Tag Archives: Improving Eyesight

Another Reason To Eat Your Fruits And Veggies

What do tomatoes, berries and carrots have in common? All of them contain Phytonutrients or Phytochemicals as more commonly known. These chemical compounds are responsible for giving fruits and vegetables their distinct color and more.
Although not yet scientifically established, research show that Phytonutrients contribute to human wellness like improving eyesight and reducing the risks of certain types of cancer. Moreover, some studies have found that they serve as antioxidants, antibacterial/antiviral agents and that they stimulate the immune system.

Here are some of the most popular Phytochemicals among many others.
Beta Carotene – It promotes better cardiovascular activity and helps in the formation of bones and teeth. Dietary sources include sweet potatoes, goji berry, and spinach.
Vitamin C – Not only is this a common food supplement, but Vitamin C is also known to be an optimum aid for the immune system, and protects our body cells and their DNA. Citrus fruits are some of its best and abundant sources.
Lycopene – The red pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits, is an antioxidant that facilitates metabolism by preventing the formation of free radicals which damage the cells. Other fruits and vegetables rich in Lycopene are tomatoes, watermelon, papaya and red bell pepper.
For most people who are not so much a veggie fan or prefer other sweets for their sugar craving, you might start to rethink and consider injecting something healthy in your diet. And the next time you dine and munch over a bowl of fresh produce salad or drink your glass of fruit shake, think about the many benefits you can derive from it.

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Dried Goji Berries

489358037 646e5aa407 m Dried Goji Berries

Ever heard of Li Qing Yuen? He’s the person who lived up to a ripe old age of 252 years. No kidding. The life (and longevity) of Prof. Li Qing Yuen, who lived between 1678-1930, is one of the best documented. And you know what? He’s reported to have consumed Goji berries daily!

Goji berry is a member of the wolfberry family and is known by the scientific name of Lycium barbarum. It’s credited with increasing the life span and having several health improving properties. It is one of the richest natural nutrients available on earth. It is said that the Chinese have been using Goji berry, as a food and a medicine, for more than five thousand years.

Nutritional value of Goji Berries

Goji berry is a rich source of nutrients and amino acids. It contains 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals and several vitamins and minerals. It has six times more amino acids than bee pollen, 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges, more iron than spinach, and more Beta carotene than carrots. Goji berry contains minerals like Calcium and Magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, normally found in grains and seeds and rarely in fruits. In addition, these berries contain many complex compounds and phytonutrients. High levels of protein content (13% of these berries are protein – higher than whole wheat), and antioxidants are other nutrient highlights. In addition, Goji berries contain Beta-sitosterol, Betaine, and essential fatty acids. With all this nutrition packed into it, it is small wonder that these berries have a great medicinal and health value.

Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries have been used in traditional systems of medicine to treat various conditions like anemia, cough and inflammation. It has also been used for improving the immune system, protection of the liver, and improving eyesight. Apart from the curative properties, Goji berry is believed to have a positive effect on the health and wellness of those consuming it, and benefits the user with longevity, increased vitality and sexual prowess.

Elderly patients, who were given Goji berries thrice a week, reported several benefits, including improved sleep, better appetite and recovery of sexual function in some cases.

Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and aiding the ageing process. The high level of antioxidants in Goji berries ensures that the ageing process is slowed down. It is believed that Goji berries have contributed to the freedom from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease in the people of Asia who have been consuming this fruit.

About the plant

Goji berry grows in protected valleys with vines reaching up to heights of 4 m. The plant grows in sandy or clay soil conditions under semi shade or no shade. The fruits are never plucked by hand since they are very sensitive and can be spoilt if they are touched by hand at this stage. Instead the fruits are shaken on to a mat and then dried in the shade.

Dosage and consumption details

Goji berries taste somewhat like raisins. They can be taken alone or mixed with other ingredients. Daily dosage could be about 10-30 grams.

The best way to take dried Goji berries is to wash them in water and soak them for a short while, before consuming. You can at reasonable prices at most Chinese stores.

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Medicinal Benefits of Goji Berries

In Tibet the most widely respected and esteemed center for research, information and guidance with relation to issues of health, nutrition vitality and longevity is the Tibetan Medical College. Tibet Authentic is the exclusive global partner of the Tibetan Medical College. The Tibetan Medical College and the Tibetan government have granted Tibet Authentic exclusive license to market and distribute their Goji berries and other natural products throughout the Western World. Goji berries have been used in the traditional Chinese medicines for nearly 2,000 years.

Tibet Authentic Goji berries are also used in the traditional Korean medicine, traditional Japanese medicine and traditional Tibetan medicine. According to the traditional Chinese Medical science, Goji berries help in enhancing immune system, improving eye sight, protecting the liver, boosting sperm production and improving circulation, etc. They are sweet in taste. They have positive effects on the liver, lungs, and kidneys and enrich yin. Tibetan Authentic Goji berries can be eaten raw or brewed into a tea, or used as tincture.

The Goji berry root bark contains glucopyranoside and phenolic amides that have inhibitory properties against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The Goji berry root bark is a traditionally used Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory and some types of skin diseases. Generally, Tibetan Authentic Goji berries are said to be helping in protecting the liver, improving eyesight, improving sexual function and fertility, strengthening the legs, boosting immune function, improving circulation, and promoting longevity.

Goji berries are believed to be helping in living a long life. Goji berries are rich in polysaccharides having extensive biological effects and health benefits. The Tibet Authentic Goji berry polysaccharides show antioxidant activity in vitro. The Goji berry polysaccharides, rich source of dietary fiber, are believed to be yielding products from bacterial fermentation in the colon, such as several short-chain fatty acids, e.g., butyric acid, which provide health benefits.

Tibet Authentic goji berry fruits are also rich in zeaxanthin that is an important dietary carotenoid, which is absorbed into the retinal macula lutea, where it is believed to be providing antioxidant and protective light-filtering roles. According to a human supplementation study, the daily consumption of Tibet Authentic Goji berry fruits increases plasma levels of zeaxanthin. The key role of zeaxanthin is to act as an antioxidant and to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light. The increased consumption of foods (Goji berries) containing zeathanthin helps decreasing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.

Several studies have revealed the possible medicinal benefits of the Tibet Authentic Goji berries, particularly because of their antioxidant properties. Studies have revealed the potential benefits of the Tibet Authentic Goji berries against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, vision-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. The studies have recognized immune modulating, and neuroprotective properties or anticancer properties of Tibet Authentic Goji berries.

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