Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements | Health Articles

The unusually low death rate and high incidence of healthy centenarians- that is persons over 100 years of age, in Tonga have prompted observers to ask why this should be so? The Tongans themselves would probably refer the curious back to an ordinary sea plant which the Tongans have harvested and eaten for thousands of years, as they believe it to be a source of longevity and health.

Limu moui is a valuable source of an interesting biochemical called fucoidan and is a marine vegetable native to the coastal region of the island of Tonga. Recent research has revealed that the Tongans' faith in their brown sea plant has not been misplaced as it would appear to be a natural restorative and rejuvenator packed with nutrients, rich in antioxidants and live plant enzymes. It is said that these enzymes can provide improved protein digestion, support for the immune system and optimize overall health.

Limu moui contains quantities of polyphenols-natural antioxidant compounds which mop up the dangerous free radicals which can damage cells thus causing degenerative conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes offering nutritive support to anyone suffering from a nutrient deficient diet. These powerful antioxidants can detoxify the body from heavy metals, free radicals and toxins, improve the structure of hair, skin and nails, support gastrointestinal function, assist in the reduction of high blood sugar and cholesterol and help to protect cells from damage at a cellular level.

As scientific research and data begins to emerge, this remarkable sea plant is creating significant interest among biochemists. Simply eaten as a vegetable it has offered people remarkable immune building and nutritive support, now it is available as an extract after 15 years of research into how to harness its unique properties and optimize the utilization of its therapeutic applications.

Limu Moui- the health secret of the South pacific

In the temperate and unspoiled seawater off the coast of Tonga, dense aquatic forests of Limu moui thrive in the fertile bottom soil. Although used by the local populace for its healing and restorative properties over many years, the potential of Limu moui has only recently been recognized in the western world then only due to the curiosity of health-minded individuals. Soon questions regarding the superior longevity, vigor, disease resistance and overall body strength and stature of Tongans provoked investigations into the diet and routine consumption of this sea vegetable were initiated, with researchers attributing the superior health of the Tongans to this unique plant.

Limu Moui contains a balance of synergistic nutrients in natural proportions:

Glyconutrients (galactose, mannose, xylose)

Amino acids (including glycoproteins)

A wide range of essential and non-essential fatty acids
A broad spectrum of essential minerals and vitamins
A variety of polyphenols (powerful antioxidant plant compounds that protect the body from dangerous free radicals)

Limu moui's polyphenol content alone is sufficient reason to consider this sea plant a valuable dietary supplement. These polyphenols are known to act as superb cell protection that can help prevent - malignant growths, tissue damage, degenerative diseases, toxic accumulation in tissues, skin deterioration.

Limu moui also contains additional agents which can optimize health such as:

Fucans and fucoidan - complex polysaccharides with cancer-protective and immune-stimulant properties, which also raise HGF (hepatic growth factor) for be-improved overall health.

Organic iodine - supports normal metabolism and optimal thyroid function

Alginate - a natural detoxifier.

Laminarin - an anti-clotting and anti-cancer compound

Limu Moui is a storehouse of natural vitamins and minerals. Many people now realize that, in the main, our food is grown in depleted soil, soil stripped of vital minerals due to modern farming methods and your food intake may not provide your body with the essential minerals it needs to remain healthy. Limu Moui provides an excellent vegetarian source of minerals in a natural colloidal form easily assimilated by your body. Colloidal minerals are readily accepted by the body unlike metallic minerals which can accumulate in body tissues crating organ damage. Iron supplements are a classic example as inorganic iron is not excreted from the body and can have disastrous results. Submerged in seawater, Limu Moui plants absorb minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, boron, zinc, and iodine. It is also rich in natural vitamins such as B1, B2, niacin, B12, E and biotin. It is important to note that vitamins render no health benefits if our bodies are deficient in minerals.

Scientific research into claims about Limu Moui led researchers to a compound called fucoidan and it is the presence of this polysaccharide (large sugar molecule) in the cell wall of Limu Moui which makes this plant so beneficial for human health, indeed it has been said to closely resemble the uniquely perfect immune-boosting food - human breast milk. Equally interesting is it's ability to bond with sulphate groups. New studies tell us that the more sulphate groups a plant has the more therapeutically active it is. Limu Moui has one of the highest fucoidan content when compared to other marine algae.

Fucoidan's anti-inflammatory properties may help with a range of inflammatory conditions. Scientists at the Institute of Biomedical Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in Moscow reported in 1997 that fucoidan can actually inhibit the inflammatory process contributing to peritonitis. They discovered that the presence of fucoidan prevents inflammation causing white blood cells from migrating to the site, thereby reducing inflammation having implications for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Fucoidan can stimulate tissue replacement in the skin. In the October issue of Biological Pharmacology Bulletin, Japanese scientists reported that it is the fucoidan content of seaweed that boosts the production of a protein - integrin, which repairs and firms skin. They further reported that fucoidan promotes the contraction of collagen gel which serves to boost wound healing. It is also suggested that brown seaweed compounds actually shorten the cycle in which the skin cells replace themselves. I have to say that from personal experience I have noted that a scar from a serious burn sustained seven months ago is now rapidly disappearing since I started taking a Limu Moui supplement.

Primary Applications of Limu Moui:

Abrasions, allergies, arthritis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, backaches, bladder infections, boils, bowel disorders, burns, cancer, chronic fatigue, weak circulation, colds and flu, colon diseases, congestion, constipation, depression, diabetes, earaches, eye inflammations, fever, fibromyalgia, gingivitis, headaches, heart disease, herpes, hypertension, high cholesterol, hyperactivity, hypoglycemia, hypothyroid immune dysfunction, indigestion, insomnia, liver disorders, menstrual cramps, mood disorders, mouth sores, obesity, pain, parasites, peritonitis, prostate disease, rashes, respiratory infection, sinusitis, skin disorders, sore throats, strep infections, stroke, toothaches, tumors, ulcers, wounds, yeast infections.

Reference: Rita Elkins, M.H. Woodland Health Series, IBSN 1- 58054- 097- X