Noni juice is a tropical drink derived from the fruit of the Morinda citrifolia tree.

 

This tree and its fruit grow among lava flows in Southeast Asia, especially in Polynesia.

 

Noni (pronounced NO-nee) is a lumpy, mango-sized fruit that is yellow in color. It is very bitter and has a distinct odor that is sometimes compared to stinky cheese.

 

Polynesian peoples have used noni in traditional folk medicine for over 2,000 years. It is commonly used to treat health issues like constipation, infections, pain, and arthritisNutritional content

The nutritional content of noni juice varies widely.

 

One study analyzed 177 different brands of noni juice and found significant nutritional variability among them.

 

This is because noni juice is often mixed with other fruit juices or added sweeteners to mask its bitter taste and foul odor.

 

That said, Tahitian Noni Juice — produced by Morinda, Inc. — is the most popular brand on the market and widely used in studies. It is comprised of 89% noni fruit and 11% grape and blueberry juice concentrates.

 

The nutrients in 3.5 ounces (100 ml) of Tahitian Noni Juice are:

 

Calories: 47 calories

Carbs: 11 grams

Protein: less than 1 gram

Fat: less than 1 gram

Sugar: 8 grams

Vitamin C: 33% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)

Biotin: 17% of the RDI

Folate: 6% of the RDI

Magnesium: 4% of the RDI

Potassium: 3% of the RDI

Calcium: 3% of the RDI

Vitamin E: 3% of the RDI

Like most fruit juice, noni juice contains mostly carbs. It is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for skin and immune health.

 

Additionally, it is a great source of biotin and folate — B vitamins that play many important roles in your body, including helping convert food into energy.

 

Today, noni is mostly consumed as a juice blend. The juice is packed with potent antioxidants and may provide several health benefits.

 

Noni juice is packed with antioxidants, including iridoids, that may provide numerous health benefits.

 

Potential benefits of noni juice

Noni juice has a number of potential benefits. Still, it is important to keep in mind that research into this fruit is relatively recent — and more studies are needed on many of these health effects.

 

Noni juice may reduce cellular damage — particularly from tobacco smoke.

 

Exposure to tobacco smoke generates dangerous amounts of free radicals. Excessive amounts can cause cellular damage and lead to oxidative stress.

 

Oxidative stress is associated with many ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Studies show that consuming foods rich in antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress.

 

In one study, heavy tobacco smokers were given 4 ounces (118 ml) of noni juice per day. After 1 month, they experienced a 30% reduction of two common free radicals compared to their baseline levels.

 

Tobacco smoke is also known to cause cancer. Certain chemicals from tobacco smoke may bind to cells in your body and lead to tumor growth.

 

Noni juice may reduce levels of these cancer-causing chemicals. Two clinical trials found that drinking 4 ounces (118 ml) of noni juice daily for 1 month reduced the levels of cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smokers by about 45%.

 

Yet, noni juice does not negate all of smokings negative health effects — and should not be considered a replacement for quitting.

 

Noni juice may improve physical endurance. In fact, Pacific Islanders believed that eating noni fruit strengthened the body during long fishing trips and voyages.

 

A few studies show positive effects of drinking noni juice during exercise.

 

For example, one 3-week study gave long-distance runners 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of noni juice or a placebo twice daily. The group that drank noni juice experienced a 21% increase in average time to fatigue, which suggests improved endurance.

 

Other human and animal research reports similar findings for using noni juice to combat fatigue and improve endurance.

 

The increase in physical endurance associated with noni juice is likely related to its antioxidants — which may reduce the damage to muscle tissue that normally occurs during exercise.

 

Noni juice may support immune health.

 

Like some other fruit juices, it is is rich in vitamin C. For example, 3.5 ounces (100 ml) of Tahitian Noni Juice packs about 33% of the RDI for this vitamin.

 

Vitamin C supports your immune system by protecting your cells from free radical damage and environmental toxins.

 

Many other antioxidants present in noni juice — such as beta carotene — may improve immune health as well.

 

One small, 8-week study found that healthy people who drank 11 ounces (330 ml) of noni juice daily had increased immune cell activity and lower levels of oxidative stress.

 

Noni juice is derived from a Southeast Asian fruit.

 

It is particularly rich in vitamin C and may offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits — such as pain relief and improved immune health and exercise endurance. However, more research is needed.

 

Keep in mind that commercial varieties are often mixed with other juices and may be packed with sugar.

 

It is also important to remember that — despite exhibiting some benefits for smokers — noni juice should not be considered a preventative measure for tobacco-related illnesses or a replacement for quitting.

 

Overall, noni juice is likely safe. However, you may want to check with your medical provider if you are taking certain medications or have kidney problems.