Goji Berries
Goji Berries have been used in Tibet for at least 1,700 years. Tibetan Medicine includes these berries in the treatment of kidney problems, liver problems, to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, cleanse the blood, eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, depression, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are also used by the people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a general health strengthening tonic. There are yearly celebrations held in goji's honor. Many of the people in some areas of Tibet and elsewhere who regularly eat the berries are known to commonly live to be over 100 years old with no health problems. Many people that now eat Goji berries on a daily basis notice improved eyesight, restoration of hair color, mood enhancement, noticeable improvement in energy levels, better sleeping habits, stronger immune fuction, and more zest for life.
Legend has it that Goji berries were discovered by a doctor during his study of an ancient society living in a remote region of the Himalayas. He found that some members of this society lived long lives in good health for 100 years or more, had no grey hair, and never lost their teeth. Eventually he recognized that all of these centenarians lived near certain water wells over which grew Goji berry vines. As the berries ripened, they fell into the water wells where their nutrients dissolved in the water which was subsequently drunk by the people living nearby. It became clear that the berries added something to the water which made those who drank it robustly healthy and live to a ripe old age.
Prof. Li Qing Yuen is documented as being the oldest person to have ever lived in recorded history. Born in 1678 and living to 1930, he was documented by the Government of China as having lived to 252 years of age. Twice he received Longevity Awards from the Government. It is said he ate Goji berries on a regular daily basis.
Nutritional Information on Goji Berries:
18 amino acids including the 8 essential amino acids
21 trace minerals including zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus
One of the highest sources of antioxidants (has anti-aging effect).
More protein than whole wheat (13 percent)
180% of daily recommended Vitamin A intake per 1 ounce serving.
B vitamins B1,B2,& B6
Vitamin E (which is very rare in fruits)
More Vitamin C per ounce than an orange
Contains the anti-inflammatory agent beta-sitosterol which lowers cholesterol
Essential fatty acids such as omega 6 linoleic acid that regulate hormones and promotes body fat loss
Contains a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). The goji berry is the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods.
15 times more nutritional iron than spinach
Anti-bacterials & anti-fungals: sesquiterpenoids: cyperone and solavetivone
Engender a sense of wellbeing and optimism – known as the “happy berry”
Strengthens the immune system
Goji Berries are also a rich source of both selenium and germanium and have hence been used in a number of clinical trials involving cancer patients. When given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, the berries conferred significant protection for the liver. In Oriental medicine, they are said to correct chi deficiency, meaning that people with low energy, insomnia, heart palpitations, and even anxiety are more comfortable after consuming goji berries. The berries have 18 amino acids (higher than bee pollen) and 21 trace minerals, linoleic acid, and more beta-carotene than carrots.
Vision Benefits
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids like zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin's key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. Increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.
Immune System & Anti-Aging
Goji berries are known to have a unique polysaccharides known as “Master Molecules” – LBP1, LBP2, LPB3 and LPB4 – which work together to fortify the immune system, and are not found in any other known plant. Then polysaccharides also stimulates the pituitary gland in the anterior of the brain to produce more Human Growth Hormone, the master hormone in our bodies. HGH is know to slow down, and even reverse some of the effects of aging. For centuries, people in Asia that have customarily eaten Goji berries have been documented to live longer and healthier lives with little or no incidence of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimers disease, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple scirosis, or a host of other "dread" diseases that are afflicting many of the Industrialized Nations of the world.
ORAC Value
The Goji Berry is also being called the world's most powerful anti-aging food. It is rated #1 on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures the antioxidant level in foods.
Goji Berries contain the following complex compounds:
-
Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent. Beta-Sitosterol also lowers cholesterol.
-
Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure, alleviates menstrual discomfort, and has been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.
-
Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
-
Physalin, a natural compound that is active against all major types of leukemia. It has been shown to increase splenic natural killer cell activity in normal and tumor-bearing mice, with broad-spectrum anti-cancer effect. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.
-
Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.
Omegas
Goji berries are high in essential fatty acids, the healthy omegas, which are required for the body's production of hormones and the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous systems. In particular, linoleic acid is abundant.
Even More
Modern science has shown that this bright red berry not only contains extremely high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but also contains many unique phytochemicals, polysaccharides, and complex compounds that scientists are just beginning to understand.
What do goji berries taste like?
Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. When dried, they have a similar shape and chewy texture as raisins.
Credit to:
http://www.purehealingfoods.com/gojiInfo.php
***************************
Goji Berries: Health Benefits and Side Effects
Have you been wondering about the health benefits of goji berries and goji juice? Some claim that the goji berry is a fountain of youth.
But does it really live up to those claims? And do dried goji berries have side effects? Here are answers to your questions.
How to Enjoy Nutritious Exotic Fruits
What Is a Goji Berry?
The goji berry, also called the wolfberry, is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that's native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations in the hope of living longer.
Over time, people have used goji berries to try to treat many common health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are used in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines.
What Are the Benefits of Goji Berries?
Goji berries are rich in nutrients.
Some studies using goji berry juice found possible benefits that included a feeling of well being and calmness, better athletic performance and quality of sleep, and weight loss. But those were preliminary studies that need to be repeated before drawing conclusions. All berries are good for you. It's not clear if goji berries are better than other types of berries, or if goji berry supplements have the same health benefits as the actual berries.
Credit to:
http://www.webmd.com/goji-berries-health-benefits-and-side-effects
The Health Claims
Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, says health and nutrition expert Rosanna Lee.
Some even claim these berries are natural remedies for diabetes, hypertension, malaria or even fever. However, Lee says a lot of these claims may not be true. "At present, there is still inconclusive evidence from research for such claims to be made."
The goji berry, also known as the wolfberry, is a member of the Solanaceae or nightshade family of plants. It’s a bright orange-red berry commonly grown in the north-central and western areas of China. The ripe berry is easily damaged during picking, so it’s common for them to be carefully dried to preserve them before export. In the UK they are commonly eaten as the dried fruit or as a componant of fruit juice.
Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, age-related eye problems and fatigue associated with living at high altitudes. Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are used in herbal teas, juices, wines and medicines. The benefits of goji berries on human health are limited at the moment, although purified extracts from these berries seem to show some health benefits in animal research and a limited number of human studies.
What are the benefits of goji berries?
The blue-red colours found in goji berries, blueberries, acai berries, cranberries, strawberries, and cherries are natural anti-oxidants which may help protect the body against oxidative damage. In addition Goji berries contain complex starches called Lycium barbarum polysaccharides which may benefit the immune function, and may reduce fatigue associated with living at high altitude.
Antioxidants temper the destructive power of free radicals, substances occuring naturally in our body but if produced in excess accelerate cell damage and destruction. Chinese research has shown a standardised dose of goji berry extract given over a month-long trial helped boost levels of protective anti-oxidant liver enzymes, and reduced by-products of oxidative damage in the blood by almost 10%. It’s worth noting that although this research is promising, the test samples of goji berries were highly purified to contain a standard amount of the active ingredient, ‘Lycium barbarum polysaccharides’, which may not reflect the same content of goji berries bought at the healthfood shop or supermarket.
Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A that may also confer health benefits. Vitamin A and its derivatives may protect against skin damage, help maintain night- vision, and benefit the immune system.
Some researchers suggest that goji berry extracts may improve mood, and protect against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, but there is no robust medical evidence to support these claims.
In summary, goji berries are a rich source of antioxidants with preliminary research showing some potential health benefits when taken in a standardised form - but there’s not enough sound evidence to recommend them solely for their health benefits.
****************************************
What Do They Taste Like?
Goji berries have a natural tinge of sweetness with a very slight herb-like aftertaste. They also contain tiny seeds (which contain fibre) that add a nice texture to your meals.
How Do You Eat Them?
You can eat them raw or soak them in hot water before munching. Others prefer adding goji berries to trail mixes, smoothies or as a garnish on cereals, salads or yogurts. Basically, goji berries can be baked, cooked, steamed, and processed in any way after they are washed.
But They Can Be Expensive
A 500-gram bag of dried goji berries costs about $15 to $20 at most natural food stores and online. However, prices may vary depending on claims of whether they are organic, naturally sourced, or combined with other ingredients to make a unique trail mix, for example. Organic goji berries have been known to sell for $30 to $40, but you can buy the cheapest bags at local Asian stores.
Healthy, Glowing Skin?
Similar to the benefits you get from eating other berries, goji berries are loaded with beta-carotene (a pigment found in plants and fruits) which helps promote healthy skin.
Protect Your Health ... All Over Your Body
Goji berries have also been known to help boost the immune system and protect the eyes — talk about a super fruit. And like other berries, goji berries are also an excellent source of vitamin C and can reduce tough cold symptoms.
Packed With Antioxidants
Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants because of their oxygen radical absorbance cpacity (ORAC) value. An ORAC value indicates a food's antioxidant power on a relative scale, Lee says.
Yes, They Are Healthy
As a plus, goji berries are low in calories, fat-free and are packed with fibre — which also helps you manage weight and go the bathroom on a regular basis.
*****************************
The Health Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are the most nutritionally dense fruit on Earth. They are a member of the nightshade family (Solonaceae), which contains many other common vegetables such as potato, tomato, eggplant, and pepper, as well as some poisonous plants like belladonna and deadly nightshade. Native to the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, the goji berry is now grown in many other countries as well.
Although they have only been introduced in Western countries in recent years, gojis have been used for thousands of years in Tibet and China, both as a culinary ingredient and medicinally.
Unique among fruits because they contain all essential amino acids, goji berries also have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit. They are also loaded with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have twenty-one trace minerals, and are high in fiber. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals, there is no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritional powerhouse.
This amazing little superfruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. It’s no wonder then, that in traditional Chinese medicine they are renowned for increasing strength and longevity.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the goji is said to act on the Kidney and Liver meridians to help with lower back pain, dizziness and eyesight. They are most often consumed raw, made into a tea or extract, or as an ingredient in soups.
Gojis are most commonly available in dried form, and make a great snack eaten as is, added to trail mix, muesli or oatmeal. They can also be soaked for a couple of hours in enough water to cover them. Then the soak water can be drained off and makes a delicious drink, or both water and berries added to smoothies.
Please note that there can be adverse interactions if you consume goji berries while also taking medication for diabetes, or blood pressure, or take the blood thinner warfarin. So be sure to consult your health care provider if that is the case.
Credit to:
http://thehealthyeatingsite.com/the-health-benefits-of-goji-berries/
****************************************
Do Goji Berries Have Side Effects?
Goji berries could interact with some drugs. If you take warfarin (a blood thinner), you may want to avoid goji berries. Goji berries may also interact with diabetes drugs and blood pressure drugs, so talk with your doctor first.
Otherwise, it's probably safe to eat goji berries in moderation.
Before taking diet supplements, let your doctor know
Credit to:
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/goji-berry-facts#1