Noni is a fruit to which antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties are attributed … Although the research carried out so far does not scientifically guarantee its benefit for health.
Noni is a typical tropical fruit from Polynesia. The outer layer is pale green in color and its interior may be reminiscent of the custard apple, with white flesh and full of bones. Although it is a tropical fruit, it is not too tasty, so it is taken in the form of juice mixed with sugars or honey.
Nutritional composition of noni juice
Although it does not have a very remarkable nutritional composition, noni has proxeronine . It is a component that, once in the body, becomes xeronine, an alkaloid that regulates metabolism and different biological functions and to which many health benefits are attributed.
Antimicrobial effect
The extract of its fruit contains anthraquinones, alizarin and L-asperuloside , which are attributed antimicrobial characteristics capable of fighting the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli and the tuberculosis bacillus.
Supports the digestive system
Due to its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, it is capable of fighting Helicobacter pylori and helps in the treatment of ulcers, gastritis or intestinal parasites.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory
Calming benefits , sedative and anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to it . It seems that the substances in noni juice are capable of inhibiting COX-1 enzymes , which cause inflammation, and patients with inflammatory diseases notice improvement if they complement conventional treatment with noni juice.
Improves the immune system
It seems that a polysaccharide present in the noni fruit is capable of stimulating T lymphocytes (white blood cells), increasing the defenses . Research carried out by the University of Chicago observed a significant increase in the gland that generates T lymphocytes in those animals that had received noni juice daily.
Reduces triglycerides and blood cholesterol.
A study published in 2012 confirmed that a group of smokers, with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, who were given noni juice for 30 days, improved their lipid profile.
Cancer prevention
Noni extract appears to enhance the effect of certain medications that are commonly used to treat cancer.
There are many studies that have focused on investigating noni and the prevention or improvement of cancer. The American Association for Cancer Research presented a study showing that a special noni extract had a clear anticancer effect in mice (its life was prolonged in 75% of cases). Other studies have shown that noni juice is able to cure 25% to 45% of animals affected by sarcoma.
Helps to control diabetes.
In 2008, a group of researchers from the West Indies University studied the effect of noni juice on blood sugar levels in a group of mice with diabetes. The group of mice that received insulin combined with noni juice obtained lower blood glucose levels than those that received only insulin.
Antioxidant power
It contains a large amount of antioxidant substances , which include selenium, xeronine, lignans, anthraquinones, terpenes and scopolein, which neutralize the famous free radicals , preventing premature aging of the tissues.
When is it not advisable to take it?
Noni is not recommended during pregnancy , as it could interfere with conception or cause an abortion. It is also not recommended in case of liver, kidney or heart disease due to its high potassium content.
Although , there are few published works that scientifically validate its use with beneficial properties for health, the use of this fruit is approved by the European Union as a novel food , it can be sold without risk and it is considered a safe food . However, its habitual consumption for prolonged periods without consulting a professional is not recommended , since as we mentioned, human studies are scarce.
What you should know:
- Noni is not a very tasty fruit so it is taken in the form of juice mixed with sugars or honey.
- Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties are attributed to it … but studies have been carried out in humans, so more studies are needed.
- Noni is not recommended for liver, kidney or heart disease or pregnant women.
