Goji Goodness!

I went with David on some "Authentic Tibetan Himalayan Goji Berries" and let me just say that they are very tasty. I wasn't really impressed when he first gave me some about a year ago, but after shoving a few of his mush cakes in my face I soon became hooked. They don't really taste too good at first, but if you keep eating them, they keep getting better and better and you just don't want to stop. yummmm... =)

Apparently the berries are super nutritious (of course.. why else would David eat them??) here's what one website had to say..

Goji Facts:

* Contains 19 amino acids the building blocks of protein including all eight that are essential for life.

* Contains 21 trace minerals, including germanium, an anti-cancer trace mineral rarely found in foods.

* Contains more protein than whole wheat (13 percent).

* Contains a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots!) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods.

* Contains Vitamin C at higher levels than even those found in oranges.

* Contains B-complex vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy.

* Contains Vitamin E (very rarely found in fruits, only in grains and seeds).

* Contains Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent. Beta-Sitosterol also lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement.

* Contains essential fatty acids, which are required for the body’s production of hormones and for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system.

* Contains Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure, alleviates menstrual discomfort, and has been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.

* Contains Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.

* Contains Physalin, a natural compound that is active against all major types of leukemia. It has been shown to increase splenic natural killer cell activity in normal and tumor-bearing mice, with broad-spectrum anti-cancer effect. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.

* Contains Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease. Betaine also provides methyl groups in the body’s energy reactions and can help reduce levels of homocysteine, a prime risk factor in heart disease. It also protects DNA.

Goji Berries are a very rich source of vitamin C, having 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges, actually more almost any fruit you could name. They are also a superb source of vitamin A, not surprising because they are a really pretty red color. Goji berries also have vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E; they are becoming a famous antioxidant.

They are also a rich source of both selenium and germanium and have hence been used in a number of clinical trials involving cancer patients. When given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, the berries conferred significant protection for the liver. In Oriental medicine, they are said to correct chi deficiency, meaning that people with low energy, insomnia, heart palpitations, and even anxiety are more comfortable after consuming goji berries. The berries have 18 amino acids (higher than bee pollen) and 21 trace minerals, linoleic acid, and more beta carotene than carrots. They are also a rich source of both selenium and germanium and have hence been used in a number of clinical trials involving cancer patients. When given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, the berries conferred significant protection for the liver. In Oriental medicine, they are said to correct chi deficiency, meaning that people with low energy, insomnia, heart palpitations, and even anxiety are more comfortable after consuming goji berries.

In vitro studies suggest that goji berries kill many kinds of cancer cells. The mechanism whereby this happens is believed to involve some factor that inhibits the ability of the cell to divide, thus lowering its reproductive capacity. A large study in Japan suggested that tumor growth was inhibited by 58% among the patients eating goji berries as compared to the control groups. A study in Mongolia showed that patients eating the goji berries had a significant increase in lymphocyte activity ans that their blood began to resemble that of much younger persons.