Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the impact can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, or social status. According to the WHO, 1 in 6 deaths globally is due to cancer.
A lot of research has been conducted over the years to explore new ways of preventing or combating this life-threatening disease. One of the areas of focus has been on the role of diet and nutrition in reducing one’s chances of getting cancer or managing the disease.
A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of cancer. Recently, there has been a buzz about a particular drink that has caught the attention of health enthusiasts.
This drink is touted as a cancer-fighting beverage that can help ward off the disease. In this article, we will explore this beverage and its impact.
What is the Cancer-Fighting Beverage?
The cancer-fighting beverage that’s trending is noni juice. Noni juice is a drink made from the noni fruit, a tropical fruit that grows in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.
For centuries, noni has been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of health conditions such as skin infections, constipation, and fever. It is also believed to help manage the symptoms of cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer.
What are the Ingredients of Noni Juice?
The noni fruit has a pungent smell and a bitter taste. It is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Noni also contains phytochemicals such as quercetin, scopoletin, and damnacanthal which are believed to have anti-cancer properties.
The juice is made by crushing and pressing the noni fruit to extract the liquid. Some manufacturers add other ingredients such as blueberries, pomegranates, and acai berries to improve the taste and nutritional value.
Does Noni Juice Help Fight Cancer?
The claims that noni juice can help fight cancer are not new. In fact, some animal studies have suggested that noni juice has anti-cancer properties.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that noni juice extract reduced the growth of lung cancer cells in mice. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that an extract from noni roots inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in a petri dish.
However, it is important to note that these studies were conducted on animals and in vitro, which means that the results may not necessarily translate to humans.
More human trials are needed to ascertain the efficacy of noni juice in preventing or treating cancer.
What are the Health Benefits of Noni Juice?
Despite the lack of enough human trials, noni juice has been touted as a superfood with numerous health benefits. Some of the potential benefits of noni juice include:.
1. Boosts Immune System
Noni juice contains high levels of vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to boost the immune system. The antioxidants in noni juice can help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
2. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal immune response that helps the body to fight infections and heal injuries. However, chronic inflammation can lead to several health problems such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Noni juice contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Improves Digestion
Noni juice has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea. The high fiber content in noni juice helps to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar
Noni juice has been found to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potentially useful drink for people with diabetes. This is because noni juice contains compounds that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance.
5. Promotes Heart Health
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of noni juice can help improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Noni juice has been found to lower blood pressure and prevent the formation of blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes.
How to Incorporate Noni Juice into Your Diet?
Noni juice has a uniquely pungent and bitter taste that some people may find off-putting. To make the taste more palatable, try diluting noni juice with water or mixing it with other drinks such as orange juice or cranberry juice.
You can also mix noni juice into smoothies or use it as a salad dressing.
It is important to note that noni juice may interact with some medications, including blood thinners, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before incorporating noni juice into your diet.
The Verdict
Noni juice is a natural drink made from the noni fruit that contains several essential nutrients and phytochemicals that have potential health benefits.
Some animal studies have suggested that noni juice has anti-cancer properties, but more human trials are needed to ascertain its efficacy in preventing or treating cancer.
Noni juice has a pungent and bitter taste that may not be suitable for everyone, but it can be diluted or mixed with other drinks to make it more palatable.
It is important to talk to a doctor before incorporating noni juice into your diet, especially if you are taking medications.