By Carly Hart
Tahitian Noni juice is seizing the attention of both believers and skeptics throughout campus.
For many, the newly popular juice has instituted a number of health benefits, yet some still remain uncertain of its myriad of uses.
'I haven''t really heard of any legitimate or scientific studies about it,' said Clark Fielding, 23, from Mesa Ariz., 'I think that it is kind of a bogus product... I''d rather just go get a jamba juice.'
Dainun Skeem, 24, from McCammon, Idaho, said the payback from drinking the uniquely designed juice is simply increased energy.
'It''s not like some magic potion that makes me suddenly energetic,' said Dainan Skeem, 24, from Mccammon Idaho. 'It''s just like any kind of fruit juice that is good for you to drink.'
Tahitian Noni International, headquartered in Utah County, is a top producer of noni juice.
According to the company''s Web site, 'Native Polynesian healers can tell of innumerable traditions and uses of noni; they used the noni fruit and its juices for a host of beneficial purposes.'
'Over the centuries, it has served as a food dish, a skin moisturizer, a health supplement, a topical healer, a shampoo, and even a cleaner,' stated Tahitian Noni International.
Sam McAdams, a BYU graduate residing in Pleasant Grove, has been drinking the juice for 7 years.
Like a number of those who drink the juice, McAdams was originally turned off by the juice''s exotic taste.
'My initial reaction was, you know, this is disgusting,' McAdams said. 'It''s really bad, as far as flavor goes, but it has a lot of health benefits.'
In addition to feeling his energy level increase, McAdams said he also has noticed that his allergies seem to bother him less.
Brandon Fineco, 22, from St. Clowd, Fla., said, 'I have to force myself to drink it. It''s not that refreshing and it leaves a little bitter taste, but if its going to supply my with all of my essential vitamins and minerals, I''m gonna keep taking it.'
Tahitian Noni International claims that their uniquely formulated noni juice increases mental clarity and attention span and also allows for greater physical performance levels.
A lot of arthritis sufferers have benefited from drinking the juice, said McAdams.
The popularity of noni juice is rapidly increasing around the world, according to the Web site.
After 5 years of business, the Tahitian Noni International did $392 million in sales, making it one of the fastest growing companies of all time.