Noni - beneficial properties and contraindications, use of juice

What it is

Morinda citrusifolia, or noni, belongs to trees of the Rubiaceae family. The main habitat of the plant is the tropics, and calcareous and volcanic species are recognized as the most suitable soil for growth. A feature of trees of this family is the formation of a well-developed root system that goes to the very depths of the earth (the length of the roots can reach 21 meters).

Morinda citrus folia produces edible green fruits, similar in appearance to a rudimentary cypress cone or Jerusalem artichoke tubers. The fruit itself has an oval shape, its length can sometimes reach 7 cm. Finally ripe noni turns yellow, and its skin becomes transparent.

Seeing noni for the first time, many are frightened by its distinct, specific smell, which is not even remotely reminiscent of the smell of the fruits we are familiar with, but rather similar to the smell of blue cheese. The fruit is also quite unusual in terms of taste: it is bitter and extremely pungent.

Basically, only indigenous people, who are accustomed to such properties of the fruit, consume it raw. In Europe, they found a different application for the consumption of noni - based on it they create a juice that vaguely resembles the taste of bread kvass with horseradish.

Noni fruit. What it is?

Did you know that in nature there are fruit trees whose fruits are inedible raw? Or rather, you can eat them, but you are unlikely to enjoy the taste. On our beloved island of Koh Chang, these also grow - these are noni (yes, the same one whose juice is presented as a miraculous panacea) and pandan (pandanus).

In one of the previous publications, telling you what fruits there are on Chang, we ignored them. It is worth correcting the omission - at least so that you do not mistakenly “feast” on such exotic things when you stumble upon the corresponding fruit tree.

Noni - Thailand's most controversial fruit

Inconspicuous, lumpy, waxy-skinned fruits, somewhat similar to unripe potatoes with a large number of “eyes.” Because of the specific smell and taste, the noni fruit in the countries where it grows is called cheese fruit (smells like spoiled cheese) or even vomit fruit. And also “a fruit for the hungry,” because only a very hungry person, for lack of alternatives, can force himself to swallow the foul-smelling, piercingly bitter pulp. Unlike durian, where an incredibly tasty delicacy is hidden behind a killer smell, noni fruit is equally unpleasant in both smell and taste.

But thanks to smart marketing, noni—more precisely, its juice—has attracted great interest in recent years among healthy eating and alternative medicine advocates around the world. Manufacturers claim that noni juice helps fight mild colds and strengthen the body. Of course, the price tag for such a unique product is appropriate.

The price is very surprising if you know that the raw materials for the production of this juice are not at all rare and its processing does not involve any difficulties:

the tree (scientifically Morinda citrusifolia) bears fruit all year round;
the plant is unpretentious, does not require any care - where the seeds fall, it grows there (almost like a weed);
In the countries of Southeast Asia, wild-growing Morinda citrus folia can be found everywhere, including Thailand and, in particular, Koh Chang.

Noni juice in Thailand is several times cheaper than in Russia (but still unreasonably expensive compared to other fruit juices), and therefore in pharmacies and stores you can often see tourists lining up for it. Noni juice is so popular among Russian-speaking guests that some manufacturers in Thailand (for example, OTOR - there is a company store on the east coast of Koh Chang) provide the juice packaging with a detailed description in Russian. What’s noteworthy is that there are no descriptions in English, and a modest sticker with a Thai description takes up a microscopic area (because the native Thais themselves do not buy or drink this drink).

As for the benefits: keep in mind that there is no official scientific evidence of the miraculous properties of noni. But the products made from it cannot be called harmful: the composition of microelements of the drink is similar to orange juice. Another thing to note is that the phytochemicals found in noni are also found in many other fruits that are cheaper and much tastier. In other words, for the price at which they offer to buy a liter bottle of noni juice in Thailand, you can buy a whole mountain of other fruits (both fresh and in the form of juices, purees, etc.) and thus get much more vitamins (and, importantly, taste pleasure).

That's all you need to know about noni. In the next publication we will continue our story about the tasteless fruits that can be found in the jungles of Chang.

Where does the fruit grow?

The main growing areas of Morinda citrus foliage are India, Australia and Africa. Some species can also be found on the islands of French Polynesia: Guam and Tahiti. The presence of a tropical climate is especially important for the plant.

When purchasing noni or its juice, it is important to note that fruits supplied from French Polynesia undergo proper certified testing. The fruit is imported and analyzed by the Tahitian Noni brand.

Description of the fruit

Noni is the fruit of the evergreen plant Morinda citrus folia. It is also known as cheese fruit, Indian mulberry, hungry man's fruit, or pork apple. This plant can reach a height of 6-7 meters, is very unpretentious to the environment, can survive in any soil and easily tolerates arid climates. Under favorable conditions, flowers and fruits appear on the tree all year round.

Compound

Minerals:

calcium;
potassium;
sodium;
iron;
phosphorus;
molybdenum.

Vitamins:

vitamin C;
vitamin A;
B vitamins.

Fatty acid:

glutamine;
linoleic;
aspartic.

Help: Aspartic acid affects the formation of a stable nervous system. In addition to noni, it is also found in pumpkin seeds, asparagus, honey, couscous, quinoa, garlic, beets, white cabbage and carrots.

Biologically active substances:

iridoids;
glycosides;
alkaloids.

Other useful substances:

proline;
tyrosine;
alanine;
threonine;
xeronine;
enzymes;
scopoletin;
phospholipids;
serine

Information: Noni contains a substance called proxeronine, which reduces the desire to consume coffee, sugar and nicotine.

Beneficial properties of noni fruit

Noni fruits, despite their repulsive taste and unpleasant odor, have many beneficial properties:

Rejuvenates body cells, blocks aging processes;
considered one of the most powerful antioxidants;
raises tone and stimulates brain cells;
prevents cancer;
regulates blood pressure;
normalizes the nervous system;
used in the fight against insomnia;
used as an antidepressant, fights apathy;
used as a natural pain reliever;
strengthens the immune system, acting as an immunomodulator;
relieves swelling and inflammation;
eliminates disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Information: The beneficial properties of noni are found not only in the fruits, but also in the seeds of the fruit, enriched with phospholipids, which in turn improve the human olfactory organs. The seeds also contain linoleic acid, which maintains healthy skin.

Contraindications

Although the juice and the noni fruit itself have many beneficial properties, it still has some contraindications that you should be aware of before using it. Among them:

treatment of hyper- or hypotension with medications. Combining tablets with fruit can cause nausea and arrhythmia.
chronic kidney disease or acute condition;
allergy;
pregnancy and lactation.

In addition, do not exceed the limits specified in the instructions or recipes, as this may lead to poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, headache and stomach pain.

Beneficial properties of noni juice

The most valuable thing about the fruit is its juice, the beneficial properties of which have been studied by the world's leading scientists and nutritionists for several decades. As is known from the latest research data, noni fruit juice can significantly improve the general condition of the human body and launch rejuvenation processes at all cellular levels.

Juice intake statistics show that daily consumption of the product improves the functioning of the entire immune system. The use of juice is especially recommended during various viral diseases, flu and colds.

Note: Due to the high potassium content in noni juice, those with kidney disease should drink it with caution.

Among other things, Noni juice has the following positive effects on the human body;
Restores liver parenchyma;
removes toxins from the body;
stops the growth of tumors and metastases;
supports the functions of smooth muscles of internal organs;
normalizes the balance of glucose concentration in the blood;
improves skin elasticity, fights acne;
improving the functioning of the heart and lungs;
protects cells at the DNA level;
fights allergies.

Reference: For an adult, the maximum permissible juice consumption is no more than 200 ml per day. The minimum dose of juice that has a beneficial effect on the body is 30 ml. The same values are recommended as the maximum permissible for children from 1 year to 16 years.

Noni is the healthiest fruit

Noni fruit is one of the most mysterious fruits. It is difficult to list all the beneficial properties of noni: it has been a cure for cancer, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and other diseases for hundreds of years. Few people know that it looks like a potato, is half water, fights cancer cells and helps you quit smoking.

Photo: Noniusers.com

This exotic fruit grows in Malaysia, Polynesia, Australia and Southeast Asia. Noni is the Hawaiian name for the plant Morinda citrifolia, also called “pig apple,” “cheese fruit,” and “Indian mulberry.” This is a small evergreen shrub on which edible fruits grow. They are small - the size of a potato, green-brown in color, with a bitter taste and a strong, unpleasant odor.

Noni fruit has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. The natives also used it as a medicine and preventative for various diseases, including cancer, hypertension, diabetes, fever, diarrhea, constipation and asthma. To treat the listed diseases, all parts of the amazing plant were used: leaves, flowers, bark and the fruit itself, or rather its juice. Today, the whole world knows the noni juice obtained from the fruit.

It contains more than 150 biologically active substances, a full range of vitamins and minerals, and a significant amount of amino acids. Among all these substances, there are two that cannot be found in such high concentrations in any other fruit - cancer-destroying Damnacanthal and Proxeronine, which is responsible for the condition of the skin, hair, teeth, muscles, joints and many organs, especially the filter of the whole body - liver. By the way, speaking about the condition of hair and skin, one cannot fail to mention the cosmetic company Noni Care, which is based on noni juice and extract.

We can safely say that this is the fruit of health, because all the beneficial properties of noni are difficult to list. The facts of scientists confirm this: they have proven that noni juice has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, decongestant, anti-cancer healing properties. The same researchers found that the fruit consists of more than 52% liquid, and the remaining 48% are components, each of which affects the condition of the brain, blood, heart, connective tissues and everything else, having a positive effect on the entire body.

According to many reports and reviews, the noni fruit is truly unique and almost magical, because it rejuvenates the body, prevents the development of malignant tumors, helps normalize blood pressure, regulates sleep, helps with neuroses, depression, chronic fatigue better than any advertised pills, cures diabetes, allergies, asthma, kidney disease and hemorrhoids. They also say that it helps get rid of nicotine addiction and quit smoking.

During our experiment, it turned out that, among other things, noni perfectly improves digestion if you drink it before meals. By the way, as for consumption, you can drink the juice constantly without taking breaks. It can be mixed with other juices and added to smoothies and cocktails. The color of the juice is dark with a brown-burgundy tint, the smell is similar to radish tincture. Since the taste of the juice is not pleasant - it is salty and bitter at the same time - it is excellent to use it in an ensemble with berries, which interrupt the taste with sweetness.

We offer a recipe for an excellent light morning smoothie: a glass of any frozen berries, half a banana, half a glass of water and 4 tablespoons of noni juice. It turns out just as beautiful as in the last photo.

Indications for use

The fruit itself, as well as medications created on its basis, which do not contain other active ingredients except noni, are used to treat the following diseases:

Gastrointestinal dysfunction;
hypertension (complex treatment with other drugs);
chronic fatigue and depression;
frequent neurosis syndromes;
gastritis and stomach ulcers;
helminthiasis;
inflammation of the kidneys and lungs;
polyarthritis;
severe headaches and pain during menstruation.

Important! Before using noni fruit for the above diseases, you should consult your doctor. In this case, courses of treatment can be carried out both with drugs based on the fruit and with the fruit itself, observing the permissible norms for noni consumption.

For oncology

Noni juice, made from fermented fruits or fruit extracts, is used in the treatment of cancer. In general, the fruit does not have any effect on the cancer cells themselves. However, a positive reaction occurs due to the fact that thanks to the juice, the protective functions of the entire body are strengthened, which causes an antioxidant and antitumor effect.

Thus, in 2006, leading NCCAM scientists conducted a series of studies that proved that noni fruit extract gave a positive reaction in the body of mice with cancer: the growth process of cancer cells stopped, and metastases stopped affecting the tissues of other organs. The discovery so amazed doctors and shocked the world that already in 2009 the first human studies were carried out. The experiment consisted of the following: for several months, the subjects consumed 12 g of noni extract per day. As a result, the majority of subjects had a noticeable increase in immunity to the disease, the body began to fight the disease, and in some it was possible to completely stop the cancer (not destroy it).

It is worth understanding that we are talking about the initial stages of cancer. Unfortunately, studies on categories of people with late stages of cancer have not yielded any results. Many assume that scientists will soon be able to invent a cure for cancer, and the main component of such a drug will certainly be noni fruit extract.

Important! Cancer-affected cells are affected not by the components of the fruit, but by substances produced by the body itself when it receives products based on noni fruits.

For weight loss

The positive effect on the figure when consuming noni juice occurs due to the presence of substances in its composition that quickly cause a feeling of fullness in the body. Thus, a person who constantly drinks noni juice will feel full much faster and, as a result, consume much less food than someone who does not use juice in their diet. It is important to note that even though you consume less food, your body will also receive all the substances necessary for proper functioning. Among other things, noni juice improves metabolism and removes all toxic substances from the body, thereby promoting weight loss.

In order to lose extra pounds, you need to drink about 200-300 ml of warm water every day in the morning (necessarily on an empty stomach). Then drink 100 ml of juice at room temperature, and after 5 minutes drink 200 ml of water again.

You should not drink juice without water because the body has not yet fully awakened, as has the stomach, which is why the reaction to the product may be negative.

In the evening, about 20 minutes before the last meal, nutritionists also advise drinking 100 ml of juice. There is no need to drink water.

Use in folk medicine

Noni is also widely used in folk medicine. In this case, all parts of the plant are involved in the treatment, with the exception of wood. Thus, medicinal infusions and healthy tea are made from the leaves, essential oil is extracted from the burning seeds, and juice is extracted from the fruits.

Unfortunately, most products made from the fruit can only be purchased in its homeland. The main sales of noni are concentrated in juice or fresh fruits. In rare cases, you can purchase spices derived from noni roots.

You can find essential oils in specialized medical cosmetics stores and online stores. As a rule, they cost quite affordable prices.

Application in cosmetology

The oil and juice of the fruit are used for cosmetic purposes. They are used as the main active substances in various masks, creams, tonics, lotions, as well as scrubs and shampoos. Due to the rejuvenating properties of noni, the product is also used in anti-aging cosmetics, which promotes rapid regeneration of skin cells and slows down the aging process.

Customers note that already in the first week of use, fine wrinkles are smoothed out, skin color is evened out, and its tone improves. Noni scrubs perfectly exfoliate dirty pores, and also have an antibacterial effect and fight acne (suitable for any skin type).

Noni is an exotic product, which is quite difficult to get even in large chain supermarkets. The fruit is widely used both in folk medicine and in cosmetology. Thanks to its many healing properties, the fruit is covered in thousands of fables and amazing facts invented by manufacturers for the sake of PR for their products. Of course, you should not believe in every such story; you need to consume the fruit exactly following the recommendations of doctors, only in this case the product will have a truly beneficial effect on the entire body.

Application of fruits

In cooking

Fruit juice is most often used for making drinks, cocktails, desserts, jellies, smoothies .

In Asian regions, the fruit is used in a different way. Green noni is used to make curry .

The leaves of the fruit are brewed as a soothing tea. Thai chefs bake fish and meat by wrapping them in noni leaves.

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When losing weight

Noni juice will be especially useful in dietary nutrition. It does not have a direct effect on appetite, but when consumed regularly but in moderation, it reduces the amount of food we eat .

The unique properties of the product contribute to better saturation of the body with vitamins and other beneficial substances.

To lose weight, take the product on an empty stomach in an amount of 100 ml , after drinking a glass of water. After five minutes, drink the juice with another glass of water. The same needs to be done in the evening.

In folk medicine

In our area, the product is used as a medicinal product, and not as a food product.

The juice of the product is widely used . It is useful for the following problems:

diabetes;
arthritis;
high blood pressure;
heart disease;
headache;
muscle pain;
stomach ulcer;
depression;
senile dementia;
atherosclerosis;
digestive disorders;
problems with blood circulation;
oncological diseases.

Its fruits help cope with the following problems:

cough;
colic;
convulsions;
diabetes;
fever;
nausea;
pain when urinating;
liver diseases;
constipation;
malarial fever.

The product is also known to act in the fight against migraines, depression, cataracts, asthma, arthritis, diseases of the joints and bones, and problems with digestion and skin.

Noni leaves are used in folk medicine . They fight abdominal pain, joint swelling, rheumatic pain, dysentery, and parasitic infections.

The bark of the plant is included in preparations that facilitate childbirth . Noni extract is available in the form of dietary supplements to normalize metabolic processes in the body.

The leaves are used to combat arthritis by wrapping them around the affected joint. For headaches, they are applied to the forehead.

A mixture of fruit and leaves is used for abscesses, and preparations based on noni root are included in smallpox creams.

Drinking noni juice helps improve metabolism , endurance, well-being, normalizes sleep and immunity. A safe dose is two glasses a day.

You can drink it pure, mix it with water or other fruit juices. It is recommended to drink the drink on an empty stomach - this way it is as beneficial as possible, and other substances do not interfere with its absorption.

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Harm and contraindications

Eating the fruit is contraindicated under the following conditions:

During pregnancy;
during breastfeeding;
children under seven years old;
for allergies and diabetes;
for serious liver or kidney diseases.

Important! Consumption of noni or products based on it is prohibited while taking diuretics. This is due to the fact that the fruit contains a high content of potassium, which in turn can significantly increase its level in the blood and thereby harm the body.

If the product is consumed in excess, the following side effects may occur:

diarrhea;
headaches of varying strength;
allergic reactions, rashes.

How to use it correctly

Note that all of the indicated dosages correspond to the daily norm of a healthy adult (in particular, there should be no problems with the organs of the excretory system).

Fetus. The daily intake of noni should not exceed 2-3 fruits. This is primarily due to the fact that the fruit has a very sharp and specific taste, and also completely saturates the body with the necessary substances with such an amount of consumption. Exceeding the dosage can lead to side effects due to oversaturation of the body with the product.

Help: When you bite into noni seeds, you will feel a burning sensation, as if you had eaten peppercorns.

Juice. The permissible daily intake should not exceed 700 ml. Many doctors even recommend limiting yourself to 400-500 ml, especially if you are not used to this product. Usually the juice is not consumed in its pure form, but mixed with water or grape juice. Nutritionists do not recommend drinking dishes with high calorie content, or those that take a long time to be absorbed by the body (nuts, mushrooms, various nuts and cheeses, as well as legumes).

Capsules with noni extract (500 mg) . Doctors recommend taking no more than 2-3 capsules about 30 minutes before meals, washed down with warm water. The general treatment takes 5 days, after which it is necessary to interrupt for 2 days and then, if desired, repeat the course again.