Health Benefits of Goji Berry
Valued by the Chinese for its health-improving qualities, the benefits of Goji berry is widely known and extensively researched in Chinese universities. They’re packed with fiber, omega-6, omega-3, protein, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins B2 and C, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and polysaccharides.
There’s evidence that the Goji berry helps fight against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, some cancers, diabetes, premature aging, memory loss, vision degeneration and lung disorders.
Among the benefits of Goji berry is its ability to help heal Alzheimers disease, strengthen the immune system and improve memory.
Goji juice seems to have the ability to work as an anti-coagulant. It’s reported that among the benefits of Goji berry includes a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol.
Out-Of-Sight ORAC Score
Goji berry juice also contains high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. In fact, Goji berries rate highly in terms of Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), a test developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Here are ORAC values (in units per 100 grams) for some foods with high amounts of antioxidants:
- Prunes – 5,770
- Raisins – 2,830
- Blueberries – 2,400
- Kale – 1,770
- Strawberries – 1,540
- Spinach – 1,260
- Brussels sprouts – 980
- Plums – 949
- Oranges – 750
- Goji berries – 25,000+
Success in Fighting Some Cancers
Goji berries also contain essential fatty acids which are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Goji berry juice also contains Cyperone and Anthocyanins which have been used with some success in cervical cancer treatment, and as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer.
It also contains Physalin, a natural compound which strengthens the body’s own defenses and has an anti cancer effect
In 1999, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the details of a study finding that foods with high ORAC values may help to slow the aging process and to protect cells from oxidative damage (from free radicals).
The 25,000 ORAC number is difficult to verify, but if it is to be believed, it doesn’t mean that we should abandon all other antioxidant-carrying fruits for Goji berries. Antioxidants are good for the body, but like many vitamins and minerals, there’s only so much we can absorb at one time. Ingesting very large amounts of antioxidants poses no health problem.
Anything more than a certain amount will pass through the body unprocessed. In the case of selenium, which is found in Goji berries, the right quantity helps to keep your liver healthy; too much can be toxic.
For that reason, it’s good to stick to somewhere around the daily serving of Goji berries –- 10 to 30 grams -- and to mix other healthy, nutritious foods into your diet.
Longevity Most Popular Benefits of Goji Berry
The Ningxia Hui region of Northern China, where Goji berries are grown and eaten on a daily basis, has 16 times as many centenarians -- people 100 years old or older -- as the rest of the country.
As residents of the region age, they are much more active, healthy and vibrant than their peers in Western cultures.
The small, red Goji berry, traditionally regarded as the "longevity fruit," is a key ingredient in their healthy diet. Researchers who study medicinal plants have identified a variety of nutrients in the Goji berry that may help people enjoy longer and healthier lives. Let's look at the anti-aging properties of these small berries.
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