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Goji berries used in Chinese medicine are traditionally regarded by the people of Tibet and elsewhere as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order. Foods that have been used in medical and healing traditions for thousands of years generally don't keep their reputation if they don't actually deliver the goods.
The problem is that the multi-level marketers who discover new super foods tend to make fantastic health claims that range all over the map. Web sites have claimed that goji berries cure cancer, guarantee you an extra 20 years of life and make you a sexual superman. All of this is nonsense.
The exotic berries are also expensive. Partisans claim that they're worth it because, not only are the berries and juice incredibly healthy, they're noted as one of the "best foods" on the planet.
Goji berries are delicious. The berries are a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin with an unusual taste -- a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.
The goji berry is one of about 80 varieties of the Lycium berry (lycium barbarum) that is indigenous to the Tibetan and Mongolian regions. A lot has been published about the lycium berry and most of the research is positive. But none of it is strong enough to support the ridiculous claim that it cures cancer. And marketing hype aside, this is a great food.
Research shows that polysaccharides -- a form of carbohydrate -- extracted from the lycium barbarum (goji berries) have a positive effect on insulin resistance in rats and have a neuroprotective effect on animal cells. These same polysaccharides also demonstrate strong antioxidant properties, meaning they protect the cells and DNA from the damage caused by free radicals.
Various research show that these goji berry compounds have a significant effect on the immune system. In one study, they reduced the weight of tumors, and in at least two others, protected animal cells from DNA damage. Not exactly a bad resume for a little red berry.
Although the goji berry is full of nutrients, they are not listed in the USDA database, so their exact make-up is hard to verify. They contain 18 amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals and are a rich source of carotenoids and Vitamin C. They're also high in fiber (4 grams per serving). When sorting out the extravagant claims for goji berries, do remember that all berries are incredibly nutritious -- it's anyone's guess whether these excellent exotic berries are substantially better than ordinary blueberries or raspberries.
There's no doubt that goji berries -- like almost every other edible berry on the planet -- are great for you. But whether they're worth 10 times the cost of other berries --like blueberries, for example, which are a superfood in their own right -- remains to be seen.
You can buy the juice if you don't mind paying astronomical rates and wading through a bunch of multi-level marketing hype. But you can also purchase the organic berries sold in a package at the natural foods supermarket. A sprinkling of the berries on your favorite cereal goes a long way.
Tip: Try one of my favorite "raw foods" breakfasts: raw oats, almond slices, apple slices, flaked coconut and goji berries. Moisten with some pomegranate juice and enjoy!
The problem is that the multi-level marketers who discover new super foods tend to make fantastic health claims that range all over the map. Web sites have claimed that goji berries cure cancer, guarantee you an extra 20 years of life and make you a sexual superman. All of this is nonsense.
The exotic berries are also expensive. Partisans claim that they're worth it because, not only are the berries and juice incredibly healthy, they're noted as one of the "best foods" on the planet.
Goji berries are delicious. The berries are a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin with an unusual taste -- a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.
The goji berry is one of about 80 varieties of the Lycium berry (lycium barbarum) that is indigenous to the Tibetan and Mongolian regions. A lot has been published about the lycium berry and most of the research is positive. But none of it is strong enough to support the ridiculous claim that it cures cancer. And marketing hype aside, this is a great food.
Research shows that polysaccharides -- a form of carbohydrate -- extracted from the lycium barbarum (goji berries) have a positive effect on insulin resistance in rats and have a neuroprotective effect on animal cells. These same polysaccharides also demonstrate strong antioxidant properties, meaning they protect the cells and DNA from the damage caused by free radicals.
Various research show that these goji berry compounds have a significant effect on the immune system. In one study, they reduced the weight of tumors, and in at least two others, protected animal cells from DNA damage. Not exactly a bad resume for a little red berry.
Although the goji berry is full of nutrients, they are not listed in the USDA database, so their exact make-up is hard to verify. They contain 18 amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals and are a rich source of carotenoids and Vitamin C. They're also high in fiber (4 grams per serving). When sorting out the extravagant claims for goji berries, do remember that all berries are incredibly nutritious -- it's anyone's guess whether these excellent exotic berries are substantially better than ordinary blueberries or raspberries.
There's no doubt that goji berries -- like almost every other edible berry on the planet -- are great for you. But whether they're worth 10 times the cost of other berries --like blueberries, for example, which are a superfood in their own right -- remains to be seen.
You can buy the juice if you don't mind paying astronomical rates and wading through a bunch of multi-level marketing hype. But you can also purchase the organic berries sold in a package at the natural foods supermarket. A sprinkling of the berries on your favorite cereal goes a long way.
Tip: Try one of my favorite "raw foods" breakfasts: raw oats, almond slices, apple slices, flaked coconut and goji berries. Moisten with some pomegranate juice and enjoy!
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