Goji Berry - a miracle of food - from the valleys of the Himalayas
The Goji Berry (Lycium Barbarum) has been used in traditional Tibetan medicine for centuries! 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. Goji berries can be used in smoothies or juice cocktails. The Goji fruit contains polysaccharides, which have been demonstrated to fortify the immune system. This same polysaccharide has been found to be a secretagogue, that is, a substance that stimulates the secretion in the pituitary gland of human growth hormone (HGH, a powerful innate anti-aging hormone.) It is the richest source of carotenoids, including beta carotene (more beta carotene than carrots, of all known foods or plants on earth! The Goji is a powerful antioxidant and is traditionally believed to fortify the body against disease and to provide the energy to overcome difficult obstacles in healing. Beta-carotene can be transformed into vitamin A under the influence of human liver enzymes. Being rich in trace minerals, Goji berries contains significant amounts of zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus, plus small quantities of many others.
The Goji berry is commonly used by first trimester mothers to prevent morning sickness. It is a gentle and soothing fruit that is loaded with available vitality.
In several study groups with elderly people Goji was given once a day for 3 weeks, with many beneficial results being experienced. 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 Goji berry has absolutely no toxicity. However like most fruits, it should not be used if you are suffering from Spleen deficiency with dampness and diarrhea. Goji is now being used in clinical settings for a number of common maladies including the treatment of consumptive disease accompanied by thirst such as early-onset diabetes and tuberculosis, dizziness, blurred vision, and chronic cough. In the treatment of diabetes. 8-10 grams of fruit was steamed and eaten each time, three times daily (steaming softens the fruits). The daily dosage range of 8-30 grams is typical of medical applications being done at this time in several countries. The berry has also been used in a number of recent clinical trials for treatment of bone marrow deficiency conditions (low production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).
The Mongolian Institute of Traditional Medicine reported that Goji berries have been used in the treatment of atrophic gastritis, weakened digestion due to reduced stomach activity. Patients consumed 10 grams of the whole fruits each time, three times daily before meals for two months and longer with excellent results. Goji berries contains 8 kinds of amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen), of which 8 are indispensable amino acids for the human body (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). 50% of the each Goji berry's amino acids are free amino acids. Goji berries contain 21 trace minerals, (of which the main ones are zinc, iron and copper) and 500 times the amount of vitamin C by weight than oranges. Goji berries are loaded with vitamin B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E. Mature fruits contain about 11 mg. of iron per 100 grams, as well as glucose, fructose, vitamin C, beta-sitosterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).
Goji berries are now undergoing intense scrutiny as a cancer drug in Tibet, Mongolia, China, Japan and Switzerland. It has been found that the fruit, as well as an extract from its leaves, can kill many kinds of cancer cells in vitro. In vivo studies and human studies are proving to be highly promising.
Goji berries contain Germanium. Germanium has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity. Japanese studies indicate that organic Germanium is effective in treating liver cancer, lung cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, and testicular cancer when combined with other drugs. It has been found to induce the production in human beings of g-interferon. Interferon can depress and even kill cancer cells. Germanium possesses the power to take over the hydrogen ion from cancer cells. Losing hydrogen ions can cause depression and even death to cancer cells. Besides Germanium, this berry has other components that act against cancer. These other components appear to be able to depress or block the synthesis of the cancer cells’ DNA, which interferes with the cells’ ability to divide and thus lowers the reproductive capacity of the cancer cells.
The Goji berry of the Solanaceae family has also been tested as an anti-obesity drug. Patients were given 30 grams each morning and each afternoon, made into a tea. Results were excellent with most patients losing significant weight.
Goji Berries
- Contains 500 times more Vitamin C per ounce than oranges.
- Goji Berries have more beta carotene than carrots.
- Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E; Goji Berries are an excellent antioxidant food!
- Contains 18 amino acids (higher than bee pollen).
- 21 trace minerals the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calc, germanium, selenium and phosphorus.
- Linoleic acid which notably promotes loss in body fat and supports increases in lean body mass, helps maintain healthy inflammation response, enhances immune function.
- Provides antioxidant protection. In Oriental medicine, they are said to correct chi deficiency meaning conditions such as low energy, insomnia, heart palpitations, and even anxiety.
- Mature fruits contain about 11 mg or iron per 100 grams, beta-sisterol (a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).
- Goji Berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue.