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Goji
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Goji berries are orangey red edible
berries resembling grape tomatoes but with the consistency of cranberries. They flourish in the tranquil valleys of China, Tibet
and Mongolia which are naturally protected by the majestic Himalayan mountains. They grow on low-lying deciduous plants, which
produce small berries (1-2 centimetres) in the summer. The nutrient rich soil and fresh mountain air guarantee nearly perfect
conditions for the plants to blossom. The majority of commercially-harvested goji berries are dried to sell as a health food and
for use in Chinese medicine. Goji has a history dating back 4000 years. Goji juice, formerly a Tibetan secret,
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was used in ancient recipes as a delicious-tasting elixir that
provided many natural benefits. The fruit is one of the most popular tonics used in Chinese herbal medicine traditionally and today. A decoction is typically
used to clear the vision, strengthen the kidneys and nourish the liver. It is well documented that people living in these remote parts of the world live more
than 100 years and free of disease. It is said that they consume daily helpings of this berry that may very well be considered the most nutrient dense food on
earth.
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Goji Berry Nutrition (as found in the fresh berry)
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Goji has been found to contain:
21 trace minerals including
selenium and germanium (an anti–cancer trace mineral rarely found in foods) 19 amino acids including
all 8 that are essential to life 4 unique polysaccharides (
LBP1, LBP2, LBP3, LBP4) which are important for the smooth functioning of all cells in the body Phytonutrients
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Cyperone (used in the treatment of cervical cancer)
High source of antioxidant (Highest orac score of all known foods)
High source of vitamin E B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3) 500 x more vitamin C per ounce than oranges
Essential fatty acids (required for the smooth
functioning of the brain and nervous system) More beta-carotene than carrots Betain (protects your precious DNA, encourages muscle
growth and protects against fatty liver disease) More protein than even whole wheat Betasisterol (a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent)
Physalin (a compound known to boost the immune system)
Solavetivone (an antibacterial, antifungal agent)
Nick named the “happy berry” for mood improvement
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Benefits of drinking Goji every day
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Historical uses suggest that Goji may:
help prevent premature
aging making you look and feel younger by the action of its powerful antioxidants that mop up free radicals before they can
damage healthy cells Build your immune system (
contains physalin a compound known to boost the immune system)
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Reduce the risk of cancer and help inhibit tumour
growth (Chinese studies show that Goji Polysaccharides enhance the production of Interleukin -2 that induces potent anti tumour responses in a variety of
cancers Help maintain normal blood sugar level Help reduce cholesterol Help relieve headaches and dizziness Help maintain eye health and improve your vision
Improve your digestion Support healthy functions of the kidneys and liver
Improve fertility (Goji Polysaccharides have been found
to extend the life of sperm cells) Activate anti-inflammatory enzymes (contains
betasisterol, a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent) Stimulate the secretion of the human growth hormone which in turn helps:
- reduce body fat and supports increased muscle mass
- relieves insomnia and improves the quality of sleep
- improves memory
- accelerates healing
- improves libido and treats sexual dysfunction
For clinical studies visit www.pubmed.gov and type in lycium barbarum (latin name for Goji)
N.B. Warning for people using the prescription drug Warfarin or
Cumadin to avoid certain herbal, vitamin and mineral products, including Lycium barbarum (the latin name for goji berries). Doctors prescribe Warfarin as a
blood thinner to prevent clots. Drugs and health foods may change the levels of Warfarin in the human system. This is dangerous as too much Warfarin could
cause excessive bleeding, while too little may increase clotting.
Traditional usage 2-4 ounces per day.
Information herein is not intended to be taken as medical advice.
No therapeutic or medical claims are either implied or made. Do not alter any medical treatment, or the use of medications, without the permission of your
medical care Provider.
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