The Goji berry plant, or Lycium barbarum, originates in Tibet and Mongolia. Goji berries are used in traditional Asian medicine to strengthen the heart, treat insomnia, enhance sexual function and boost the immune system. People living in the goji berries' native regions consume them on a regular basis and have lower incidences of chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer and diabetes.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional value of goji berries varies depending on the source. One oz.--about 1/4 cup--contains between 90 and 112 calories; 24 to 28 g of carbohydrates; 4 g of fiber; 0 to 1.4 g of fat; and 4 g of protein. Goji berries are also an excellent source of vitamin A, providing 170 to 180 percent of the daily value, more beta-carotene than there is in carrots. Goji is also rich in vitamin C, around 20 to 30 percent of the daily value, and some sources even claim it contains up to 500 times the amount found in oranges. One fluid oz.--or 2 tablespoons--of goji berry juice contains around 20 calories, 5 g of carbohydrates, and no protein or fat.
Antioxidants
ORAC--oxygen radical absorbance capacity--is a test that measures the antioxidant capacity of food in vitro. Antioxidants have been associated with slower aging. The higher the score, the better the free radical fighting properties of the food. The ORAC score of goji is exceptionally high, at 25,300 ORAC units, compared to pomegranates at 3,307, cauliflower at 385, blueberries at 2,400, spinach at 1,770 and oranges at 750. A study in Nutrition Research showed that the daily consumption of goji increased antioxidant markers in humans by almost 10 percent in only 30 days. Increasing your antioxidant intake is beneficial, but you will get the best health protection by consuming antioxidants from a variety of foods.
Cancer Prevention
Although goji hasbeen around for a long time, only a few studies have investigated its effect on cancer prevention and treatment. According to the Natural Health Research Institute, the best human study was published in 1994, and it showed that 75 patients treated with goji polysaccharides added to biotherapy saw their cancer--skin, kidney, colo-rectal or lung cancer--regress. The response rate was above 40 percent when using the goji polysaccharides, but only 16 percent without this ingredient. Researchers also observed that the remissions of the patients in the goji group lasted longer. These findings show a potential for goji, but more data is needed to confirm these results.
Other Possible Health Benefits
In a small, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 16 participants drank 120 ml--about 1/2 cup--of goji juice a day and obtained higher ratings for energy levels, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ease of awakening, ability to focus, and mental acuity after only 15 days, compared to the placebo group. Further large-scale studies are definitely needed, but goji berry certainly has promising potential benefits.
Special Considerations
Be careful when shopping for goji berry juice, because a lot of companies make false claims. For example, some state that their products contain high levels of essential fatty acids and omega-3. Although the seed of goji berries fulfills this promise, this part of the fruit is not included in the juice. You should also read the ingredients added to the juice, because it may be mixed with other juices and preservatives; if you buy goji berry juice, make sure your glass is 100 percent goji. Also, be aware that goji may interact with some medications, like warfarin (Coumadin). Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
References
- GojiJuices
- US Department of Agriculture: High-ORAC foods may slow aging
- Nutrition Research; Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults; Amagase Harunobu; January 2009
- National Health Research Institute: Goji & Noni: A Review of Two Traditional Medicinal Juices
- Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine; A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study of the general effects of a standardized Lycium barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi; Amagase Harunobu; May 2008
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