Lady Love Food – Blakely Stein
With the blink of an eye, two years have flown by here in the jungle of Costa Rica. During my time here, I’ve endured the never ending “jungle initiation” of fungus, parasites, staff infection, moldy clothes, sunburn, bumpy skin, mosquitos, scorpion and spider bites, leaving car troubles, mud slides and crocodile encounters for another article. With that aside, the people, food and surfing stole my heart and soul, and I’m never looking back. Through personal experiences and time spent with locals, they have both fused me with knowledge and inspiration to heal and energize my body with the abundance of edible and medicinal plants. I passionately believe we can fuel and heal our bodies with the abundance of ingredients growing right here at our fingertips. One in particular is the noni fruit.
Noni (or Indian Mulberry) common name for Morinda citrifolia, are native to Polynesia, especially Tahiti and Hawaii. Noni was brought to Costa Rica by Asian Immigrants traveling to work on the Panama Canal. A lumpy irregular stinky fruit grows on small shrubs or trees with glossy green leaves. Originally noni was used by the Hawaiians as a tonic for many different illnesses.
Noni the Super Fruit – Photo by Blakely Stein
The Noni fruit is full of many powerful antioxidants and compounds that are believed to increase vitality. Rich in selenium (promotes skin elasticity, skin health), xeronine (promotes cell structure health and regeneration), glycosides (defense against free radicals), scopoletin (anti-inflammatory properties), terpine (helps the body detoxify), limonene and anthraquinones (antiseptic properties) particularly for people with weak immune systems.
Many people steer clear of this amazing superfood because of the pungent odor. Once you move past the smell and begin to receive the endless benefits you won’t ever look back. As it enters your system your body will instantly feel invigorated on all levels. An instant high, serotonin boosting, blood bumping, stimulating super fruit guaranteed to make you feel alive. I’ve begun to build a relationship with this incredible fruit. Aside from smoothies, you can make a tea from the leaves, which help digestion, maintain normal blood sugar levels and eliminate toxins from the body. The leaves taste similar to coca tea with a hint of green tea. With that being said find a local tree in your area or ask the local farmers at your market about obtaining fresh noni. The trees on the farm graciously gift me a couple each day.
A few months back I had two bouts of staph infection, I used noni internally and externally. Internally through my smoothies to regenerate cells and eliminate bacteria. Externally as a poultice to draw out excess fluids and rebuild the tissues. You can also use in your eyes after a long sunny surf session. It soothes sunburnt eye balls like you wouldn’t believe. Soak cheesecloth in noni juice and rub on blemishes or skin irritations. Let it dry, rinse and rub fresh aloe to finish it off. I’ve also heard tales of locals healing skin cancers from external and internal use of the noni. I’m no medical professional, but it wouldn’t hurt to try.
Noni drink with leaves – Photo by Blakely Stein
As noni falls from the trees year round in Costa Rica; aloe, coconuts, greens and fruit are also readily available and super rico. Coconuts are abundant and seasonal year round. The nectar of the ocean have many different uses and benefits. Young coconut water, full of electrolytes, vitamins and minerals are all over Costa Rica. Coconut water combined with the young coconut meat and chlorophyll think spinach, katuk, kale or spirulina is similar to a blood transfusion for your body. Add water to smoothies, oatmeal, grains or enjoy solo. The mature meat is best used for coconut milk and coconut oil. For coconut milk: press mature meat through a juicer or blend with coconut water and strain out pulp. For coconut oil: I chop mature meat into small pieces. Dehydrate over night ( I use the Excalibur) or in the sun all day. Once dehydrated, feed through wheat grass juicer when the meat is still warm. I have to say its some of the finest oil I’ve ever tasted. I encourage you to try it yourself, bring it back to the roots will humble you on many levels. I use the left over by-product for a luscious body scrub. I find the mature meat hard to digest on its own; however, the body seems to receive the young meat.
Aloe, a desert succulent native to Africa is abundant and thriving here in Costa Rica. The gel contains vitamin A, C and E, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, chromium, antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, enzymes, sterols, lignins and the most significant quality is the polysaccharides. Polysaccharide are extremely lubricating for the joints, brain, nervous system and skin. They enable the immune system to fight bacteria and fungal infections. Aloe helps with digestion, dissolving mucus in the intestines, which in turn helps the body absorb more nutrients. Aloe aids in eliminating yeast ( candida.) Also acting a prebiotic, enabling probiotics (acidophilus, bifidus, L. salivarius, L. plantarum) to work more effectively. These polysaccharides contain hydrogen and ormus minerals, which increase hydrogen in the epithelial cells thus hydrating our bodies from the inside out. Rejuvenating our joints, skin, brain, nervous system, pancreas, liver and hair. Externally aloe is amazing for skin irritations, bites, acne, poison ivy, skin cancer, athletes foot, arthritis, varicose veins, eczema, reduces scarring are just a few of the amazing benefit.
There are many greens available in different parts of the country. Kale, spinach, katuk and spirulina are a few that I have utilized. High in chlorophyl, antioxidants, immune building and anti-inflammatory. Bring greens daily into your diet; add a handful to your smoothies, salads, stir-fry and/or soups. Try growing yourself or seek out organic varieties in your area.
A recipe to set you free and keep you feeling energized and healthy:
Nonarific drink – Photo by Blakely Stein
Nonarific
(serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 2 noni
- Water from 2 young coconuts
- 2 aloe leaves (skin removed and gel filleted)
- 1 handful of kale, spinach, katuk or tbsp. of spirulina
- 1 1/2 cup of frozen fruit (pineapple, banana and/or jackfruit)
- Handful of ice
- Handful of raw cacao beans (optional)
Directions:
- Blend coconut water and noni.
- Strain liquid through a mesh bag or colander. Discard seeds.
- Add strained liquid back to blender with aloe, greens, fruit, ice and cacao.
- Blend and Enjoy.
Sit down, sip it slow and feel the medicine travel through your body!
Keep spreading the light, love and knowledge.
To your health and happiness,
Lady Love Food
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Article written by Blakely Stein
Sources:
- Superfoods by: David Wolfe
- Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica by: Ed Bernhardt
- Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by: Paul Pitchard (Third Edition)
