The Amazing Benefits of Goji Berries

A native of Asia, the goji berry has been prized for1. Contains 19 amino acids -- the building blocks of
centuries for aiding in general health and well-being.protein -- including nine that essential to the body.
The highest quality goji berry is Himalayan, but many2. Contains 21 trace minerals.
other varieties, including those grown in Western3. Contains more protein than whole wheat
China, Mongolia and Tibet also have powerful effects.4. Contains Vitamin C at higher levels than oranges.
There are many types of goji berry, and in Tibet5. Contains complete spectrum of antioxidant
alone, there are 40 different varieties. The best gojicarotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source
products use goji berries that have the activethan even carrots) and zeaxanthin (protects the
ingredients, Polysaccharides, which facilitate theeyes). Goji berries are among the richest source of
communication between cells. These products havecarotenoids of all known foods.
been tested through cellular analysis to ensure that6. Contains Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and
the highest quality goji berries are used.anti-bacterial compound.
Imagine a small red berry, about the size of a grape,7. Contains essential fatty acids, which are required
growing on a vine in the hills of Tibet and Innerfor the body's production of hormones and the
Mongolia. A small red berry that harvesters aresmooth functioning of the brain and nervous system.
careful to avoid touching with their bare hands so as8. Contains Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory
not to oxidise the flesh of the fruit. It is just a smallagent.
red berry containing more amino acids than beeThe fruit is eaten either fresh or dried and can be
pollen, more protein than whole wheat and moreadded to cooking, cereals, trail mixes or smoothies as
beta-carotene than carrots. A little red berry that willwell as being eaten alone. The flavor of the Goji
dry to the size of a currant in the shade of theberry is difficult to describe ? sweet with a slight
mountains within which it has grown before beingtartness (similar to a cranberry but sweeter).
exported across the globe to those who have onlyIncredibly high in iron, Goji berries are exceptionally
recently, despite its 2000year plus traditional history,nutrient rich. They are especially high in Vitamins A, C,
discovered it.E, B1, B2 and B6, and contain considerably more
Goji comes in many forms these days, including juice,Vitamin C than an orange. The Goji berry has also
goji bars, goji cream and goji capsules. An excellentbeen found to contain other complex compounds,
tea can be made from goji leaves and goji flowerssuch as Betaine (useful for improving liver function
are decorative and beautiful.and reputed to enhance memory), Solavetivone (a
It is said that the Himalayans were the first naturalcompound containing anti-fungal and anti-bacterial
healers, and that they shared their wisdom with theproperties), and Beta-Sitoserol (an anti-inflammatory
ancient herbalists of China, Tibet, and India. One ofagent that may also help in the treatment of
their most prized secrets was the fruit of the nativehypertension). An average daily serving of a cup of
goji vine, which had been flourishing in the Himalayandried Goji berries would also contain 4grams each of
valleys since the beginning of time.dietary fiber and protein.
Those who came there to learn took the goji homeWolfberry fruits contain phytochemicals with
with them and planted it in their own valleys, thusantioxidant activity and could slow the ageing
spreading the legend of this most marvelous andprocess. A study showed that wolfberry fruit
healthful fruit.phytochemicals help to prevent oxidation of DNA and
Goji is packed with anti-oxidants, powerful moleculeshelps to restore damaged DNA.
that mop up free radicals before they can damageStudies suggest that wolfberry extracts could inhibit
body cells. In Chinese trials, goji shut down cell agingDNA mutation and stop the growth of cancer cells. All
in as little as six hours after the first dose. The creditstudies show that regression of many types of
goes to goji's poly-saccharides. They boost thecancer could be obtained with patients, treated with
body's production of human growth hormone, whichLAK/IL-2 and LBP.
helps build toned muscle and repair skin cells.The phytochemical zeaxanthin dipalmitate showed a
Experts say sipping of goji juice daily for as little ashepaprotective effect on liver cells treated with
three weeks, improves your immune system's abilitycarbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.
to fend off infections. How? Goji's amino acids andWolfberry fruits have traditionally been used in China
minerals trigger a 300% boost in white blood cellto improve vision disorders such as cataracts,
function and double production of infection-fightingretinopathy and macular degeneration. Studies have
proteins. Goji's polysaccharides actually make virusesshown that wolfberry reduce dark adapting time and
more visible to the immune cells that are trying toimprove vision under subdued light. This action may
destroy them.be attributed to the phytochemicals lutein and
Research has shown that many of the world'szeaxanthin, which neutralizes the free radicals formed
longest living people consume regular daily helpings ofby sunlight.
a tiny red fruit that may just be the world's mostGoji berries grow naturally wild and in profusion in the
powerful food - the goji berry.remote ills and valleys of the Himalayas of Tibet and
It is interesting to have a look at what the plantInner Mongolia and can be harvested with ease.
contains: