Goji research began with some simple vitamin, mineral and nutrient analysis, expecting to find results similar to other fruits. The Goji Berry Fruit revealed itself to be quite possibly the most unique nutritionally dense food on earth!
Antioxidants fight damage to cells from harmful, reactive molecules called free radicals. Goji berries contain numerous health-promoting compounds known to provide a tremendous amount of health benefits.
Among Goji berrys beneficial compounds is a category called phytochemicals. Flavonoids belong to this category of nutrients that are extremely high in antioxidants including quercetin, anthocyanadins and antocyanins. Bioflavonoids are essential to the absorption and utilization of other nutrients, especially vitamin C.
In 1988, the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute conducted detailed chemical analysis and nutritional composition studies of this dried Lycium fruit; this is what they discovered:
In addition to being packed with vitamins B1 and B6 (which are needed by the body to covert food into energy), and vitamin E (which has never been found in fruit before), the Lycium berries contain more protein then whole wheat, 18 amino acids (8 of them essential for life), 21 trace minerals (including significant amounts of zinc, copper, iron, calcium, selenium, phosphorus and germanium), more beta carotene than carrots, 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges, essential fatty acids, (required for the production of hormones and smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system) and is the richest source of carotenoids (natural fat-soluble pigments that play a critical role in vitamin A activity in humans) of any food on the planet.
Additionally, the Tibetan Goji Berries have been found to have extremely high levels of immune-stimulating polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are very large, long-chain sugar molecules that are nourishment for macrophages (large white blood cells) in the walls of the intestines.
The macrophages are then transported to other immune cells, setting off a chain of beneficial defensive events in our body. They found that the polysaccharides profoundly activated the macrophages.
Also, it was found that macrophages increased their production of interleukin, a chemical that spurs the immune system to greater activity; and the polysaccharides also enhanced the activity of B lymphocytes, immune-system cells. ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity scale) is a measure of the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals; 3000 units is considered a good standard for a healthy food - the Goji Berry is 25,300 units!
These delicious fruits are very widely used in Mongolia and Tibet and regular consumption of the berries is traditionally believed to lead to long, vigorous and happy life.
In Tibet and Inner Mongolia this red berry is cherished by the locals, they honor it with celebrations and festivities that last for two weeks every year. They live very healthy lives, and their life expectancies are well over a hundred. It has been used for centuries in Tibet and throughout the Himalayas and there is no known risk of continual use - only benefits.
Tibetan Goji Berries are wonderful and delicious tonic fruits. The berries have a high content of iron, about 20 times that of grapes and 15 times that of spinach. Goji berries also contain 124 ppm of organic Germanium. Many Tibetan formulas include these berries with other ingredients, and offered in well built formulas with tonic herbs, astringent herbs, herbs to strengthen essence and nourish our bodies.
Goji berries not only contain superoxide dismutase, phenylpropaniods, but it also has a high concentration of the branched-chain amino acid L-Ieucine. This amino acid forms the building block of a very unique compound called HMB (Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate).
Through the phenylpropabiod activity it helps strengthen the immune system. The berries contain polysaccharides, which have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system. They are also very rich in vitamin C and B vitamins. Furthermore, it is the richest source of carotenoids, including beta carotene, of all known plants on earth and is thus a powerful antioxidant. It is believed to fortify the Immune System.
Modern chemical analysis and clinical study finds that Tibetan Goji contain a high concentration of the branched chain amino acid L-Leucine among 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, linoleic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, betaine, more beta carotene than carrots and 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges. It's loaded with Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E. Another study of people who consumed consistent doses of Goji berry found SOD in the blood increased by a remarkable 48%, hemoglobin increased by 12% and lipid peroxide levels dropped by an amazing 65%.
How do you use Goji berries? It is easy to enjoy this berry, just eat them from the bag, add them to hot and cold cereal, porridge, grains, casseroles, stews, baked goods and trail type mixes for snacking throughout the day for added stamina and delight. About 1-2 handfuls a day is an average amount to use that will support immune strength and vitality.
In 2500 years there is no reported discomfort from continual use, only benefits. It is said in Tibet that eating a handful of these berries a day will make one happy for the entire day. Such a practice has a cumulative effect. Eventually, you can't stop smiling!
