Source of the image: Reproduction / G1The inhabitants of the state of Pernambuco, more precisely Recife, Olinda and metropolitan regions, are having their daily routines being modified due to the emergence of a new fruit with almost miraculous powers. Noni, as it is called, comes from the Morinda citrifolia tree and can easily be found at open markets, public markets and even in the backyards of the city's residents.

The fruit, originating from Southeast Asia, supposedly has therapeutic properties and is used by people who suffer from a wide range of illnesses, from serious diabetes to simple headaches. The most consumed form of the product is in the form of juice or mixed with other fruits. However, Morinda, which produced Tahitian Noni juice, closed its doors in early 2009 on the grounds that it was unable to meet the requirements of the Brazilian government.

The real problem is that the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) prohibits any noni-based products, as well as the marketing of the fruit or its derivatives within the national territory. According to the government agency, although not yet conclusive, research with the vegetable pointed out that the fruit can cause damage to the liver and also the kidneys.

The voice of the people ...

Even with Anvisa saying that promises of healing based on fruit consumption are "fallacious", Pernambucans have the most different stories to prove that noni really works. Nutritionist and professor at the Mauricio de Nassau College, Ana Lígia Lins, explains that therapeutic fruit falls into the category of “functional food”, which are those that bring benefits superior to merely nutritional.

Source of the image: Reproduction / G1Thus, people who consume noni do not tire of listing the list of benefits provided by the fruit. Proof of this belief is that some people are already cultivating noni in their own backyards, such as radio broadcaster Geraldo Clemente, who started taking the juice to try to fight prostate cancer. According to the consumer, the improvement was so significant that he no longer takes the medications prescribed by his urologist.

The demand for noni is so great that markets and open markets are taking advantage of the price of the product. According to the G1 report, the kilo of fruit is being offered for $ 15, and each fruit can be purchased on average for $ 2. Vitamins and juices are a bit more affordable, but remember that marketing of these products is prohibited by Anvisa.

What do you think? Would you test the fruit to try to cure yourself of a disease, even against the indication of the National Health Surveillance Agency?