gojiberry review

When the research was conducted for the first time to compare the nutritional constituents of Goji berries with respect to vitamins, minerals and amino acids, no one was expecting what they actually found out. Goji berry turned out to be perhaps the most nutritionally dense food on this planet.

It contains the highly useful antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals which are reactive molecules. It also contains amongst others phytochemicals. It provides flavonoids which is very rich in antioxidants. Other such compounds are quercetin, anthocyanadins and antocyanins. Flavonoids help the body to adsorb and utilize other nutrients especially vitamin C.

The research by the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute on Goji berries revealed a number of facts that were really astounding. Goji berries are very rich source of vitamins B1 and B6 which help the body to convert food into energy, Vitamin E which has never been found in any other fruit. Goji berries have more protein than whole wheat and over 18 amino acids including the 8 essential ones. It has 21 trace minerals including zinc, iron, copper, selenium, calcium, germanium and phosphorus. It has beta-carotene more than what carrots have, about five hundred times more vitamin C than oranges (by weight) and essential fatty acids (generally not found in fruits) essential for hormonal production and brain and nervous system functioning, and is perhaps the richest source of carotenoids which is a fat soluble pigment enabling the activity of vitamin A.

And if you think that is all, well you are here for a surprise. Goji berries are rich sources of polysaccharides which are immune-stimulating. Polysaccharides are actually very large long chained sugar molecules which nourish your macrophages (white blood cells) present in the intestines.

These macrophages get transferred to the immune cells which actually build up the immune system for the body. It has been decidedly proven that polysaccharides activate your macrophages. Polysaccharides also increase B lymphocytes activity and immune system activity. As for antioxidant levels, ORAC or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity Scale is used to measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb the free radicals. Anything over 3000 units is considered very well. Goji berry has 25,300 units.

Goji berries are very effective anti-aging agents. Locals in Tibet and Mongolia have long been using Goji berries as a very important part of their daily diet. Actually they celebrate for two weeks every year in the honor of Goji berries. There are many villages and provinces which shows long lives for locals due to daily consumption of Goji berries. The best thing is that there are no known side effects of using Goji berries.

Goji berries have high percentage of minerals like iron. It has about 20 times more iron than grapes and 15 times more than spinach. It has 124 ppm of germanium and it is no surprise that Goji berries have long been used as tonic herbs and astringent herbs.

As for its other constituents, Goji berries also contain superoxide dismutase, phenylpropaniods, and high concentration of branched chain amino acid L-Ieucine. This amino acid is the key component of HMB or Beta-hydoxy-beta-methylbutyrate.

Phenylpropabiod actually helps your immune system. It is the same with the polysaccharides which Goji berries contain. It strengthens the immune system of your body. What is more it is also a rich source of Vitamin B and C. It is by far the richest source of carotenoids including beta carotene. And that is what makes it very effective antioxidant thus fortifying your immune system.

After a lot of chemical analysis and studies certain facts about Goji berries have been deduced. It has a very high concentration of L-Leucine (branched chain amino acid) one of the 18 amino acids that it contains, 21 trace minerals, thiamine, linoleic acid, riboflavin and betaine. It has more beta carotene than carrots. It has about 500 times more vitamin C than oranges (by weight). It is very rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and E. Regular consumption of Goji berries results in high level of SOD in the blood by over 48%, hemoglobin by over 12% and lipid peroxide dropping by over 65%.

And about using Goji berries, well it is very versatile where its consumption is concerned. Eat them raw, or add them to cereal, porridge, casseroles, grains, baked goods, stews, trails and other snacks. Just consume about one to two handfuls of Goji berries and see the result for yourself. It would keep you fiddle fit for ever.

What is more, it has been use for at least over two thousand years and there is not a single side effect of daily consumption of Goji berries ever. It is not by fluke that it is also called the happy berry. It is believed to keep you smiling throughout the day. So, dont wait to get your handful.

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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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Deep inside the valleys of Tibet and Mongolia grows one of the most valuable and simultaneously most unknown gifts that Mother Nature has given to us, Goji berries! Naturally, the first thing that will come to your mind is: Why are those berries so valuable? Why are they called Mother Natures gift? Well, follow me through this article and you will soon understand why!

One of the first things that will strike your eye when you read about Goji berries is that they contain more protein than whole wheat, more carotene B than carrots and a surprising number of 500 times higher vitamin C percentage than oranges! This by itself is enough to qualify them as a true gift from nature! But hold on a second, there is more coming!

Apart from that, Goji berries include an abundant amount of anti-cancer and anti-aging benefits. Furthermore, Goji berries are reported to contain some of the most valuable, health promoting compounds that are available through natural nutrition. Specifically, those compounds protect against aging, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems including those that affect the nervous system.

Finally, among other benefits that Goji berries have, you should know that they are the only fruit to contain vitamin E and they also have vitamins B1 and B6! Additionally, those berries carry 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals; not bad considering they are just berries, right?

Did you think that was it? Well, the word Finally in the above paragraph was used to trick you; I just cant help to let you know that Goji berries also contain essential fatty acids and they are also the richest source of carotenoids on the planet!

Honestly, those berries are really miraculous! You just cant imagine how beneficial they are to your health; the only way to know is to give them a try. After all, you have nothing to lose!

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Facts first-Goji berries have more protein than whole wheat, about 500 times more vitamin C than oranges and more carotene B than carrots. And do you think this is enough? Those berries are considered to have high concentration of anti-carcinogenic and anti-aging compounds. These highly salubrious compounds provide you immunity against cancer, aging, heart disease, diabetes and problems of nervous system in addition to various other health related problems.

Gojies are perhaps the only fruit that contains vitamin E, vitamin B1 and B6. What is more they also come with about 18 amino acids (building blocks of proteins) and about twenty one trace minerals. And you were thinking these are only berries. Goji also possesses essential fatty acids. It is perhaps the richest source of carotenoids on this earth.

If you think that all this is too much and it is nothing sort of a miracle, why not try it for yourself. After all, what you would be losing? And if it is what I am trying to make you realize, just think how much you are going to benefit. If you visit Tibet or Mongolia you would find that for centuries, Goji berries have been prescribed by herbalists for a whole lot of problems. What is more every year a two week festival is held to honor these small red berries. And there are ample reasons for naming it the “happy berry” because local folklore says eating them when you start the day keeps you smiling all through the day.

And Goji berries are not restricted to Mongolia and Tibet. Chinese medicines have used them for centuries and you can find a poem dedicated to their benefits written by the opet Liu Yuxi of the Tang dynasty (772-842 AD). It goes without saying that people residing in this part of the world just love to have Gojies. But in the west, Goji is a little known commodity and just a fraction of the west knows about it. And that is what we intend to do. To let all of you know the essential qualities of Goji berries.

WHAT ACTUALLY IS GOJI BERRY?

The native of Tibet and Mongolia is technically known as Lycium Barbarum (Latin). It comes from the family of Solanaceae (flowering). Some of the other plants of the same family include potatoes, tobacco and tomatoes. Scientists have so far found out eight different varieties of lycium berries. Chinese believe that Chinese Wolfberry as a Goji berry that can cure male sexual dysfunction but scientists claim that Chinese Wolfberry is not actually a true Goji berry and is just related to Lycium Berbarum.

Goji berry is a small bright red fruit that is shaped almost like a raisin and grows on vines with green leaves. You would find that owing to its delicacy the berries are shaken from the vines during harvest and not picked. They are then carefully dried in the shade. When you eat it, you would find it very chewy and taste would be a cross between cranberry and raisin. Goji berry is also known as happy berry, gou qu zi and gouqi.

IMPORTANCE OF GOJI BERRIES

Actually it is not just possible to include all the benefits of Goji berry here but let us have a cursory look at it. Gojies are rich sources of vitamins and other nutrients. They contain vitamin B1, B2, B6, C and E and also has about eighteen amino acids. They are considered perhaps the richest source of vitamin C. only Australian billygoat plum and the South American camu camu are better sources. As for minerals, they contain zinc, phosphorus, germanium, iron and calcium in different proportions. What is more they also contain antioxidants essential to human health.

It is true that Goji berries are still an unknown commodity in most parts of the world but it is surely gaining good grounds in the west. And why not, after all, it is perhaps one of the most nutritious natural products available on the earth. With time the whole world has to awake to its potential benefits but since now you know what it is all about, treat yourself to Goji berries. There is nothing for you lose with it. There are only gains associated with Goji and you would do well to avail it.

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A native of Asia, the goji berry has been prized for centuries for aiding in general health and well-being.

The highest quality goji berry is Himalayan, but many other varieties, including those grown in Western China, Mongolia and Tibet also have powerful effects.

There are many types of goji berry, and in Tibet alone, there are 40 different varieties. The best goji products use goji berries that have the active ingredients, Polysaccharides, which facilitate the communication between cells. These products have been tested through cellular analysis to ensure that the highest quality goji berries are used.

Imagine a small red berry, about the size of a grape, growing on a vine in the hills of Tibet and Inner Mongolia. A small red berry that harvesters are careful to avoid touching with their bare hands so as not to oxidise the flesh of the fruit. It is just a small red berry containing more amino acids than bee pollen, more protein than whole wheat and more beta-carotene than carrots. A little red berry that will dry to the size of a currant in the shade of the mountains within which it has grown before being exported across the globe to those who have only recently, despite its 2000year plus traditional history, discovered it.

Goji comes in many forms these days, including juice, goji bars, goji cream and goji capsules. An excellent tea can be made from goji leaves and goji flowers are decorative and beautiful.

It is said that the Himalayans were the first natural healers, and that they shared their wisdom with the ancient herbalists of China, Tibet, and India. One of their most prized secrets was the fruit of the native goji vine, which had been flourishing in the Himalayan valleys since the beginning of time.

Those who came there to learn took the goji home with them and planted it in their own valleys, thus spreading the legend of this most marvelous and healthful fruit.

Goji is packed with anti-oxidants, powerful molecules that mop up free radicals before they can damage body cells. In Chinese trials, goji shut down cell aging in as little as six hours after the first dose. The credit goes to goji’s poly-saccharides. They boost the body’s production of human growth hormone, which helps build toned muscle and repair skin cells.

Experts say sipping of goji juice daily for as little as three weeks, improves your immune system’s ability to fend off infections. How? Goji’s amino acids and minerals trigger a 300% boost in white blood cell function and double production of infection-fighting proteins. Goji’s polysaccharides actually make viruses more visible to the immune cells that are trying to destroy them.

Research has shown that many of the world’s longest living people consume regular daily helpings of a tiny red fruit that may just be the world’s most powerful food – the goji berry.

It is interesting to have a look at what the plant contains:

1. Contains 19 amino acids — the building blocks of protein — including nine that essential to the body.
2. Contains 21 trace minerals.
3. Contains more protein than whole wheat
4. Contains Vitamin C at higher levels than oranges.
5. Contains complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). Goji berries are among the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods.
6. Contains Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
7. Contains essential fatty acids, which are required for the body’s production of hormones and the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system.
8. Contains Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent.

The fruit is eaten either fresh or dried and can be added to cooking, cereals, trail mixes or smoothies as well as being eaten alone. The flavor of the Goji berry is difficult to describe ? sweet with a slight tartness (similar to a cranberry but sweeter).

Incredibly high in iron, Goji berries are exceptionally nutrient rich. They are especially high in Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and B6, and contain considerably more Vitamin C than an orange. The Goji berry has also been found to contain other complex compounds, such as Betaine (useful for improving liver function and reputed to enhance memory), Solavetivone (a compound containing anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties), and Beta-Sitoserol (an anti-inflammatory agent that may also help in the treatment of hypertension). An average daily serving of a cup of dried Goji berries would also contain 4grams each of dietary fiber and protein.

Wolfberry fruits contain phytochemicals with antioxidant activity and could slow the ageing process. A study showed that wolfberry fruit phytochemicals help to prevent oxidation of DNA and helps to restore damaged DNA.

Studies suggest that wolfberry extracts could inhibit DNA mutation and stop the growth of cancer cells. All studies show that regression of many types of cancer could be obtained with patients, treated with LAK/IL-2 and LBP.

The phytochemical zeaxanthin dipalmitate showed a hepaprotective effect on liver cells treated with carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity.

Wolfberry fruits have traditionally been used in China to improve vision disorders such as cataracts, retinopathy and macular degeneration. Studies have shown that wolfberry reduce dark adapting time and improve vision under subdued light. This action may be attributed to the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, which neutralizes the free radicals formed by sunlight.

Goji berries grow naturally wild and in profusion in the remote ills and valleys of the Himalayas of Tibet and Inner Mongolia and can be harvested with ease.

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