Tahitian Noni Juice Drink Lowers Bad Cholesterol and Triglycerides - Alternative Methods to Lowering LDL Besides Statin Medicine or Medications

March 5th 2006

The Popular Noni Drink

The human body needs a small amount of cholesterol to function, but too much cholesterol can cause health problems, including coronary heart disease. Americans spent over $16 billion on statin drugs last year, according to the New York Times. These drugs include Lipitor and Zocor.

Consumers are always looking for inexpensive ways to lower their cholesterol without medication. A recent study has shown that the Tahitian noni juice may lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in smokers. The sales of the drink have ballooned to over $1 billion after various news agencies including ABC News, reported on the study.

Noni juice is made from a bumpy fruit of the noni plant. The plants are found in the Polynesian Islands and have a medicinal history among the locals for some 2000 years. Recent research has found that the drink contains high levels of anti-oxidants.

The study was presented at the 46th Annual Epidemiology Conference of the American Heart Association in Phoenix. Fox News called the claims substantial in their report.

According to the lead researcher, Mian-Ying Wang, MD, who drinks the juice daily, noni makes her feel more energized. She is able to concentrate better and the juice may have even thickened her hair. "I do recommend it," she said, "and several of my coworkers drink noni juice for their cholesterol — it controls it very well."

Dr. Wang dismissed the critics claims by saying her study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled effort that met the standards of the college's Institutional Review Board. According to Barbara Howard, PhD, the findings are intriguing. She said that this study is a rare example of good research on a dietary supplement or food that makes health claims. Howard is a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

Skeptics warn that consumers need to know that the study was funded by a juice company and was also considered small scale. Skeptics are calling for a larger independent study to confirm the results.

The juice has been associated with other claims that were unsubstantiated or possibly proven wrong. Distributors have claimed that the drink could cure everything from arthritis to cancer to AIDS. In 1998, the attorney generals of Arizona, California, New Jersey and Texas levied a $100,000 fine against Utah-based Morinda Inc. The company was also ordered to cease making the claims.

The juice is not cheap. It can cost as much as $26 for a 35 oz bottle. Niacin, Bile-acid resins and Fibric Acid Derivatives may also lower cholesterol. But the new claims may prompt more people to drink noni juice.