Goji Berries

Scientific Studies

The health-giving properties of lycium barbarum (Goji’s latin name) have been confirmed in modern scientific studies.

Facts:

They are famous antioxidant as they have very rich source of vitamin C, having 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than any fruit. Their redness outlooking is a superb source of vitamin A, also have vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E. They are also a rich sources of selenium and germanium and have been used in numerous clinical trials involving cancer patients. When given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, the Goji berries conferred significant protection for the liver.

Benefits:

In Oriental medicine, they are said to correct chi deficiency, meaning that people with low energy, insomnia, heart palpitations, and even anxiety are more comfortable after consuming Goji berries. According to vitro studies suggest that Goji berries kill many kinds of cancer cells. The mechanism whereby this happens is believed to involve some factor that inhibits the ability of the cell to divide, thus lowering its reproductive capacity.

Science Research:

A large study in Japan Suggested that tumor growth was inhibited by 58% among the patients eating Goji berries as compared to the control groups. A study in Mongolia showed that patients eating Goji berries had a significant increase in lymphocyte activity and that their blood began to resemble that of much younger persons.

Goji Berries Nutritional Information, they contain essential components listed below:

• 19 amino acids – building blocks of protein including all 8 that are essential for life.
• 21 trace minerals including germanium – an anti-cancer trace mineral rarely found in foods.
• Contain 13% protein – more than whole wheat
• Rich in carotenoids than other foods – a complete spectrum of antioxidant including beta-carotene (better source than carrots) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes).
• Vitamin C at higher levels than those in oranges.
• Vitamin B-complex – necessary to convert food into energy.
• Vitamin E – rarely found in fruits, only in grains and seeds.
• Beta-Sitosterol – an anti-inflammatory agent, lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement.
• Fatty acids – required for body’s production of hormones, smooth functioning of brain and nervous system.
• Cyperone – a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure, alleviates menstrual discomfort and has been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.
• Solavetivone – a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
• Physalin – active against all major types of leukemia, increase splenic natural killer cell activity in normal and tumor-bearing mice, with broad-spectrum anti-cancer effect, also used as a treatment for hepatitis B.
• Betaine – used by the liver to produce choline to calm nervousness, enhance memory, promotes muscle growth and protects against fatty liver disease. It also provides methyl groups in the body’s energy reactions and help reduce levels of homocysteine, a prime risk factor in heart disease and protects DNA.