Goji Berry

Description

Goji Berry:
– Stimulates the immune system
– Regulates blood pressure
– Lowers the “bad” cholesterol level
– Protects against premature ageing
– Protects the eyes and maintains visual acuity
– Relieves headaches and balance disorders
– Stimulates the production of red blood cells
– Fights inflammation of joints and muscles
– Supports liver, kidney and intestinal function
– Increases energy and resistance, especially during illnesses
– Increases libido and fertility, combats sexual dysfunction
– Can help with insomnia, anxiety and stress, gives serenity and mental clarity….

What is Goji?
Referred to as the “smile and happiness berry”, goji (also called Lycium barbarum and common buckthorn) has been known for its extraordinary healing powers for thousands of years. Goji is related to the potato and the tomato and belongs to the nightshade family. Ancient Tibetan manuscripts and Buddhist texts mention the amazing properties of its slightly sweet and tart berries, which are so delicious and nutrient-rich. A handful every morning is said to be enough to keep you happy and cheerful until the evening! Goji was recommended by the dieticians of Hollywood stars like Madonna and Kate Moss in the early 90s. This berry is causing a stir all over the world thanks to its anti-ageing, anti-cancer, immune-stimulating, rejuvenating, anti-depressant and sleep-regulating properties.

What are the bioactive molecules of common buckthorn?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, common buckthorn is the most nutrient-rich food discovered to date! Its fantastic nutritional qualities provide a long list of important components of life. Goji contains 18 amino acids, including 8 essential ones, which are indispensable for the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, neurotransmitters and hormones; 8 polysaccharides, including 5 unique ones (LBP), which regulate and stimulate the immune and cardiovascular systems; 5 carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin and xanthophyll) which have a positive effect on visual acuity and the circulatory system and are powerful antioxidants; 22 minerals and trace elements (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, germanium); 6 vitamins (C, B2, B3, B6, B12 and E), which are essential supplements for metabolism; beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols, which regulate blood pressure and the metabolism of glucose and cholesterol, and are anti-inflammatory; solavetivone and cyperone, bactericidal and fungicidal agents; physalin ensures the natural defences and good functioning of the blood system, proves effective against human cancer cell growth.

Why should you take goji?
Goji is a powerful antioxidant
Antioxidants are molecules that reduce free radical damage in the body. The latter are highly reactive substances that are involved in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, some cancers and age-related diseases. The oxidation and radical attacks are a source of carcinogenic mutations and trigger serious cell damage. Measuring ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) levels can help determine which foods have good antioxidant properties. According to experts, in order to fight against the organism being taken over by free radicals, one should consume 5,000 ORAC units per day. However, the recommendation to consume 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day is equivalent to only 1,700 units. To reach the daily ORAC value, 2,294 g of apples (i.e. about 22 pieces)… or just 20 g of goji should be eaten every day. The ORAC value shows that goji berries contain more antioxidants than other fruits and vegetables. Their molecules prevent premature ageing and fight the harmful effects of free radicals throughout the organism.

Goji stimulates the immune system
Numerous studies have shown that goji’s unique polysaccharides (LBP) accelerate the activity of some immune system cells (T-lymphocytes, macrophages and NK cells), which are ready to destroy pathogenic microorganisms. They increase both the innate and adaptive immune response. In addition, goji polysaccharides stimulate the production, proliferation and differentiation of cytokines (hormones of immune regulation) and help fight infectious diseases. Goji polysaccharides also boost immunity through their antioxidant effects. The immunomodulating properties of goji point us to another beneficial effect of this fruit: Its cancer defence.

Goji inhibits cancer cell growth
Recent research shows that goji may be effective in treating prostate, lung, kidney and colon cancer, as well as malignant melanoma. Among 79 subjects with advanced cancer, the response rate of patients taking anti-cancer treatment in combination with goji was 40.9% compared to 16.1% for patients taking the tablet alone. A 2009 in vitro study showed that Goji polysaccharides (LBP) accelerate cancer cell apoptosis (self-destruction) by up to 41.5% and inhibit the progression of prostate cancer. Goji has also been shown to inhibit the growth of human leukaemia cells and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, goji increases the response to radiotherapy and strengthens the immune system of cancer patients.

Goji slows down ageing
Researchers have credited goji with the ability to slow down ageing. Its bioactive molecules have been shown to stimulate the pituitary gland. This endocrine gland is responsible, among other things, for the secretion of the “youth hormone” (growth hormone). This substance has numerous beneficial effects, including reducing fatty tissue, improving sleep and memory, speeding up the healing process and restoring libido. In several studies with older people, daily goji intake for three weeks improved the appetite of 95% of patients. About 90% of them slept better and 35% regained their sexual vigour.

Goji also stimulates the DNA repair process (our genetic material). Since DNA is the most important substance of the organism, it carries the imprint of all inherited traits. It ensures that the cells reproduce themselves exactly like healthy and exactly true to the original. Chemical products, environmental influences and free radicals can cause DNA damage and trigger gene mutations, cancer and premature ageing. The polysaccharides of goji can influence DNA damage, presumably by reducing oxidative stress. In a study from China with older people, goji intake increased the activity of superoxide dismutase by 48%. This is a strongly antioxidant enzyme. At the same time, the concentration of harmful oxidised lipoproteins is reduced by 65 %! An American trial from 2009 shows that as a result of consuming goji for 30 days, blood levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) increase significantly (8.4-9.9%) compared to the placebo group. This suggests a significant role for goji in preventing and reducing free radicals.

Goji exerts a beneficial effect on the nervous system
As the “smile and happiness berry”, goji is a natural euphoric, proving very effective against grumpiness and “bad moods”. Common buckthorn is recommended in cases of chronic fatigue. It improves sleep and contributes to vitality. Goji relieves headaches and migraines.
Goji proves effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Thanks to goji, the tremors of Parkinson’s disease decrease significantly. It looks like regular consumption of goji may delay epilepsy seizures.

Goji reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
Goji is a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. This process causes a strong accumulation of “bad” cholesterol in the artery walls, which often leads to heart attacks and thrombosis. Goji has been shown to regulate blood pressure, lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and increase levels of HDL cholesterol.

Goji improves visual acuity
Chinese scientists have shown that goji can reduce the time it takes for the eyes to see in the dark. It also improves vision in semi-darkness. Powerful carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) from goji protect against macular degeneration and cataracts. They are also thought to act as antioxidants and filters against the UV rays that are thought to release toxic free radicals.

Goji protects the liver
A substance found in goji called “cerebroside” protects liver cells from some toxic chemical products (e.g. carbon tetrachloride). In addition, goji helps to eliminate gallstones. It is a particularly effective supplement for the prevention of liver weakness because it has both antioxidant properties and a protective effect on the liver. This function is very important because the liver is the main organ for detoxification of the organism.

Goji strengthens the connective tissue (skin, hair, fingernails)
Goji soothes redness, reduces age spots and fights eczema, psoriasis and hives. In case of a cut, injury or similar, goji speeds up healing. Goji is rich in minerals and trace elements and can therefore significantly improve the health of fingernails after a few months of treatment. Common buckthorn is excellent for healthy hair. It relieves itching of the scalp and prevents dandruff. Several elderly people reported that they gradually regained their hair colour from before. From this it can be deduced that goji can prevent the loss of colour and greying of the hair. Goji is very good for the teeth, prevents tooth decay and relieves toothache.

Goji promotes sex life
Goji is recognised to treat infertility of both sexes. The polysaccharides in goji protect the testicular cells and increase the quantity as well as the quality of the sperm. Since the sperm count decreases by 1% per year (i.e. 50% reduction within fifty years!), taking it proves to be very valuable. In the case of prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men), goji causes the self-destruction of the cancer cells and inhibits their growth and multiplication. Goji is very effective for painful menstruation and allows women to experience a more comfortable menopause. In Asian medicine, goji is seen as one of the main plants for enhancing sexual function and has a legendary reputation for promoting rapprochement between lovers. An ancient Chinese proverb warns men who are far from their wives and families: “He who travels a thousand miles from home should not eat goji berries!”.

Goji supports the digestive system
Many assume that the body fluids of healthy people have a slightly alkaline PH. Taking pills, stressful situations and an unbalanced diet cause the organism to become acidic. Goji restores the acid-base balance of the organism and fights acidosis: it proves effective against heartburn.
In addition, goji is also effective against any digestive problems: Bloating, heartburn, flatulence, colic and bad breath. It promotes intestinal transit by stimulating the muscles responsible for peristalsis.

Goji improves the life of diabetics
The polysaccharides in goji regulate blood sugar levels. They also improve the metabolism of carbohydrates and insulin. Goji also contains betaine, which can prevent hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular problems common in diabetics.

Goji reduces inflammation
A recognised anti-inflammatory, goji is recommended in cases of arthritis, osteoarthritis, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, cystitis and rhinitis. The common goat dorm prevents gout attacks (painful joint swellings) and speeds up the healing of aphthae (mouth ulcers).