Nutrients and Phytochemicals of Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia)

Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia), which commonly known as Indian mulberry, great morinda, beach mulberry, cheese fruit or noni (Hawaiian), mengkudu (Indonesia and Malaysia), pace (Javanese), Kumudu (Balinese), nunaakai (Tamil Nadu, India) , dog dumpling (Barbados) is a tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Morinda citrifolia is native from Southeast Asia to Australia and is now distributed throughout the tropics.

Noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) is high in carbohydrates and dietary fibre. According to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, a 100 g sample of the powder contains 71% carbohydrate and 36% fibre. The sample also contained 5.2% protein and 1.2% fat.

These macro-nutrients evidently reside in the fruit pulp, as noni juice has sparse amounts of macro-nutrients.

The main micro-nutrients of noni pulp powder include 9.8 mg of vitamin C per 1200 mg sample, as well as 0.048 mg niacin (vitamin B3), 0.02 mg iron and 32.0 mg potassium. Vitamin A, calcium and sodium are present in moderate amounts.

When noni juice alone is analyzed and compared to pulp powder, only vitamin C is retained at a high level, 33.6 mg per 100 g of juice.

Although the most significant nutrient feature of noni pulp powder or juice is its high vitamin C content, noni fruit juice provides only about half the vitamin C of a raw navel orange. Sodium levels in noni juice (about 3% of DRI) are high compared to an orange. Although the potassium content appears relatively high for noni, this total is only about 3% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance and so would not be considered excessive. Noni juice is otherwise similar in micro-nutrient content to a raw orange.

Noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) contains a number of phytochemicals, including lignans, oligo- and polysaccharides, flavonoids, iridoids, fatty acids, scopoletin, catechin, beta-sitosterol, damnacanthal, and alkaloids. Although these substances have been studied for bioactivity, current research does not conclude anything about their effects on human health.

Noni Juice, a Functional Food for Human Health

Noni Juice which made from Noni fruit is one of functional foods that has good effects for human health.  Functional food is any healthy food claimed to have a health-promoting or disease-preventing property beyond the basic function of supplying nutrients. The general category of functional foods includes processed food or foods fortified with health-promoting additives, like "vitamin-enriched" products. Fermented foods with live cultures are considered as functional foods with probiotic benefits.

All humans are addicted to the delicious taste of junk food. We crave it, dream about it, and often want it when we are on our rigorous diets. Somehow it is embedded in our brains that it is something we need. Unfortunately, these types of foods are anything but beneficial to our health. While we wish that they could be on the top of our diet plans, they should be eliminated immediately. Luckily, there are healthy foods that are delicious, without the thousands of calories in one bite.

When deciding what foods to eat, you need to think in moderation. Smaller portions are always the right way to go, regardless of what you’re eating. For instance, if you would love to have a piece of apple pie, try taking a few bites instead of a large piece with ice cream. It has been shown that people who cut back on their portion sizes actually lose an abundance of weight. No matter what size you are, it is healthier to reduce the amount of junk food you eat.

Are you looking for additional ways to eat right? While vegetables and fruit are just common sense, it is crucial that you try these foods for snacks. Instead of grabbing a handful of candy or a piece of cake for a mid-afternoon snack, try a handful of carrots or a yogurt mixed with cereal. These delicious treats are wonderful when you are starving, but don’t want to ruin your waistline.

Regardless of your diet routine, trainers and dieticians around the world will tell you to eat more than three meals a day. Forget starving yourself if you want to lose weight! In order to burn the right fat and speed up your metabolism, you must eat smaller meals around the clock. This means that breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, a mid-afternoon snack and dinner is essential to look great. It not only will curb your appetite and keep you hungry, but it also will help the pounds slip right off.

Besides eating right, there are also nutritional supplements that can work wonders. Noni Juice, for instance, is a fruit juice that began in the Pacific Islands. With all natural herbs and vitamins, this product is great for anyone who wants to boost their metabolism. It also keeps your immune system healthy, as well as increases overall energy. The majority of consumers love to drink this product after they have exercised. As a result, they feel more refreshed and can continue their day without feeling drained. These tasty nutrients may taste like you are devouring a calorie filled treat, but it actually is extremely beneficial for your health.

We all see the perfect bodies on the magazines -- frail-like and flawless. Unfortunately, we start to take on these perceptions of beauty, once these images are constantly on our minds. Realistically, no one is perfect. We all are beautiful, regardless of curves or bones. However, being healthy is the most important aspect. Without health, we are nothing. Forget about the physical aspects and worry about the foods you are consuming, and the nutrients that are inside them. With a new outlook, you may think differently.