Noni is a plant which is native to Asia, Australia, Polynesia, Samoa and is actually a small shrubby tree.
The flowers are white and tubular and the fruit is yellow- greenish-white in colour and large with a pebbled surface. It is now being cultivated in India. It is also known as Morinda Citrifola and Indian Mulberry amongst others.
Noni is mostly consumed as a juice. Noni is full of potent Antioxidants and is extremely healthy.
Just be cautious in sourcing your Noni well. It should be unsweetened and a reputable brand as there are a lot of spurious brands available these days.
1. Nutritional Content: 100 ml of Noni juice contains :- * 47 (Calories), 11 grams (Carbohydrates), less than 1 gram (Protein and Fat) & 8 grams (Sugar). * 33% (recommended daily intake of Vitamin C), 17% (Biotin), 6% (Folate), 4% (Magnesium), 3% (Potassium), 3% (Calcium) and 3% (Vitamin E).
2. Antioxidants: Noni juice contains high levels of Antioxidants and this is what contributes to its potential health benefits. The main antioxidants are Vitamin C, E, Beta carotene and Indoids.
3. Improves Skin Quality: Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, the juice works as a wonderful moisturizer when applied on this skin regularly. It can replenish and repair your skin. It is also anti-aging as it contains both Vitamin C and Selenium so reverses the effects of ageing and preserves the elasticity of the skin.
4. Lowers Risk of Gout: Noni juice can reduce uric acid in the blood and thus lower the risk of gout.
5. Cholesterol and Brain Health : Noni prevents absorption of LDL cholesterol, as it contains a large amount of phytosterols. This not only helps your brain stay healthier, but also reduces the build up of plaque in the arteries, keeping you healthy and alive longer.
6. IBS/ Constipation: High on soluble fiber, Noni keeps you regular, softens stools and eases the strain on the intestine. Therefore it is excellent for Gut health.
7. Immune System : Noni is anti- bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and can boost the immune system. Noni activates macrophages and strengthens the immune system, which then produces more lymphocytes.
8. Arthritis: Noni is nicknamed ‘The Tree for Headaches’ or ‘The Painkiller Tree’, Noni reduces pain, making it effective for joint pains and arthritis.
9. Anti-depressant /Sedative : Noni stimulates serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin regulates the Circadian rhythm, which helps you sleep and serotonin affects mood, emotions and sleep. Good sleep in turn is relaxing, and Noni being high in phytonutrients and scopoletin, as alkaline compounds reduces blood pressure and keeps body fluids from being too acidic.
SIDE EFFECTS
People with Kidney disease and unexplained potassium elevation should use Noni cautiously as it may raise potassium levels.