WOLFBERRIES / GOJI BERRIES

Wolfberries are the bright red, one-third to three-quarter inch fruit of the wolfberry plant. Also called "goji", they are native to China, Tibet, and India, and they have a long tradition of use in folk medicine.
For over 2,000 years, Tibetan Goji berries have been known in many parts of Asia as nature's most antioxidant-rich fruit. They have been used to promote longevity, organ strength, and emotional balance.
* Ancient Chinese medical texts extolled wolfberries for strengthening the eyes, liver, and kidneys as well as fortifying the "qi" (chi), or life force.
* An early medical work, Shen Nung Ben Tsao (475-221 B.C.), sited benefits for wolfberries ranging from replenishing vital essences to strengthening and restoring vital organs.
* The physician's handbook, Ben Cao Gang Mu, written during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) stated, " Taking Chinese wolfberry regularly may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, which can lead to longevity."

LI Qing Yuen, a great Master Herbalist,who apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930), consumed Goji berries daily. In an article published in the Domestic and Foreign magazine in the 1950's about him, Li attributed his longevity to taking five grams of wolfberries every day. He said "From then on I became healthy and agile. I can walk a hundred li (a li equals half a kilometer) and not get tired. I became better in strength and stamina than the average person."

The best 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. Traditionally,they are shaken onto mats,then dried.

GOJI BERRY NUTRIENTS:

ANTIOXIDANTS- Goji Berries rate extremely high on the ORAC test which rates the antioxidant content of food. They score a whooping 25,300. By comparison,a few other foods considered to be good as antioxidants score as follows-
dark chocolate - 13,120
blueberries - 2,400
spinach - 1,260
broccoli - 890
Carotenoids, those powerful antioxidants found in Goji Berries, can increase the strength of your immune system and decrease your risk of developing cancer. They may also help to protect you against premature aging.

VITAMIN C- Goji Berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant.

MINERALS- There are twenty-one trace minerals in Goji Berries. These include, calcium, iron (15 times more iron than spinach), zinc, copper, selenium, germanium, and phosphorus.

PROTEIN- Eighteen amino acids(6X higher than Bee Pollen), including all eight essential amino acids. Goji Berries are a complete protein.

SESQUITERPENOIDS- Natural antibacterial and anti-fungal agents.

POLYSACCHARIDES- 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 rejuvenatory human growth hormone by the pituitary gland.

BETA-SITOSTEROL- A powerful and all natural anti-inflammatory agent.

BETAINE- a nutrient that promotes healthy liver function.

The Chinese call Goji the HAPPY BERRY and regular consumption is said to bring a cheerful attitude. In Asia they have a festival to cherish the berry,that lasts for two weeks!

Just to recap on why you would eat GOJI BERRIES:

*they protect the liver
*they help eyesight
*they improve sexual function and fertility
*they strengthen the legs
*they boost immune function
*they improve circulation
*they promote longevity
*they are anti-inflammatory
*they are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
*they are powerful antioxidants
*they bring emotional balance (I would eat them just for this!!)

My first experience with Goji Berries was in Calgary, Alberta, when I was working in a whole foods market. A very elderly customer asked me to help her serve some Goji Berries for purchase. As I was helping her, we began to talk about the berries. She said that three years previous, she had had a surgery on her right eardrum. The wound had never healed despite much medical help. Once she began to pour boiling water over some Goji Berries each morning, first drinking the tea and then consuming the berries, her ear healed within a couple of weeks. This 83 year old said she would never want to be without the Goji Berries again!

I would choose to source Goji Berries from Dr. Ben Kim. He brings in his Goji from Tibet and Mongolia. His Goji Berries are properly handled and processed, giving you the most for your money. Let me know if you need help to find his products.

My email is hiswayforhealth@yahoo.ca. I will be happy to help in any way that I can.

GET ON TO THE GOJI BERRIES!!!