Antioxidants fight damage to cells from harmful, reactive molecules called free radicals. Goji berries contain numerous health-promoting compounds known to provide a tremendous amount of health benefits.
Among Goji berrys beneficial compounds is a category called phytochemicals. Flavonoids belong to this category of nutrients that are extremely high in antioxidants including quercetin, anthocyanadins and antocyanins. Bioflavonoids are essential to the absorption and utilization of other nutrients, especially vitamin C.
In 1988, the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute conducted detailed chemical analysis and nutritional composition studies of this dried Lycium fruit; this is what they discovered:
In addition to being packed with vitamins B1 and B6 (which are needed by the body to covert food into energy), and vitamin E (which has never been found in fruit before), the Lycium berries contain more protein then whole wheat, 18 amino acids (8 of them essential for life), 21 trace minerals (including significant amounts of zinc, copper, iron, calcium, selenium, phosphorus and germanium), more beta carotene than carrots, 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges, essential fatty acids, (required for the production of hormones and smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system) and is the richest source of carotenoids (natural fat-soluble pigments that play a critical role in vitamin A activity in humans) of any food on the planet.
Additionally, the Tibetan Goji Berries have been found to have extremely high levels of immune-stimulating polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are very large, long-chain sugar molecules that are nourishment for macrophages (large white blood cells) in the walls of the intestines.
The macrophages are then transported to other immune cells, setting off a chain of beneficial defensive events in our body. They found that the polysaccharides profoundly activated the macrophages.
Also, it was found that macrophages increased their production of interleukin, a chemical that spurs the immune system to greater activity; and the polysaccharides also enhanced the activity of B lymphocytes, immune-system cells. ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity scale) is a measure of the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals; 3000 units is considered a good standard for a healthy food - the Goji Berry is 25,300 units!
These delicious fruits are very widely used in Mongolia and Tibet and regular consumption of the berries is traditionally believed to lead to long, vigorous and happy life.
In Tibet and Inner Mongolia this red berry is cherished by the locals, they honor it with celebrations and festivities that last for two weeks every year. They live very healthy lives, and their life expectancies are well over a hundred. It has been used for centuries in Tibet and throughout the Himalayas and there is no known risk of continual use - only benefits.
Tibetan Goji Berries are wonderful and delicious tonic fruits. The berries have a high content of iron, about 20 times that of grapes and 15 times that of spinach. Goji berries also contain 124 ppm of organic Germanium. Many Tibetan formulas include these berries with other ingredients, and offered in well built formulas with tonic herbs, astringent herbs, herbs to strengthen essence and nourish our bodies.
Goji berries not only contain superoxide dismutase, phenylpropaniods, but it also has a high concentration of the branched-chain amino acid L-Ieucine. This amino acid forms the building block of a very unique compound called HMB (Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate).
Through the phenylpropabiod activity it helps strengthen the immune system. The berries contain polysaccharides, which have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system. They are also very rich in vitamin C and B vitamins. Furthermore, it is the richest source of carotenoids, including beta carotene, of all known plants on earth and is thus a powerful antioxidant. It is believed to fortify the Immune System.
Modern chemical analysis and clinical study finds that Tibetan Goji contain a high concentration of the branched chain amino acid L-Leucine among 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, linoleic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, betaine, more beta carotene than carrots and 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges. It's loaded with Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E. Another study of people who consumed consistent doses of Goji berry found SOD in the blood increased by a remarkable 48%, hemoglobin increased by 12% and lipid peroxide levels dropped by an amazing 65%.
How do you use Goji berries? It is easy to enjoy this berry, just eat them from the bag, add them to hot and cold cereal, porridge, grains, casseroles, stews, baked goods and trail type mixes for snacking throughout the day for added stamina and delight. About 1-2 handfuls a day is an average amount to use that will support immune strength and vitality.
In 2500 years there is no reported discomfort from continual use, only benefits. It is said in Tibet that eating a handful of these berries a day will make one happy for the entire day. Such a practice has a cumulative effect. Eventually, you can't stop smiling!
Goji Berry Plants For Sale
Goji berry juice is made from Goji berries that are local in some parts of Central Asia and several regions in China. Goji berry has been used for centuries as medicine in Asia and now, the popularity of Goji berry has reached the Western countries. Aside from its juice form, Goji berry can also be consumed in dried variety. Its dried form has a tinge of tomato and is a bit similar to that of raisins, dried cranberries or dates.
Before trying any Goji berry products, it is essential to know these facts and claims:
?Goji berries contain five hundred times more vitamin C than oranges. These small berries are rich in vitamin C ? one hundred grams of Goji juice contains 29 mg to 148 mg of vitamin C, making it one of the best sources of vitamin C.
?Goji berries have nineteen amino acids that include eight essential amino acids. Amino acids are essential because they are the building blocks of protein needed by the body in order to function well.
?Goji berries contain more beta-carotene compared to carrots, which are changed into vitamin A or stored in the liver. Vitamin A is essential as it contributes in improving eyesight as well as in enhancing the health of the skin.
?Goji berries are effective in boosting the immune system and though the Food and Drugs Administration in the U.S. does not support this claim, the berry's vitamin A abundance as well as its other healthy properties can tell that this claim is valid.
?Goji berries are said to help improve sexual performance. This is because of the anti-inflammatory property that can increase sperm count and boost sexual health.
?Goji berries have powerful anti-aging properties. They also have polysaccharides, which regulate the pituitary gland, resulting to the production of HGH or human growth hormone that is known to be a very strong anti-aging hormone.
Based on the Western and Chinese sources, Goji berry has a lot of healthy properties that are essential to the body. Though this berry has been proven to contain minerals, amino acids and vitamins, it is still essential to know the different claims regarding its health benefits and make sure to consult your doctor before taking this wonder fruit.
For a health super food with so many unique quality and benefits, this fruit has not been known for that long. It is only recently when the fruit was recognized for the wonders it can do and since then the name Goji being spread like wildfire. People in the Europe are the first ones to recognize the importance of this fruit but now for about last couple of years, other parts of the world including North America have been leaning towards the fruit for it quality. There are lots of female celebrities who included Goji Berry in their daily diet in an attempt to stay slim and young.
Both Charles Kassotis & Gen Wright are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Charles Kassotis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Appliances, Gifts for loved ones and Pets. Find out more about what research has shown for Goji Berries, visit Goji Berries and Freelife offer you a Busin. Charles Kassotis's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.
A Girl Playing Hard To Get You can be more honest and true to yourself and your partner after youve put the pieces back together, because youll have renewed strength and confidence that you didnt have before