Yummy Noni: 7 Healthy reasons to bite into the exotic fruit

Have you heard of the noni fruit? Well if you haven’t then you’re about to in the next few paragraphs as we wax lyrical about this little fruit with big benefits.

The exotic fruit native to Southeast Asia, Australasia and the Caribbean is commonly known as great morinda and goes by many names in different countries. Regardless of what it’s called, we can all agree that the noni is a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin C and potassium. Every part of the shrub has been known to treat a variety of ailments.

It may not be the prettiest of fruits but what it lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for with a list of health benefits that reads like a laundry list. We’ll walk you through a few of the important ones that will certainly have you reaching for the fruit on your next trip to the supermarket.

NATURAL ANALGESIC

The next time you’re suffering from a headache or migraine, eschew the Aspirin and reach for a noni instead. The fruit that’s called ‘The Tree For Headaches’ reduces pain just as effectively as any medical pill, making it a great natural cure for headaches and muscular pain.

ANTIDEPRESSANT

Noni is known to stimulate serotonin and melatonin, two very important hormones that regulate mood levels. Imbalanced serotonin causes depression whilst melatonin regulates the Circadian rhythm that helps you sleep at the right time. A noni a day will fight insomnia and keep the depression at bay.

FIGHTS CANCER

Noni stimulates the production of nitric oxide which is essential to reduce growth of tumours and halt the cancerous replication of cells. Yet another cancer fighting substance found in the fruit is phytochemicals. Commonly found in vegetables and herbs, regular consumption of the substance will build up an immune system that is ready to battle and stave off the first signs of cancer. Even if you already suffer from cancer, a constant diet of noni will slow down the cancerous growth or even reverse the cancer process altogether.

AIDS DIGESTION

As with most fruits, noni is rich in fibre, which is essential for good digestion. The high-fibre fruit also works as a great cure for constipation due to its natural laxative properties.

HEALTHY SKIN, HEALTHY HAIR

Being rich in Vitamin C, noni has positive effects in curing skin and scalp problems like acne, eczema and ringworm. Aside from getting a glowing complexion, noni also speeds up hair growth which is especially useful for those suffering from cancer or premature hair loss.

BOOSTS MEMORY

The noni fruit has been proven in scientific studies to encourage cerebral blood flow to the brain which improves memory functions. The large amount of phytosterols is what is used by the brain to encode long-term memory and enhance blood flow to the brain.

COMBATS FATIGUE

For centuries, the Polynesians have been using noni juice to treat general body weakness and increase energy levels. Clinical studies have shown that the ergogenic qualities of the fruit’s juice helps in enhancing the tolerance, elasticity and overall physical performance of the body.

Karen George