Goji Berries (Chinese Wolf Berries)

Patryc · #1 10-10-2008, 01:08 PM

Hi everyone,

here's another superhero in the food world - this humble berry packs quite a wallop when it comes to healing

Quote:

Health Benefits
Goji Berries are reported to contain 18 Amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen), more Beta Carotene than carrots, more Iron than spinach, and 21 Trace Minerals.

Goji Berries also contain Vitamin B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E (rarely found in fruits).

Goji berries are 13% protein!

This bright red berry also contains many complex compounds, and phytonutrients, which explains in part, the incredible health benefits being experienced by people today. The Goji Berry also contains extremely high levels of antioxidants. It is quite possibly the highest antioxidant food on earth.

Tibetan Medicine
Goji Berries have been used in Tibet for at least 1,700 years. Tibetan Medicine includes these berries in the treatment of kidney and liver problems. They are also used in Tibet to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and cleanse the blood.

Goji Berries have a long history of use in the treatment of eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are also used by the people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a general health strengthening tonic.

Modern Science
Modern science has shown that this bright red berry not only contains extremely high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but also contains many unique phytochemicals, polysaccharides, and complex compounds that scientists are just beginning to understand.

Goji Berries contain the following complex compounds:

Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.

Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.

Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.

Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol.

Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.

The Goji Berry is also being called the world’s most powerful anti-aging food. It is rated #1 on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures the antioxidant level in foods. It is a test developed by USDA researchers out of Tufts University in Boston.

The Goji Berry possesses an unmatched ability to absorb injurious, free radicals that attack the body and contribute to the aging process and many diseases.

Our bodies are constantly being bombarded by these free radicals because of the air we breathe, the water we drink, the pesticides on our fruits and vegetables, the chemicals we clean with, the preservatives in our processed food, etc...

Eating foods high in antioxidants is one way we can help our bodies combat these free radicals.

Patryc · #2 10-10-2008, 01:15 PM

some more science and a video

Quote:

Goji Scientific Research

What Goji scientific research has been done? What is the real secret of goji berries?

Dr Earl Mindell has been a pioneer in goji research and the research of goji polysaccharides.

Goji's four unique polysaccharides or phytonutrient compounds collectively serve as directors and carriers of the commands that cells use to communicate with each other (receptors). As a result, they are thought to be of great importance to the smooth functioning of almost every cell in the entire body.

According to goji scientific research, the Himalayan Goji Berry has a special unique quality that displays a balanced polysaccharide profile with a uniquely potent Spectral Signature.

These unique polysaccharides found in goji berries are often referred to as "Master Molecules". It is believed that they control and command some of the most important immune defense systems in the body. Himalayan and Tibetan goji berry's unique characteristic of spectral peaks can vary from type to type. It is believed that you are able to define one goji berry's geographic origin from another by examining these peaks.

Goji Berry Research Video

The following video is a short presentation by Dr. Victor Marcial-Vega showing some interesting results of goji research that has done.

In the video he shows actual blood samples from patients who are using goji.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=8NVxC2iBpec

Patryc · #3 10-10-2008, 01:20 PM

here's a website dedicated to goji berries

http://www.benefitsofgojiberries.com/

Patryc · #4 10-10-2008, 01:41 PM

a good youtube on the history of goji

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=LJVyIVojIbk

Protonexus · #5 10-12-2008, 07:02 PM

There is significant marketing shenanigans concerning goji and the vast upselling/branding techniques involving these berries.

Before "goji" became a popular term, you could buy 16oz of these dried wolfberries/boxthorn seeds in at a chinese grocer or medicine shop for $3. Himalania brand now sells them for $15 for a 12oz packet. You should still be able to find these berries in Chinatown shops for much cheaper prices since you won't be paying for unsubstantiated claims made by brands trying to outdo each other's marketing teams. There are no known "goji" farms in Tibet that export berries, despite the images woven by marketing firms.

Be aware of what you are buying, always research a product extensively. Himalania is only one of many brands that wishes to exploit and exaggerate this very healthy berry into ridiculous profit margins.

Protonexus · #6 10-12-2008, 07:09 PM

You can also plant the seeds and grow your own for free. Boxthorn grows pretty much anywhere.

Patryc · #7 10-13-2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protonexus

There is significant marketing shenanigans concerning goji and the vast upselling/branding techniques involving these berries.

Before "goji" became a popular term, you could buy 16oz of these dried wolfberries/boxthorn seeds in at a chinese grocer or medicine shop for $3. Himalania brand now sells them for $15 for a 12oz packet. You should still be able to find these berries in Chinatown shops for much cheaper prices since you won't be paying for unsubstantiated claims made by brands trying to outdo each other's marketing teams. There are no known "goji" farms in Tibet that export berries, despite the images woven by marketing firms.

Be aware of what you are buying, always research a product extensively. Himalania is only one of many brands that wishes to exploit and exaggerate this very healthy berry into ridiculous profit margins.

very true - the chinese shop I get them from are only $2.70 for a 300 gram packet. I have seen the juice however cost ridiculous amounts ($20 for a bottle). I just use the dried berries myself and I hydrate them either in cooking or by putting them in water and drinking them as a drink.

Patryc · #8 10-13-2008, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protonexus

You can also plant the seeds and grow your own for free. Boxthorn grows pretty much anywhere.

good plan - I haven't tried that one yet, will have to spread some around at my mums block.

FlamingArrow · #9 10-13-2008, 09:50 AM

Where can I buy these? Do they sell them in supermarkets?

Protonexus · #10 10-13-2008, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamingArrow

Where can I buy these? Do they sell them in supermarkets?

Health food stores and Chinese grocers/dried goods shops.

FlamingArrow · #11 10-13-2008, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protonexus

Health food stores and Chinese grocers/dried goods shops.

Ah ok, so whats the average normal price per weight or something, so I know I'm not getting ripped off?

Protonexus · #12 10-13-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamingArrow

Ah ok, so whats the average normal price per weight or something, so I know I'm not getting ripped off?

For Goji berries its about $15-20/lb at a health food store.

For wolfberries/boxthorn its around $3-6/lb at a chinese grocery.

They are the same berry.

Note that they won't be labeled "Natural, Organic, Wild crafted, Raw" or any of that but they will be from the same farms in Ningxia, China.

FlamingArrow · #13 10-13-2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Protonexus

For Goji berries its about $15-20/lb at a health food store.

For wolfberries/boxthorn its around $3-6/lb at a chinese grocery.

They are the same berry.

Note that they won't be labeled "Natural, Organic, Wild crafted, Raw" or any of that but they will be from the same farms in Ningxia, China.

lol I wonder if there's a chinese grocery down here

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