Goji berries (Lycium barbarum, not to be confused with Lycium chinense), also known as Wolfsberry, are native to China, Mongolia and the Himalaya, especially Tibet. They are well known in the Oriental materia medica and were used therapeutically for more than 6,000 years.
Since ancient times, goji berries were used to promote overall health, protect the liver, improve blood circulation, enhance sexual function and fertility, and boost the immune system.
With the ORAC value of 25,300 in 20 grams of fresh fruits, goji berries are an exceptional source of antioxidants, especially beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Since ancient times they were used by the Chinese to improve and protect the vision. This was ages before the modern science discovered that the central role of zeaxanthin in the body is to protect the eye from macular degeneration.
Goji berries are considered to be a super food that is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B6), and Betaine. They contain fiber and 19 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body. Moreover, goji berries are a good source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, as well as the trace minerals, among others iron, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, and the immune system supporting selenium and germanium.
The seeds of goji berries are a good source of the linoleic acid. Goji berries also contain the anti-inflammatory beta-sisterol that reduces blood levels of cholesterol in the body. The Lycium barbarum polysaccharide is a unique agent that is known for its potential to increase the production of the human growth hormone, HGH, by the pituitary gland, hence the rejuvenating potential of this power berries that was attributed to them by the ancient Chinese.
Goji berries also contain other active agents, such as cyperone and solavetivone, that have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, the ability to increase the activity of the white blood cells, or the ability to enhance the liver and digestive functions in the body. A compound called physalin has a remarkable ability to enhance the activity of the immune killer cells and to counteract leukemia and hepatitis B. Research also shows that the berries may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the liver and the prostate.
Goji berries have a very law glycemic index, GI, and are known to regulate the blood sugar and metabolism. They can also help reduce high blood pressure and protect the skin fro sun damage. People who consume goji berries on regular basis report increased focus and concentration, better sleep, and more energy.
Recently, the health industry launched products that not only promote the overall health, but also support weight loss and healthy metabolism. The claims are often very dramatic, but the use of goji berries as a weight loss formula is not very well documented and caution is advised, as the products may contain other ingredients and not much of the Tibetan goji extract.
Goji berries can be consumed just like raisins in your morning cereal or as a raw snack. They can be brewed as tea or cooked. But if you prefer, you may take the concentrated goji berries in form of capsules, as juice, or a tincture.
If you are struggling with your weight, you may want to explore the market for the goji products formulated specially for weight loss. Remember, however, that supplements cannot replace exercise and a healthy and balanced nutrition. Consult your health care provider before you begin supplementation with a product that you never tried before.
By Dominique Allmon
This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.
Improve Your Health with Goji Berries by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
