It is known as Morinda Citrifolia in the scientific media, but in terms of colloquial names we call it noni, devil fruit, Indian mulberry or cibarrona guanábana. This is an arboreal or bush type plant that is part of the Rubiaceae family and originates in Southeast Asia, from where it was introduced to India, Panama and Polynesia.
The noni plant grows freely in soils with good drainage, can tolerate salinity and, in addition, drought; it is very common to find it in the wild and many types of environments or climates, among which are semicerrados forests, volcanic soils, rocky outcrops and even sandy coasts, each of these ecosystems have very different characteristics and conditions that demonstrate the adaptability of this plant.
Noni is a fruit that contains different types of vitamins such as beta-carotene, also known as provitamin A and other nutrients such as vitamins B, C and E; with minerals like potassium. It is a fruit with a high percentage of nutrients, such as fiber, fructose and glucose (sugars) and is also fat-free. This food has antioxidant properties.
Chemical composition of Noni:
In addition to benefits, nutrients and properties, it is important to mention the chemical composition of this fruit, since it has a good amount of amino acids, very necessary for the human body, among these are: aspartic acid, arginine, glutamic acid, alanite, anthraquinones , cistern, damnacantha, scopoletin, phenylalanine, glycine, glycosides, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, serine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, xeronine.
Nutritional value of Noni:
Noni offers an impressive range of healthy vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The vitamin content of noni juice includes: vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin E. The content of minerals present in noni includes: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.
Benefits of Noni for health:
• Cardiovascular health: Noni juice is very useful in maintaining cardiovascular health. It exerts effects of dilation on the blood vessels, reaching to relax the cells of the smooth muscles, being the result a better flow of blood in the arteries. This vasodilatory effect of noni juice helps regulate blood pressure and helps maintain a healthy heart.
• Liver protection: The Noni fruit is also known for its effectiveness in protecting against liver diseases. Noni juice exerts hepato-protective effects on the liver, which helps protect the organ from exposure to exogenous chemical substances and acts as a shield against major liver diseases, such as liver damage.
• Arthritis: the healing powers of noni juice bring relief for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Scientists have provided qualitative evidence regarding the analgesic characteristics of noni juice, which helps relieve pain and sensitivity.
• Impairment of memory: Noni juice exerts a protective effect in the healing of problems of memory deterioration. The noni juice stimulates cerebral blood flow and helps improve memory functions.
• Diabetes: Noni juice helps reduce the risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes. Scientific evidence has shown that consumption of noni juice helps reduce the level of glycosylated hemoglobin, serum triglycerides and lipoprotein cholesterol. low density in the body. In addition to this, it improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates glucose uptake.
• Wound healing: The juice of Morinda citrifolia or noni, is effective in accelerating the healing of wounds. One study evaluated the healing properties of noni juice and revealed positive results with respect to the increase in the weight of granulation tissues, the functioning of collagen, hydroxyproline and protein content.
Apart from the advantages listed above, proxeronin present in noni juice is an effective anti-inflammatory enzyme that also provides relief from the symptoms of menstrual pain and endometriosis in women. The Noni juice helps to raise the mood, by stimulating the production of serotonin and avoids the conditions of anxiety and depression.
Preparation of Noni juice:
• Wash the noni ripe very well and place it in the blender with water or a fruit juice of your preference, you can not add sugar, so I recommend it to be a juice so you can enjoy the taste better. Orange juice with noni is an excellent option, but choose the one of your preference.
• Blend until the mixture is very well homogenized and ready, you can serve with ice or the natural.