Many people are unfamiliar with goji berries and the history that is behind them. Many centuries ago it was said that they were found growing near a well next to a Tibetan Buddhist Temple which is located in the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is also said that it was these Buddhist monks who were the first to drink the juice of these goji berries and were said to have lived for much longer than most people during those times.
So throughout the next centuries to come, the juice from goji berries became a stable part of the Buddhist monks diets and this remained a secrets for many years until now. People are starting to become aware of the potential health benefits of goji berries and are starting to take the plunge. Experts are researching to see if this assumption is actually true, however there are many cases throughout history that back this fact up and for most people this is enough.
What are Goji Berries and how do they Work?
The Lycium Barbarum berry grows on a bush that bristles with vine off-shoots. The plant is found primarily in the Himalayan region of Central Asia. Traditionally, the goji berries are never touched by hands as this will cause them to spoil and turn black. They are shaken onto mats and then dried in the shade. The berries can be eaten "as is" like raisins, or they can be cold-pressed just off the vine and their juice extracted.
The goji berry contains powerful antioxidants that slow the aging process, strengthens the immune system and the heart, and has been used to treat ADD/ADHD, allergies, athletic performance, cancer, chronic fatigue, HIV, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia and anxiety. It contains essential amino acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega 6 fatty acid, Linoleic acid, B-complex vitamins, and more beta-carotene than any other substance on earth, including carrots.
There are many followers of goji berries who say that they actually have experienced enhancements in sexual performance and fertility. In fact in some countries, goji berries are used by women to prevent any form of morning sickness during the early stages of pregnancy. One other thing that thing that has come out of Asia is that many elderly Asian women believe that drinking the juice from goji berries can actually reduce the symptoms of menopause.
Study groups in Asia performed the first scientific research on goji berries. In these studies, which are being replicated in America and Europe, elderly subjects were given the berries once a day. 67 percent of the subjects were found to have doubled white-cell counts, greatly increasing their immune system. Appetite improved among 95 percent of the subjects, 95 percent reported more restful sleep, and 35 percent reported increased sexual energy.
There are many trials that are underway in a few different countries that are testing to see in the affect that goji berries has on diabetes and many other diseases. Many scientists believe that goji berries have the potential to increase a persons' immune system so drastically that the body is then able to heal itself more effectively. These studies will indicate whether or not this information is true.
So the question remains, are goji berries beneficial for you and your health. They are currently a little expensive but well worth a try.
