by Kathy Tarbell

At age 16, April Linkroum was diagnosed with IBS and told she would need a colostomy bag by the age of 40. This prediction, although devastating, proved to be a crossroads on a journey to restored health. As Linkroum began looking for alternatives, she found hope in plant medicine. In her case, she concluded that the overuse of hormones (birth control pills) and antibiotics for urinary tract infections had created an overgrowth of candida in her intestinal track. Using homeopathic solutions and organic foods, she was able to eliminate the suffering from IBS by age 24. Her own restoration made her passionate about learning more and helping others heal their immune systems through nature.

In 1996, Linkroum was introduced to noni (morinda citrifolia), an odd-looking and nutrient-rich superfood that has been used by Polynesians to stay healthy for over 2,000 years. It grows from seed to tree in nine months and can bear fruit all year with all stages of ripeness on each tree—a unique behavior in fruit trees. Even more unique is that noni contains over 150 nutraceuticals.

Noni in the Lab

Research has shown noni juice to have antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. In 2018, The National Institutes of Health published a review of human intervention studies that states, “[While] human clinical trials are necessary for a precise understanding of what the health benefits of noni juice may be, a review of published human intervention studies suggests that noni juice may provide protection against tobacco smoke-induced DNA damage, blood lipid and homocysteine elevation as well as systemic inflammation. Human intervention studies also indicate that noni juice may improve joint health, increase physical endurance, increase immune activity, inhibit glycation of proteins, aid weight management, help maintain bone health in women, help maintain normal blood pressure, and improve gum health.”

Additional studies point to notable antioxidant activity in noni juice, more so than other fruit juices which served as trial placebos. It is this antioxidant effect and its interaction with the immune system and inflammation pathways that may account for many of the observed health benefits of noni juice.  The juice also appears to trigger a body response to provide significant protection from cellular damage that may occur during radiation treatments.

Next Generation Noni

John Wadsworth is known as the father of superfoods for his role in sharing the benefits of nutrient-rich plants with the world, and it all began with noni juice. He now offers a second generation juice called Nuku Hiva through Zennoa, a company he founded to bring superior superfoods to the public. Through a 50/50 fresh and fermented mix, Nuku Hiva provides increased probiotic support and includes 1,500 identified phytochemicals.

Linkroum now owns tCyH (Take Control of Your Health), and works with Richard Williams, M.D., who is a specialist in tropical medicine. She reflects, “My primary focus is now teaching others how to use natural alternatives to obtain their optimal functioning immune system using superior superfoods for healing, prevention and overall health maintenance.”

For more information, call or text April at 908-256-1937 or visit AprilsLink.ZennoaLife.com.