The Mysterious Goji Berry...

   Goji berries, used for 6,000 years in China, Tibet, and India.

Understanding any health food trend is important when determining whether or not it is something that you need to add to your daily diet. In order to make the decision, you need to know what the goji berry is and what the benefits are to your body. Goji berries, also known as wolf berries, have been a part of the Chinese culture for centuries. The Goji berry is a red berry grown in the Himalayan valley. Goji berries are a dark-red fruit with a sweet taste that have been known to have exceptional healing powers, and are considered to be one of the world's most nutrient-dense foods. For thousands of the years the Goji berry has been proven to improve various ailments, and health conditions, such as liver, kidney or eye diseases.

 

One of the ancient Himalayan legends tells the story of a well that was built next to a Buddhist temple during the Tang Dynasty, around 800 AD. Goji vines had grown around it, so it was common for the berries to fall into the water. Well, over time people noticed that those who prayed at that particular temple not only looked younger, but they also were much healthier. Even at the age of eighty they had no white hair and had lost no teeth. The secret wasn’t in the prayer, at least not in a direct sense. What made them so healthy were the Goji berries that had fallen in the well, and they had consumed while drinking the water. Another legend claims that a man named Li Qing Yuen consumed Goji berries daily and lived to be 252 years old. Gotta love those Asian legends! 

The first natural healers are believed to be Himalayans. They shared their ancient wisdom with the herbalists of India, Tibet and China. Goji was the secret told by them. This fruit is easily available in the Himalayan valleys. Then, those who came to learn the ancient science in the Himalayas took the Goji with them and cultivated it in their own homes. Thus, the roots of this legendary fruit spread to Asia and India. Organic goji berries are still a staple in the diets of the Hunza people who live in the Himalayan Mountains. The Hunza are famous for living long, healthy lives. Many live to be over 100 years of age. The dried Goji fruit looks like raisins. This fruit is also known as the "happy berry".

It is believed that the regular consumption of the Goji fruit brings a cheerful attitude. In traditional Chinese medicine, Goji berries are eaten raw, brewed into a tea, added to Chinese soups, or made into liquid extracts. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin's key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65. Some of the other known health benefits of Goji are:

• Increase Energy- Goji helps to increase energy without the use of stimulants.
• Improve Memory- Nutrients in the goji helps to increase brain function & memory.
• Liver Function- Goji contains betaine, cereboside, and pyrroles, which have been proven to help protect, and support healthy liver function.
• Cancer-
Goji is one of the only plant species that contains the anti-cancer mineral germanium. The polysaccharides in Goji can stop, and prevent the genetic mutations of cells that turn into cancer. Even if a patient has cancer, the Goji has been proven to help the healing process when combined with a cancer medication.
• Improve Sleep-Difficulty sleeping? some have found the Goji to improve their sleep. Scientists have attributed this to the effects of the goji on the pineal gland.
• Weight Loss-Polysaccharides in the Goji berry help people lose weight. The goji helps to increase the conversion of food into energy.
• Headaches and Dizziness-
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, headache and dizzin
• Immune System-Without getting too technical, the presence of polysaccharides in the goji berry help to enhance the immune cells, fighting off disease.
• Libido- The Goji berry is revered as one of the premier sexual tonic herbs in all of Asian medicine, and is legendary for helping to spark the passions. In fact, an old Chinese proverb cautions men who are traveling far from their wives and families: "He who travels one thousand kilometers from home and loves his wife should not eat Goji!" Modern scientific studies have shown that Goji increases testosterone in the blood, thereby increasing libido in both men and women.
• Healthy Cholesterol Levels-
Goji contains beta-sitosterol, which has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels. It's antioxidants keep cholesterol from oxidizing, and forming arterial plaques. The flavonoids in Goji help to keep your arteries open.
• Look and Feel Younger-
Goji stimulates the release, by the pituitary gland of HGH human growth hormone, the youth hormone. The benefits of HGH are extensive and include reduction of body fat, better sleep, improved memory, accelerated healing, restored libido, and a more youthful appearance.

 Goji as a real SUPER food. Who knew that one little relatively unheard of  berry could offer SO many benefits. Eat the Goji or don't eat the Goji. Honestly, I can't answer that for you. All I can say is don't get between me, and me Goji. I can say for sure Trader Joe's has a Goji trail mix. Goji berries may interact with blood thinners, diabetes, and blood pressure drugs. So check with your doctor if you are taking prescription meds. According to WebMD, "Goji berries appear to be safe when eaten in moderation." "However, if you have pollen allergies, you may want to stay away from this fruit."   Good Luck...

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