents. The product contains only eight grams of sugar but is high in Vitamin C. The product is now available in 16oz bottles.

Much research by renowned scientists imply that as a natural remedy Noni is excellent for an array of ailments, giving support to the claim of the Polynesians. They report findings that Noni lowers blood pressure, helps swelling joints, aids colds and inflammation, clears up congestions and infections, stops the growth of pre-cancer cells, regulates sleep and more. Some years back, one researcher at the University of Hawaii pinpointed a proenzyme in Noni that stimulates the human body to produce xeronine, a vital element to the body which affects every aspect of one’s health and wellbeing. It has been proven that one to two ounces of Noni on a consistent basis will improve basically any disease, ailment or infection.

Noni allows better assimilation of food and other natural substances in the body. It is suggested that it should be taken one hour before breakfast or dinner.

People who are extremely ill should take two to three ounces three times daily, until significant improvement is seen, then decrease to the normal dosage.

A frequent question is: “Can I take Noni with my regular Doctor’s medication?” Noni, like Aloe Vera and any other bush medicines, are natural and should be viewed the same way you drink apple, orange or cranberry juice while you take other medication.

My belief is that when we begin to use more of this great stuff that our Creator freely provides for us, maybe we will enjoy better health. Remember - prevention is better than cure.

• Dr Betty Adderley is a veteran educator , certified nutritionist, trained counsellor and network marketing/motivational coach.For more information call 361-5435 or e-mail bett_on@yahoo.com.