Noni, nutritional properties

Noni it is a tropical fruit typical of Polynesia. The outer layer is pale green in color and its interior may remember the custard apple, of white meat 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, to which antimicrobial characteristics capable of fighting bacteria and Escherichia coli and the tuberculosis bacillus are attributed.

Supports the digestive system

Due to its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, it is able to combat and helps in the treatment of ulcers, gastritis or intestinal parasites.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory

Are attributed soothing benefits, effect sedative and anti-inflammatory. It seems that the substances in noni juice are capable of inhibit COX-1 enzymes, causing 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 stimulate lymphocytes T (white blood cells) increasing 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 levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, who were given noni juice for 30 days, improved their lipid profile.

cancer prevention

It seems that the noni extract enhances 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. It was presented by a work where it was shown that a special noni extract had a clear anticancer effect in mice (their 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 control diabetes.

In 2008, a group of researchers from the 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 they obtained lower blood glucose levels than those who had received only insulin.

Antioxidant power

Contains a large amount of antioxidant substances, where selenium, xeronine, lignans, anthraquinones, terpenes and scopoletin stand out, which neutralize the famous ones, preventing premature aging of the tissues.

When is it not advisable to take it?

It is discouraged the noni during the pregnancyas 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.

Even if, 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, it can be sold without risk and is considered a safe food. However, its habitual consumption for prolonged periods without it is not recommended, since, as we mentioned, studies in humans 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.

Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Master in Pediatric Nutrition and Sports Nutrition Advance Medical Consultant Nutritionist