Tag Archives: Health Food Store

Lycum Barbarum: A Promising Berry

Lycum Barbarum is more commonly known as Goji Berries. This fruit has been around for thousands of years, but only recently has its popularity reached the United States. The Goji Tree can only group in certain climates. Attempts to plant them elsewhere have not produced results. They require lots of direct sunlight and high amounts of water. The Goji Tree thrives in the Himalayan Mountains.

This fruit is sweet, and has a wonderful flavor. In addition to tasting good, Goji Berries are very good for you. They contain 26 different antioxidants that cleanse your body of impurities. As a result of the antioxidants in Goji Berries, people claim to feel better when they take consume them on a daily basis. They have more energy, feel healthier, and crave fewer sweets often resulting in very easy weight loss. Goji Berries can be eaten raw, taken in a capsule form, or Goji Juice can be drunk.

Researchers have been conducting research to see if they can verify that Goji Berries have been helpful for individuals with diabetes and cancer. It is believed the berries boost a persons immune system as well as metabolism. This helps individuals fight infection and have more energy. Many cancer patients claim they feel better consuming Goji Berries, especially those who have been ran down do to chemotherapy radiation treatments.

While the verdict is still out on the benefits of Goji Berries, they continue to be in high demand. There does not seem to be any kind of allergic reaction to the berries or negative side effects reported. These small berries are very expensive right now because the market cant meet the demand for them. If you are interested in trying them, check your local health food store or purchase them online. You will likely have to purchase the juice or capsules as shipping fresh Goji Berries to the United States is very expensive.

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What are goji berries? – Part 3

5108117637 4fef9b512a m What are goji berries?   Part 3

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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The Goji berry: Origins and properties

5180669448 80f5669cc6 m The Goji berry: Origins and properties

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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Who Else Wants The Health Benefits Of The Goji Berry?

As more people have begun to educate themselves on health and wellness they are realizing that many things that are sold to them, like fruit juice for example, aren’t healthy for them at all. You might be asking, why wouldn’t fruit juice be healthy?

Most fruit juice you find in the grocery store is unhealthy because it is watered down and loaded with added sugar and preservatives. It’s hardly fruit juice, just read the ingredients.

If you are wondering how to get healthy juice go to your health food store and get organic fruit and make the juice yourself. If you don’t have time to make juice at home and need it bottled or want to try another type of healthy fruit juice you should give goji berry juice a try.

The goji berry is found in regions like China, Mongolia, and Tibet (in the Himalayas). The goji berry has been eaten by the people of these regions for centuries and has even been nicknamed the “happy berry” at local festivals. It is not until recently that people in the west have begun to notice the health benefits of goji berry juice.

The Chinese include the goji berry in their medical practices. Traditionally the Chinese:
* Prepare the goji berry as a tincture for use in their medicines
* Eat them raw
* Brew the goji berry in tea
*Traditional cooking – it is frequently used in Chinese soups, and it is also used in a popular Chinese wine

What Does Goji Berry Juice Taste Like?

Both the Goji berry and goji berry juices are very sweet. Many goji juice drinkers compare the taste of a goji berry to that of a raisin. In my opinion it tastes pretty good, but the taste should be irrelevant once you learn the numerous health benefits the goji berry provides.

The Health Benefits of the Goji Berry

The health benefits of the goji berry that have been known and used by the Chinese for centuries include:
* Improved circulation
* Improved vision
* Cancer-fighting properties
* Increased sperm production
* Replenished semen
* Well nourished liver and kidneys
* Better complexion

The goji berry, along with many other fruit juices, such as acai juice, contains a powerful amount of antioxidants. Beyond that goji berry juice contains natural vitamins and nutrients your body needs everyday. Goji berry juice contains nutrients like:
* Physalin
* Betatine
* Cyperone
* Beta-sitoserol

So forget about all of those sugary “fake” fruit juices that line the shelves of your grocery store. Simply go to your local health food store instead and make real juice for yourself or tell an employee at the store that you would like to give goji berry juice a try.

They will be able to help you and even explain the health benefits of this “super fruit” in more detail. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

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Goji Berries are the Latest in Natural Skin Care

Products that contain goji berries are among the latest to liberally stock health food store shelves everything from goji berry juice drinks and extracts, to skin care lotions, remedies and cosmetics. What are goji berries, and how will they benefit those interested in non-toxic natural skin care.
Cultivated primarily in China, Tibet and Mongolia, goji berries are the fruit of the goji plant. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, usually in tandem with lycium bark, and enhance the immune and circulatory systems, improve the eyesight, protect the liver and kidneys, and give you a beautiful complexion. Not only are goji berries rich in several vitamins and minerals, theyve been rated number one on the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale, which measures the antioxidant levels in food. Goji berries contain over 25,000 units per 100 milligrams, nearly five times that of the next highest fruit on the list prunes and 15 times greater than the highest rated vegetables.

As antioxidants are one of the primary combatants of aging, it isnt any wonder that many consider goji berries to be the most powerful anti-ageing food available. It is also no surprise that they have now gained popularity in topical applications and are considered very beneficial ingredients in natural skin care products.
Although topical use of goji berries is fairly new, there is already a wide range of skin creams and lotions, as well as a complete range of cosmetics. Some form of goji berry is almost always found in the new natural skin care mineral cosmetic products.
To ensure the products you get have sustained their high nutrient content, look for those that say the berries were cold-pressed without any solvents and air-dried without preservatives. Heat processing and added chemicals will greatly reduce the benefits.
Beautiful skin depends on eating healthy natural foods, and using healthy, natural skin care products. Goji berries fit the bill on all fronts and are one of the best and most versatile additions to your basic natural skin care routine.

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