Recent study reported at the American Heart Association’s 46th Annual Conference indicates that Noni, a plant originated in the South Pacific may help in lowering cholesterol and reducing triglyceride level in the blood. Noni was used for more than 200 years by the Polynesian folk for medicinal purposes. It seems that Noni juice had dramatically lowered cholesterol levels among smokers who had been diagnosed with relatively risky levels of blood cholesterol.

Despite of its acquired taste and odur, Noni juice is safe to drink and contains in addition to its ability to lower cholesterol, high levels of antioxidants that fight free radicals, protect and prevent aging and inflammatory related conditions contributing to the body’s ability to fight and prevent diseases such as the Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

As part of the study, 132 smokers (aged 20 to 60 years) were examined. All participants had cholesterol levels higher than 190 (mg/dL) and were not using any lowering cholesterol medications. Some of the participants were handed a Tahitian Noni® juice while others were given a placebo. The results among Noni drinkers were amazing. Noni drinkers who took one to four ounces daily, had their cholesterol levels reduced from 242.5 mg/dL to 193.5 mg/dL on average whereas, the others did not see any significance change in their overall cholesterol level. It is important to note the both groups did not know what they were drinking.

It is also important to note that the benefits of Noni juice in lowering cholesterol and preventing diseases have yet to have strong scientific back up and its properties are still being investigated.

Noni juice also contains large amounts of potassium and this is why, it should be consumed with caution especially among people who take blood pressure medications or those with chronic kidney disease since its ability to trigger elevated blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia), which can be dangerous.

There is another reason why Noni juice should be taken in moderation. It seems that excessive amounts of the juice can cause severe and even permanent damage to one’s liver. Bearing in mind that statin drugs aimed at reducing cholesterol may have the same devastating effect on your liver among other side effects, lead us to the inevitable conclusion that lowering cholesterol should involved natural measures that include low cholesterol diet and exercise. Supplements, such as Noni juice should be taken in moderation along with the healthy advice of one’s physician.