What is Noni?

The Noni (rhymes with sony) or morinda citrifolia plant, sometimes known as the Indian mulberry, is an evergreen tree that grows to about 10 feet tall, and is most commonly found in tropical locations like Tahiti and other Pacific Islands, as well as in parts of Asia, Australia, South America and the Caribbean.  The Noni plant has small white flowers that develop into bumpy fist-sized fruit that starts out green, but eventually ripens into a white or yellowish color.  The fruit is filled with juice that has a unique odor and a bitter taste. Unlike many other fruit trees, Noni trees produce fruit year round.  The juice, fruit, bark and leaves of the Noni tree have all been used in herbal remedies and traditional folk medicine.

What's in Noni?
As is true of many other fruits, Noni fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.  Noni contains at least 140 compounds, including a mixture of anthraquinones, organic acids, xeronine, several vitamins (such as beta-carotene, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine), some minerals, iron and calcium. The potassium content of Noni is similar to that in tomato juice and orange juice.

Why is Noni so popular?
Increased interest in natural remedies and alternative medicine has caused an explosion in the marketing of various types of fruit juices and supplements.   Over the last ten years, Noni juice has become increasingly popular and is used daily by millions of people for a wide variety of ailments.

Noni is not a new discovery by any means.  Noni juice has been used in folk remedies for thousand of years and is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects. Proponents claim it cures everything from cancer to diabetes.  Most of the claims come from traditional Polynesian uses of the plant and very limited research. Researchers around the world are trying to discover the true disease-fighting potential of this exotic fruit.  Recent studies are somewhat promising, but much more work needs to be done before they will understand the full health benefits and risks associated with the Noni fruit.

The lack of conclusive research has not stopped the demand for Noni or Noni-related products. What has truly made Noni so popular is the thousands of testimonials from people who insist that they have experienced the healing properties of the juice. The powerful testimonials work.  Noni juice is now one of the top selling herbal remedies in the world with more than 300 companies marketing Noni products. 

Does Noni really live up to the hype? To read more about purported health benefits and actual research studies, click here!

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for treatment of any health problem. As with any herbal or dietary supplement, talk to your doctor before making Noni juice or Noni supplements a part of your regular diet.

Copyright 2007 - NoniBenefit.com