Tag Archives: B Complex Vitamins

Start Your Day with Glyconutrients

You may wonder what the big deal about glyco nutrients is. After all you are eating a healthy, low fat diet, try to get a little exercise and sleep when you can. What else can you do to keep your energy level up and get through your day? Try adding a little goji juice with your morning coffee and see if your energy level and sense of well being improves.

We all have days when we don’t feel our best but if you have been feeling a little down and out it may give your body what it is lacking glyconutrients. Even if you eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, if you are not growing them yourself they are usually harvested green so they won’t be overly ripe when they get to market. This along with mineral depleted soil from commercial farms keeps the fruits and veggies from being as nutritious as they should be.

Glyconutrients are the eight essential sugars that our body needs to function at its best. We typically only get two of these sugars, glucose, and galactose, in our modern diet. The other six aren’t as readily available. You body must work harder creating the other six through a series of chemical reactions which can zap your energy and leave you feeling fatigued.

An ounce of Goji juice contains glyco nutrients that are required for healthy cell to cell communication which is important in all life processes. The source of goji juice is goji berries from the Lycium shrub. Drinking the glyconutrient rich juice gives you the power of two pounds of berries in every liter of juice. That’s why it takes so little of the goji juice to make a big difference in how you feel. Optimum effects from the goji juice come from drinking about a half a cup of the juice daily, though an ounce a day will benefit the body.

In addition to glyco nutrients goji juice has an abundance of vitamin C and beta carotene known for helping the body stay healthy and fight off illness. Vitamin E, protein, and iron are also found in goji juice, along with B-complex vitamins and essential amino-acids. This power packed little berry can do nothing but good for you!

The proper amount of glyconutrients in the body can help regulate bowel movements and induce more restful sleep with more energy upon awakening. A little glyconutrient filled goji juice can help bring back that feeling of well being that you thought was long gone. Much healthier than taking medicine to induce sleep that leaves you groggy in the morning and much easier on the system than harsh laxatives and medication for depression.

Goji juice is not the cure all for all disease but the glyconutrients help your body stay ready to fight off disease and heal itself as a complement to traditional medicine. If your body is functioning as it should, it is much more prepared to deal with the stresses of everyday life.

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What are goji berries? – Part 3

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About 6 months ago, after reading about the wonders of the Goji fruit, I visited my Health food store to purchase some. I am always trying new and different herbs and if I can’t grow it, I buy it. I was somewhat floored at the price for this wonder fruit. I thought with the hefty price tag, maybe I should try to grow the berries in my garden. However, until that time, I sparingly parted with the cash to purchase the dried berries which I use primarily with my morning cereal and to make my own juice. To date I still haven’t grown Goji berries but I do have a renewed understanding of why this fruit, that is a panacea for numerous health issues, cost so much.

What are Goji Berries?

Goji berries, orange red colored fruits, are produced by the plant Lycium Barbarum, and are also known as the Wolfberry, Brocksdorn, Duke of Argyll’s tea tree, Matrimony Vine and Barbary. A perennial, it grows about 3 to 4 feet and is native to China. While the West has just recently discovered the Goji berry, it has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for some 6,000 years.

The best quality Goji berries are produced in two provinces in the northwest region of China; The Ningxia Province and The Xinjiang Province, that produce a portion of the 60 million pounds of Goji produced worldwide. So why are Goji berries so pricy? It is a classic case of supply and demand. There is not enough of this wonder fruit produced to meet the huge demands.

Ingredients:

Polysaccharides, are referred to as the “Master Molecule” which strengthens the immune system and thus a defense against many immune deficiency related illnesses. A study was undertaken in China in 1994 which found that 79 cancer patients who participated in a goji regimen, responded much better to their treatment.

Vitamins: Goji berries have several vitamins including Vitamin E, Essential Fatty Acids. Betaine, B-Complex vitamins and more vitamin C than oranges.

Minerals: With some 21 essential minerals, one can see where Goji berries get their power house reputation. Some of these minerals are iron, selenium and zinc. It is like a multivitamin in a berry.

Antioxidants: Goji berries have a wide variety of antioxidants including the best source of cartenoids, and Zeaxanthin, which is good for improving the eyesight.

Amino Acids: Goji berries outshine other plants with a whopping 19 amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and Goji berries also have the eight essential

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What are goji berries? – Part 4

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One of nature’s most nutritious natural foods Goji berries is also known as Lycium barb arum, wolfberry, gou qi zi and Fructus lycii. The Goji berry is found on evergreen shrubs that are known as Lycium Barbarum in a temperate and subtropical climate in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. Belonging to the Solonaceae family are normally found dry, looking like little red raisins. For six thousand years they have been used in China, Tibet and India by herbalists; scientists have now found what makes them so powerful.

Protecting the liver, helping eyesight, improving sexual function and fertility are just a few things they have been used for. Goji berries have also been used to strengthen the legs, boost immune function and improving circulation. They also are used to promote longevity.

Full of antioxidants especially carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin they are particularly useful in alternative medicine. Zeaxanthin is used to protect the eyes retina by behaving as an antioxidant and absorbing blue light. An increase in foods containing Zeaxanthin may even decrease the chances of getting an age related macular degeneration (AMD) which is one of the main causes of vision loss and blindness in people sixty-five and over. Goji juice is now a popular health beverage.

Goji berries have special polysaccharides that fortify the immune system and help control the body’s defense systems. There are nineteen different amino acids contained in the Goji berry including the eight that are needed for life. They are the only plant that has all eight. The Goji berry contains more vitamin C than oranges do and contain b-complex vitamins along with the essential fatty acids and betaine.

The Chinese Journal of Oncology published a study in 1994 where seventy-nine people having cancer treatments responded better when they added Goji berries to their diet. There have only been two publicized studies on the Goji berry. Side effects of Goji berries are not currently known.

Tasting mild and tangy they are a little sweet and sour at the same time. The texture is like that of a raisin.

When used in traditional Chinese medicine the Goji berry takes many forms. They can be eaten raw, made into a tea or liquid extracts and even added to soups as an extra ingredient. There has been research that indicates the Goji berry can help with the relief of chronic inflammation.

Sources:

http://altmedicine.about.com/o d/completeazindex/a/goji.htm

http://www.gojiberriesblog.com /

http://www.rawfoodunderground. com/glossary.html

http://www.gojicapital.com/abo ut-goji-berries.html

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The Goji berry: Origins and properties

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Never heard of Goji Berries? well I am sure you are not alone as it was only recently I chanced upon it in a Health Food Store whilst looking for a Herbal Tonic.

Well what is it? The tiny red Goji Berry is native to certain regions of Tibet, China and Mongolia that grows on the plant Lycium Barbarum. It has played an important part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years but it was only recently that scientists discovered it’s true potential.

Have you ever wondered why Asian people from these regions seem to have a longer life, stay slim and have more energy that the rest of us? Obviously diet has much to do with it….their use of ‘quick cooking’ in the wok, their combination of foods are contributory but, much has to do with the health-giving properties of this fruit.

Research has revealed goji contains polysaccharides (sometimes called glycans are relatively complex carbohydrates), amino acids, trace minerals, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and more.

Goji Berries contain:

4 types of polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. These polysaccharides are “Master Molecules” and command and control many of the body’s most important defense systems.

Immune Support

Healthy Cell Reproduction

Cardiovascular Health

Enhanced Energy & Vitality

19 amino acids the building blocks of protein including all eight that are essential for life…..this is unheard of in the plant world.

21 trace minerals, including germanium, a trace mineral rarely found in foods.

A complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots!) and zeaxanthin (supports the eyes).

Vitamin C at higher levels than even those found in oranges.

B-complex vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy.

Vitamin E (very rarely found in fruits, only in grains and seeds).

Essential fatty acids

Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline.

Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods.

After reading that it almost makes you wonder why we bother eating other than to satisfy a craving to fill our stomachs or a social occupation.

Myself, after trying Goji Juice (and continuing to do so) I am so much healthier. There is a marked improvement in my skin, hair, energy and a small (much needed) weight loss which I attribute to better digestion. It is not often that I would RECOMMEND anything, but, in this instance I do.

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The Benefits Of Goji Berries

Goji berries can be considered the wonder berry par excellence in todays world. Just consider that they guarantee an increased longevity and encourage outstanding health to all those who consume them on a regular basis. In addition goji berries reduce the desire of eating sugary foods in some people, which is especially beneficial to those who have problems with sugar levels such as diabetics.

Goji berries can serve as a rich source of antioxidants. They are very rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids making them a strong can supplement the nutritional value of food. They include vital amino acids such as vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega 6 fatty acid, Linoleic acid, B-complex vitamins, plus goji berries have more beta-carotene than any other substance on earth, including carrots themselves.

Goji berries can aggressively help to manage diseases such as: obesity, cancer, macular degeneration, restores hair color, stimulates the immune system, and gives a hand to some pregnant women in their morning sickness. Moreover, older women have found that the berry reduces symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and insomnia, takes care of symptoms like sexual dysfunction and sterility and helps women with vaginal dryness and lack of desire.

This wonderful and useful berry generates a great amount of comfort and happiness when used everyday. No wonder more than one person has given so many positive comments on its qualities and healing properties. As a matter of fact, in some locations in Tibet, it is called the laughing berry.

Methods of Consumption

You can find dried goji berries in major stores, drink their juice and have them as tea if you like. They are even available as capsules in diverse prescribed amounts. There is another pre-requisite however, before you can enjoy the full benefit of the goji berries, they are that you should become a total vegetarian for the main ingredients of this berry to make the best impact.

Goji juice is a total body protection liquid when taken regularly and in its originality. You have to be on the lookout for the many artificial versions on the market though; it should be all natural as there is no substitute for real, organic goji berries. The varieties that are chemically grown are open to dangers of the chemical and fertilizer elements which can make their way in to the berries and consequently harm their nutritional value. So the suggestion is to do like with other fruits and vegetables, insisting on organic berries when going shopping to get the most out of this wonder fruit. One final consideration: its best to consult a doctor before using goji berry supplements for any reason at all.

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