[Article updated on 19/09/2023]
Noni (Morinda citrifolia), also known as Indian mulberry, is a shrub native to southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its fruit has been used since Antiquity for its medicinal properties. It strengthens the immune system and helps with detoxification. A juice is made from the fruit of this tropical evergreen plant, which is attributed with a wide range of health benefits. Organic noni juice is indeed rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, B3, A and iron. It positively affects several body systems. In this guide, which aims to be as exhaustive as possible, I tell you in detail about this Tahitian remedy.
Before reading on
I’m not an expert in this field, but I am passionate about nutrition and health.
The articles you’ll find on my site are the result of in-depth research that I’d like to share with you. However, I would like to stress that I am not a health professional and that my advice should in no way replace that of a qualified physician. I’m here to guide you, but it’s important that you consult a professional for specific questions or medical concerns. Your well-being is important. So be sure to consult the appropriate experts and take the best possible care of yourself.
Presentation and brief history
Noni juice is derived from the fruit of a tropical evergreen plant called noni. It is a shrub native to South Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is even mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts.
The history and geographical distribution of this juice go back thousands of years. Until the latter part of the 20th century, the plant was used for dyeing clothing. Since then, it has become one of the pillars of traditional Polynesian medicine.
This small tree, 3 to 10 m tall, has rounded branches, dark shiny leaves and reddish-brown seeds. Its small edible white inflorescences transform into greenish-white fruits in the shape of a potato or egg carved with several grooves.
From its scientific name, Morinda citrifolia, this shrub belongs to the Rubiaceae family. A very hardy plant, it is one of the first species to grow on freshly deposited lava flows in the Hawaiian regions.
How to prepare it?
You can prepare this organic remedy yourself, but it will take some effort. The fruits should be picked before they are ripe, then washed well and placed in the sun for 2 to 3 hours. At this point the skin will be translucent and the fruit will start to smell very bad. Then put the fruits in a transparent jar and place them in the sun for 6-8 weeks. The fruit will ferment and, after this time, you can press and filter the pulp to extract the juice.
Where to find noni juice and at what prices to buy it?
This organic remedy was not as widely available as other types of fruit juice, but since its health benefits were discovered, it is possible to purchase it at many chain stores like Walmart. Buying online is also a popular option, as growing this tree outside of tropical or subtropical regions is not easy. You can also purchase this brew inexpensively from traditional medicine practitioners, especially in tropical regions.
What is the nutritional profile of this juice?
A tablespoon of noni juice contains approximately:
- 3.5 calories
- 0.9 grams of carbohydrates
- 1.5 mg of vitamin C
- 300 micrograms of zinc
- 170 micrograms of niacin
- 0.12 micrograms
- 2 milligrams of calcium
- 800 micrograms of magnesium
- 35 micrograms of iron
- 10 milligrams of potassium
This beverage, which can be found in Tahiti, also provides fatty acids, amino acids (serine, arginine and methionine) and powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins, beta-carotene, catechins, coenzyme Q10, flavonoids , lipoic acid, lutein, lycopene and selenium.
This fruit juice offers an impressive range of vitamins, minerals and other useful phytonutrients. Its vitamin content includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C and E. Mineral content includes calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.
What are the health benefits of this juice?
This beverage that you have to find brings together a host of health benefits. Their number includes:
- the fight against tumors
- treatment of gout
- reduction of muscle spasms
- protecting heart health
- relief from fatigue
- liver protection
- the fight against mental illness
- arthritis pain relief
- the fight against memory impairment
- the fight against diabetes
- skin care
- relief of stomach problems
- strengthening immunity
Fight against tumors
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that the juice of this Tahitian plant has anti-cancer properties. The anthraquinones it contains prevent glucose from entering tumor cells, which slows down the formation of metastases. This, in turn, is helpful in slowing the growth of cancer cells. Although research suggests that these compounds may help reduce the pain and fatigue associated with cancer, they do not appear to reduce the size of the tumor.
Gout treatment
The therapeutic effects of this beverage extend to the treatment of gout. The juice’s effectiveness in treating these diseases is due to its inhibitory action on xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in gout and its associated problems. Scientific research carried out in 2009 also corroborated the healing effect of the juice of this beverage, which has been used for thousands of years.
Reduction of muscle spasms
Consumption of juice from this remedy can help create a relaxing effect on the muscles. Studies have revealed that the antispasmodic properties of this beverage can be attributed to the blockage of calcium channels responsible for the contraction of muscle fibers. It thus helps to suppress muscle spasms and relieve associated pain and discomfort.
Protecting heart health
This Tahitian potion may prove useful for maintaining cardiovascular health. It exerts dilating effects on blood vessels by strengthening the smooth muscle cells located inside the cell wall, resulting in better blood flow through the arteries. This vasodilator effect helps regulate blood pressure and helps maintain a healthy heart.
Research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, United States, showed that consumption of this juice helped reduce levels of bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, and homocysteine. Additionally, researchers have found that it improves levels of good cholesterol in the body.
Fatigue relief
This drink is a medicine traditionally used by Polynesians to combat general weakness and improve quality of life as well as energy level. Various studies have shown its ergogenic qualities, which help improve the body’s tolerance, elasticity and general physical performance.
Liver protection
This drink is also known for its effectiveness in protecting against liver diseases. As confirmed by a study carried out in 2008, it exerts hepatoprotective effects, which helps protect the organ against exposure to exogenous chemicals. This beverage also provides protection against major diseases such as liver damage.
Fight against mental illness
This drink has been traditionally used to treat a range of illnesses, including disorders related to the central nervous system. Studies investigating the antipsychotic effects of this juice have shown significant improvement in subjects, particularly with regard to their behavioral problems, and have demonstrated its enormous potential in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Additionally, it has also been suggested that it may have a therapeutic effect on brain damage. It can help prevent cerebral ischemic stress without affecting the effectiveness of good enzymes and antioxidants.
Arthritis Pain Relief
The healing powers of this Tahitian juice provide relief in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Scientific evaluation provided qualitative evidence regarding the analgesic characteristics of this remedy. It helps relieve pain and tenderness, thereby reducing destruction of the involved joint. The study also suggests that the healing effectiveness of the juice from this natural remedy is comparable to that of some painkillers.
Fight against memory impairment
Noni juice can exert a protective effect in remedying memory problems. Scientific studies carried out on subjects with weakened memory have suggested that the consumption of this juice originating from Polynesia promotes cerebral blood circulation and helps improve memory functions.
Fight against diabetes
Diabetics can also benefit from the healing power of extracts of Morinda citrifolia. This has been proven by research that demonstrated the effectiveness of the juice of this plant as a restorative herb for reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Scientific evidence has shown that consumption of this drink helps reduce the level of glycosylated hemoglobin, serum triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Additionally, it improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates glucose absorption.
Skin care
This juice can be considered a natural aid in beauty and skin care. Studies suggest that it is rich in anthraquinones, protective chemicals that have a stimulating effect on collagen and prevent the formation of wrinkles on the skin.
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of noni work at the cellular level and are useful in treating various skin disorders, including acne, burns, allergic skin reactions and hives.
The presence of essential fatty acids and the high concentration of proxeronine contribute to the efficient functioning of cell membranes.
Relief from stomach problems
This treatment may prove useful due to its impact on the gastric emptying process. The results of a study conducted on this remedy revealed that the phytonutrients present in it delay gastric emptying, which slows down digestion and the release of sugars into the blood. The study also suggests that it stimulates the release of digestive enzymes.
Acceleration of wound healing
Morinda citrifolia juice is effective in accelerating the healing of wounds. A study evaluating the juice polymerization properties of this treatment revealed positive results regarding increased tissue weight and collagen function. As mentioned above, this drink helps reduce blood sugar levels, which can also be correlated with an accelerated healing process.
Strengthening immunity
A strengthened immune system is another advantage of this exceptional beverage. Since ancient times, it has been recognized for its effectiveness in the fight against infections and other conditions attributable to the presence of polysaccharides.
These components stimulate the activity of white blood cells which play an important role in protecting the body. The scopoletin present in this drink has antibacterial, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antihistamine properties which significantly contribute to maintaining the immune defense mechanism.
What are the side effects of noni juice?
Research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of this remedy has yielded positive results. However, special cases and individual concerns require caution.
Attention should be paid to the high potassium content of this treatment. It contains a good concentration of potassium which may interfere with various medications used to treat high blood pressure. These two factors can collectively lead to very high levels of potassium in the body, giving rise to symptoms such as nausea and cardiac arrhythmia.
For the above reason, noni juice should not be taken by people who are already battling kidney problems as it might tend to aggravate the existing condition. Noni juice is also high in sugar. Therefore, people suffering from diabetes should exercise caution.
The plant contains anthraquinones, which could be carcinogenic and toxic to the liver. A small number of cases of liver damage, including hepatitis and liver failure, have been attributed to consumption of the juice extracted from its fruits.
If you are taking blood thinners such as coumadin or have a bleeding disorder, you will need to avoid this supplement. It may also interact with other medications and treatments, such as phenytoin, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
The safety of noni juice has not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical problems. Although several studies have advocated the safety of this beverage, it is strongly recommended to consult a health professional before considering taking it.
This list of side effects is not exhaustive and other serious side effects may occur. Consult a doctor for information and advice.
Sources:
14 Impressive Benefits of Noni Juice