Are Goji Berries a super-food?
Scientists have discovered that there is a small group of 'super- foods' that have up to twenty times the anti-oxidant power of other foods. These super-foods provide more anti-oxidant power than large doses of vitamin supplements. They found Goji berries contain 22 polysaccharides - some of which are totally unique to this plant.
One of these polysaccharides has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (substances that stimulate the endocrine system to increase hormonal secretions) - and that stimulates the pituitary gland to secret the rejuvenative human growth hormone, which helps build muscle tone and repair skin cells.
By helping to clean up free radicals before they can damage DNA, Goji berries help prevent cancers from ever starting and researchers now report that Goji's blend of amino acids can actually repair already damaged DNA, converting it back to its cancer free form.
Ingredient content of Goji Berries
Average quantity 100g
Total Fat 5.7g
Saturated Fat 1.1g
Protein 10.6g
Total Carbohydrate 21g
Sugars 17.3g
Sodium 24mg
Energy Value 346kj
Calcium 112.5mg
Iron 8.42mg
Crude Fibre 7.7g
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 18.4g
Carotene 7.83mg
Amino Acid 8.48mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 0.15mg
Polysaccharides 46.5mg
Goji berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland).
Goji berries have been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order. In several study groups with elderly people the berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, many beneficial results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results showed that all the patients spirit and optimism increased significantly, appetite improved in 95% of the patients, 95% of the patients slept better, and 35% of the patients partially recovered their sexual function.
The famed Li Qing Yuen, who apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930), consumed Goji berries daily. The life of Li Qing Yuen is the most well-documented case of extreme longevity known.
These Goji berries grow in protected valleys in million year old soil in wild and cultivated areas. The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, then dried in the shade.
The Goji berry is a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin. The Goji berry tastes somewhat like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.
A good daily intake of Goji berries is 10-30 grams (a small handful). Goji berries may be used as snacks or mixed with recipes or smoothies like other dried fruits.
While it has occupied an important place in traditional Asian medicine for countless generations, the secrets of its nutritional benefits have remained a mystery to most of the world. Over the centuries, traditional health practitioners have passed down anecdotal evidence of the power of Goji to each generation. From its discovery in the Himalayas, to the present day, those who know of the remarkable Goji are awed by its unmatched health-promoting powers.
In fact, the people of Central Asia cherish this little berry so much that they devote two weeks every year to festivals in its honor. From ancient times, medical texts have declared it to be superior for fortifying and maintaining the health of the entire body.
Contains 19 amino acids the building blocks of protein including all eight that are essential for life
Contains 21 trace minerals, including germanium, an anti-cancer trace mineral rarely found in foods
Contains more protein than whole wheat (13 percent)
Contains a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots!) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods
Contains Vitamin C at higher levels than even those found in oranges
Contains B-complex vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy
Contains Vitamin E (very rarely found in fruits, only in grains and seeds)
Contains Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent. Beta-Sitosterol also lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement.
Contains essential fatty acids, which are required for the body’s production of hormones and for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system
Contains Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure, alleviates menstrual discomfort, and has been used in the treatment of cervical cancer
Contains Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound
Contains Physalin, a natural compound that is active against all major types of leukemia. It has been shown to increase splenic natural killer cell activity in normal and tumor-bearing mice, with broad-spectrum anti-cancer effect. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B
Contains Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease. Betaine also provides methyl groups in the body’s energy reactions and can help reduce levels of homocysteine, a prime risk factor in heart disease. It also protects DNA.
