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Goji Berries: The Antioxidant-Rich Superfruit With Anti-Aging Properties
The Goji berry is one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on earth. Also called ‘Wolfberries’, they come from Asia, from places like China, Mongolia and the Himalayas, where they have been consumed and used as a medicine for thousands of years.
Goji Berries have been an important part of Tibetan medicine and have been used for about two thousand years as a natural means of treating kidney and liver problems, and cleansing the blood.
They have been used to help treat eye problems, skin problems, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and cancer. They are also a general strengthening tonic and are believed to be excellent for virility and sexual health as well.
Why are goji berries so great?
So why are Goji berries so great? Here’s a list of some of the many nutrients these little powerhouse berries contain are:
- 18 amino acids, making these berries high in protein
- 6 important vitamins – A, B1, B2, B6, C and E
- Important pigments (phenols) with high antioxidant properties
- 8 polysaccharides and 5 monosaccharides
- 5 different types of fatty acids; including two essential fatty acids – linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid
- 5 powerful carotenoids – beta carotene, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein (both of which are essential for good eye health)
Antioxidant-packed superfruit… improves eye health
Antioxidants help to prevent diseases and slow down the aging process by fighting free radicals – these substances are formed as a result of environmental contaminants, poor food choices, smoking, stress, excessive exercise, too much sun exposure, and more. Free radicals are the cause of cell damage and damage to the DNA which can result in abnormal cell growth. leading to illnesses and disease.
Goji berries contain high quantities of super antioxidants like beta carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin does a lot of good things, but one of its main functions is to protect your retinas in your eyes. You may have heard of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? It is the leading cause of vision loss in older people.
Zeaxanthin is the antioxidant responsible for protecting against vision loss. Chinese scientists claim that the berry reduces blind spots, improves night vision and improves eyesight generally – the Goji berry is one of nature’s richest sources of zeaxanthin.
Goji berries are rich in B vitamins, vitamin C and E, and because they contain 18 amino acids, they are also high in protein (at about 13%), so they make a pretty satisfying snack. They contain more beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, and twenty-one important trace minerals.
A serving of dry or frozen Goji berries can contain as much as 7 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein! Personally I prefer the frozen berries – dried Goji berries have a stronger taste, and I tend to prefer the milder taste of the frozen berries, which are great added to yogurt (once thawed).
Some of the phytochemicals in goji berries are:
- Betaine – assists in breaking down fats stored in the liver, as well as protecting the liver and preventing ‘fatty liver disease’. Also assists the heart and other important organs.
- Physalin – another compound that is known to strengthen the liver and help prevent hepatitis B and help fight off certain cancers like leukemia.
- Solavetivone – a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
- Beta Sitoserol – the active ingredient that gives Goji berries their reputation for virility-enhancing is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent for lowering cholesterol. Goji berries have had a long-standing reputation for treating sexual impotence and preventing prostate enlargement, as well as just being generally good for virility.
- Cyperone – a type of sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and lowers blood pressure. This chemical has cancer-fighting properties and is especially good for helping prevent cervical cancer.
Can the mighty goji berry help anti-aging?
They have been called superfruits because they are nutrient-rich, low in calories and high in antioxidants with antiaging benefits.
Until recently the most antioxidant-packed dried fruit known was the Goji berry, rated #1 on the ORAC scale which is the ‘Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity’, which measures the antioxidant level in foods.
Although no longer top-dog, the Goji berry is still the #1 choice both on price and availability, and when compared to another popular antioxidant ‘super fruit’ the blueberry, the Goji berry showed an ORAC rating of more than 3x that of blueberries!
They have a chewy slightly tart taste that you will find delicious. Toss them in cereal, salads, on toast with peanut butter or just eat them out of hand. They are delicious and extremely GOOD for you!
I personally think that there are more benefits to eating whole Goji berries (either dried or frozen) compared to taking a supplement or drinking any of the Goji juices that are claimed to be ‘exotic miracle’.
Most of these so-called Goji ‘miracle juices’ contain only a very small amount of Goji juice, and are usually mixed with other low-quality high sugar fruit juices. These juices are just too calorie dense! Stay away from them.
