Noni: The Fruit And Its Benefits
The noni fruit , whose scientific name is Morinda citrifolia , is grown in tropical climates such as the islands of Polynesia, or the Virgin Islands. It is a lumpy fruit the size of a mango, which has gained popularity for its interesting content of essential nutrients. What are its benefits? Coming up next, we tell you.
Benefits of noni in the body
Due to its particular nutritional composition, which includes vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds, noni has been recognized as a good supplement to promote health. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the biological effects of noni include antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory action.
Therefore, added to a balanced diet can provide interesting benefits to the body. However, before taking it as a supplement, or if you have any doubts, it is best to go to the nutritionist. With the latter in mind, let’s see in detail how it promotes well-being.
Supports the health of patients with osteoarthritis
Research published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations , he suggests that Morinda citrifolia , more commonly known as noni, improves the quality of life in adult patients with osteoarthritis. Specifically, when used as a supplement, it had a therapeutic effect that improved the symptoms of this disease.
While larger studies are still required to verify these benefits, the results of this study conclude that noni has therapeutic potential to become a supplement to support osteoarthritis therapy.
Helps to strengthen the immune system
Consuming noni can contribute to strengthening the body’s immune system. In addition to providing vitamin C, an essential nutrient for strengthening defenses, it also contains other bioactive compounds that improve immune health, such as beta-carotenes.
In fact, a review of studies published in the scientific journal Foods highlights that the antioxidant action of noni juice has an interaction with the immune system that may explain many of the observed health benefits.
Increase endurance during exercise
Consuming noni juice can be beneficial by increasing endurance during physical exercise. Even a research released through Phytotherapy Research , found that noni juice has beneficial effects when it comes to fighting fatigue, improving endurance and increasing general physical performance.
Combat oxidative stress
The antioxidants provided by noni are beneficial in fighting oxidative stress. The latter is related to the development of various chronic diseases.
Research published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine suggests that noni is an interesting source of prophylactic antioxidants modulated by its polyphenol composition.
Noni side effects
It is important to mention that human research on the dosage and side effects of noni is limited. For this same reason, there is conflicting information on the safety of including it as a supplement in the diet.
Over a decade ago, some cases of liver toxicity were reported in people who consumed noni juice. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluated the fruit and determined that noni juice alone does not cause any side effects.
Despite this, the EFSA also noted that some people may be particularly sensitive to the effects of liver toxicity.
On the other hand, the fruit is not recommended in case of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure due to its high potassium content. Furthermore, it can also have interactions with some medications. Due to this, we remember again the importance of consulting the nutritionist before consuming it in any of its presentations.
