The Wonders of the Goji Berry

Whether you consider the health claims made by modern day marketers or the benefits outlined in traditional Chinese medicine, it is nutritional value that makes Goji berries a wonder food. Regardless of what you may believe about the wide variety of claims for health benefits, Goji berries are an incredibly nutritious food. Anyone interested in eating a healthy diet will recognize the value of consuming Goji berries.

Goji berry plant is a rich source of antioxidants, including the carotenoids beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Goji berries actually have more beta-carotene than carrots! Carotenoids are associated with a decreased risk for age-related vision loss and blindness. Beta carotene is thought to be helpful for managing the risk of heart disease, and it protects against skin damage due to exposure to the sun.

Goji berries also contain significant amounts of several other antioxidants and minerals, including Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Selenium and Cystine. It is the large amount of antioxidants contained in Goji berries that are the basis for most health claims associated with their consumption.

One health benefit associated with their consumption is protection against cancer, and they are also said to aid in cancer patients' recoveries from the disease. Goji berrie and some other parts of a goji berry plant may help fight and ward off cancer in three ways.

The main reason Goji berries are associated with cancer prevention is because of the antioxidants they contain. The antioxidants in Goji berries help protect against free radical cell damage in the body. Damage by free radicals is associated with the development of cancer. In addition, the body is best able to defend itself against the spread of cancer when the immune system is healthy and strong.

By promoting healthy immune system function, Goji berries help prevent against cancer in a second way. They are a significant source of Vitamin C plus Vitamin B, both of which are associated with healthy immune system function. Goji berries also contain the mineral germanium, known for its anti-cancer properties. Goji berries may even help lessen the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer patients.

Goji berries are referred to as the "longevity fruit," and they are known to promote healthier aging in addition to longer lives. Free radical damage to DNA is linked with premature aging, and the antioxidants contained in Goji berries prevent against this damage. Parts of a Goji berry plant and most specially the Goji berries are able to help ward off the signs and negative health effects of premature aging.

Another way Goji berries promote longevity and healthy aging is by stimulating the pituitary gland to release human growth hormone, or HGH. HGH is sometimes called the youth hormone. It is associated with faster healing and recovery from injury and illness, improved memory and cognitive functioning, and a reduction in body fat. HGG is also known to increase libido and promote better sleep. Getting a good night's sleep in turn is associated with better health, and insomnia is something many people struggle with as they age.

If you are interested in controlling cholesterol or lowering your blood pressure, Goji berries can help. Goji berries increase the body's production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is an enzyme that helps prevent the oxidization of cholesterol. It is the oxidized blood fats that form plaque - the build up within the artery walls that is especially dangerous to heart health. Goji berry plant also contain other antioxidants that can help control the oxidation of cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure.

Maintaining the health of your gastrointestinal system is a key factor in supporting a healthy immune system. Goji berries contain both polysaccharides and fiber which together promote the growth of probiotics. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract that protect against the growth of unhealthy bacteria. In addition to aiding with digestion, probiotics help us recover from respiratory infections and reduce allergies.

Goji berries support healthy, long-term weight loss in several ways. First, they help fight food cravings for sugary and starchy foods because of their very low glycemic index, or GI. Goji berries convert to blood sugar very slowly compared to other foods, including many other fruits, which is beneficial in controlling cravings.

Goji berries are high in fiber, which means they are filling, and they are also a good source of Chromium. Chromium aids in blood sugar control and also helps prevent the loss of lean muscle mass during weight loss. It is important to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss, as muscle burns more calories than fat.

Some parts of goji berry plant and Goji berries also contain several nutrients that help convert food you consume into energy as opposed to storing it as fat, including B1, Calcium, sleneium, copper, zinc and many other minerals.

Herbalists consider the Goji berry an adaptogen, meaning it has the ability to normalize and balance various systems in the body, and to help your body deal with stress and changing situations. As an adaptogen, the Goji berry functions as a general tonic, balancing the endocrine system and the immune system in the process. The effects are an increase in strength, stamina and energy. Having the energy to exercise is one more way Goji berries support weight loss.

As impressive as all of these health benefits are, this is just a sampling of the most commonly discussed health benefits of consuming Goji berries. Whether you enjoy Goji berries in their dried form as a snack, sip Goji tea or drink Goji Juice, you will be supporting your body's health in a variety of ways.

As valuable as supplements are for our health, today research suggests it is best to receive our nutrients the way nature intended. Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals seem to work best when they are consumed in natural combinations. Consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to be sure we enjoy the full range of health benefits each provides. Goji berries can be an important part of your strategy for achieving good health through eating a balanced, nutritious diet.