Superfood News: Goji Berries
By Seth Braun
Filed Under Green Living |
Superfoods
A superfood is anything that delivers the power of several foods in one package. They contain significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances than regular healthy food. We all need a little kick once in a while and superfoods are much better at filling in the gaps in our diet than vitamin supplements. Whether it is for aiding detoxification, replenishing reserves, improving immune system, increasing sex drive or generating energy, superfoods make up for the loss of quality (nutrients and vitality) in the commercial food supply.
Goji Berries
Also known as Lycium Barbarum, Chinese wolfberry, or go qui zi, are reknowned as a “supertonic” herb in the Chinese medicinal system. As a supertonic, there are few people that would not benefit from wolfberry as it benefits all of the following systems…
- Eyesight
Goji contain zeaxanthin, which the inner eye absorbs readily, helping prevent degenerative disease of the eye. - Longevity
Goji has long been considered a longevity food in Chinese herbal medicine. It appears that polysaccharides are the cause. Poly-what? Goji berries are sweet in part because of unique types of carbohydrates (polysaccharides) that boost the body’s anti-aging and stress management ability. - Energy Levels
Goji nourish the blood and build reserve strength. From an eastern perspective, it tonifies the liver and kidney and replenishes vital essence. From the western perspective, goji contain all 8 essential amino acids and a total of 18 amino acids, making them a rare complete protein fruit. Goji contain up to 21 minerals, high concentrations of vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, and antioxidants (mostly red-pigment caratenoids) as well as essential fatty acids. - Immune System
The presence of 5 distinct polysaccharides has been shown to improve immune function, strengthening the thymus while increasing “killer T cells.” - Healthy Skin
Beautiful skin is sustained by goji. In January 2005, Phytomedicine Magazine stated that goji “display an interesting array of antioxidant and anti-apoptotic (anti cell death) properties, which may be beneficial for human skin.” - Blood Sugar Levels
People with blood sugar issues such as Type II Diabetes and Syndrome X can benefit greatly from goji as well.
Be Aware
- Even though goji enhance immune function, expert Chinese Herbalist Marco Lam, LAc., suggests that eating goji when ill is not supportive and may drive pathogens deeper. So it’s best not to eat them if you are sick.
- A lot of Chinese herbal and food imports claim to be pesticide-free and even organic, when in fact they are not. It is extremely important to buy goji from a reputable source.
- Additionally, there are a number of companies with products that process extraordinary health improvement from goji products. While they are amazing food, they are not a cure all.
Where To Buy
After a great deal of testing and research in my private practice and at our clinic, we have agreed that Dragon Herbs produces a consistent, high quality product.
Seth Braun is a board certified Health Counselor (AADP) and a graduate of the Institute For Integrative Nutrition in Manhattan. Braun is also an author, speaker, and certified 4 Gateways coach. He specializes in helping busy professionals nationwide in crafting health and nutrition routines that work. Seth lives in Boulder, Colorado and is the father a healthy, beautiful 3 year old girl.
Posted on June 27, 2008 |
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I’ve been wondering about these little guys forever. Thanks for the in-depth goji lesson Seth!
[...] superfood is anything that delivers the power of several foods in one package, such as goji berries, blueberries, bee pollen, maca and cacao. They contain significantly higher levels of vitamins, [...]