What Are The Benefits Of Noni Fruit Juice?

Noni juice comes from the fruit of the morinda citrifolia tree. It is available at many grocery and health food stores as pure juice or juice blends from several Pacific island countries. There are many claims as to the health benefits provided when drinking the juice, some of which have been proven in clinical studies.

Description

Morinda citrifolia is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow to about 22 feet high, though some are much shorter. It is a member of the coffee family and can be found throughout the Pacific region, though it originated in a large area from southeast Asia to Australia. The tree can tolerate most soil types and can flourish in very wet to very dry precipitation areas. It is also very invasive and hard to kill, making it a weed in some areas. The tree has glossy leaves with white flowers that are globe-like. The bumpy fruit is white to yellow in color and is 2 to 4 inches long. Ripe noni fruit have a very unpleasant odor, which can vary depending on the variety

History

Noni fruit and juice was used as food and medicine by the Polynesians for centuries. The Polynesians used noni to treat arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure. They also believed it could prevent aging. The Polynesians brought it to Hawaii and during World War II, it became known as a food source by soldiers stationed in the South Pacific, which helped increase its popularity.

How the Juice is Made

Noni juice can be aged, or fermented, pasteurized and either drip extracted or fresh squeezed. The process begins with almost ripe fruit, when there is still some green showing. At this stage, the fruit are tough skinned and will not bruise easily. Once picked, they will fully ripen in one to two days and then they can be juiced and produce a translucent nectar. When ripe, the fruit is gently washed and air dried. At this point, the fruit can be pressed for fresh squeezed juice, or can be place in juice collection vessels for drip extraction, which can take up to two months.

Nutrtitional Facts

Hawaiian noni fruit juice that is pure contains 15.3 calories, 10.5 mg of sodium, 0.43 g of protein, less than 5 IU of vitamin A, 33.65 mg of vitamin C and 10.1 mg of calcium per every 100 g serving, Because of the unpleasant odor and flavor of noni, many manufacturers will add other fruit juice concentrates to the product. This will change the nutritional profile of the juice, therefore you should read the label to see ingredients and nutritional facts on each product you purchase.

Health Benefits

Noni juice as a food source has been known to increase stamina. Research published in the November 2007, issue of "Phytotherapy Research," confirmed that drinking noni juice can increase endurance and balance, and combat fatigue. Noni juice provides powerful antioxidant activity that was proven in research published in the October 2009 issue of "Chemistry Central Journal." Fermented noni juice has also shown to be an anti-tumor agent that works by aiding the immune system. This property was proven in a study published in the December 2008, issue of "Oncology Reports."