Used for centuries by the Ancient Chinese and other peoples bordering the Himalayan Mountains, the Himalayan Goji berry is a small, bright red fruit that grows on a perennial shrub mostly known as the wolfberry in the West. The Himalayan Goji is very widespread in the temperate regions of the world. It is known to grow in United Kingdom, as well as in the United States.

However, it is only in the Himalayas that the fruit contains the beneficial mix of ingredients that has made the it so famous in the world. The ancient Chinese used the Goji berry in various medicinal preparations. For them the berry enhanced the ?chi? or vital life force of the human body and in so doing increased its longevity. Indeed, the Himalaya people that consumed the Himalayan Goji berry on a daily basis have some of the world's highest life expectancies, roughly a century. The average person lives to be 90+ and this despite quite harsh living conditions--no modern conveniences or technology.

Modern science has also acknowledged the benefits brought by the Himalayan Goji. Scientific research has been able to isolate the key beneficial molecules that make the Himalayan Goji berry and its juice such a wonderful health maintaining product. Some of the constituents of the Himalayan Goji berry are described below:

~ Lycum barbarum polysaccharides?this refers to the unique mix of polysaccharides that are present in the Himalayan Goji and in no other plant in the world. These polysaccharides are known to incite the production of human growth hormone (HGH) in the body. HGH is the primary agent that triggers cellular regeneration. It is therefore the key in maintenance of tissues and in delaying the effects of aging. The Himalayan Goji has therefore important anti-aging properties. It is possibly this aspect of the Himalayan Goji which made it popular among ancient Chinese.

~ Beta-carotene?this is a precursor of Vitamin A, which is crucial of cellular maintenance and promotion of vision. If the body lacks beta-carotene it also lacks Vitamin A. The Himalayan Goji berry contains a very high concentration of beta-carotene. In fact only a few Himalayan Goji berries will provide you with the recommended daily dietary intake for beta-carotene.

~ Choline?this molecule is used by the body in the manufacture of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is used extensively in the brain. The function of acetylcholine is to transfer information from the end of one nerve cell to the beginning of the next. It is thus a key element in the brain's function. Lack in acetylcholine can lead to such problems as weak memory. The Himalayan Goji berry therefore helps in improving memory.

The Himalayan Goji berry also contains vitamins and minerals that make it interesting as a dietary supplement. A few Himalayan Goji berries can be sufficient to provide you with up to 25% of the recommended dietary intake for Vitamin C. Some trace minerals such as selenium, germanium and phosphorus are also present in sizable quantities in the Himalayan Goji. In addition, high levels of glucose and fructose complete the Himalayan Goji as classified a super fruit.