The Goji fruit is a reddish orange berry that originated in Southeast Europe and Asia. It commonly is referred to as the Wolfberry, and it comes in two forms: the Chinese Goji and the Himalayan Goji. Both forms of the Goji berry share the same nutritional value, but the Himalayan Goji berry is sweeter in taste. The Goji berry is rising in popularity because of its vast health benefits and rich antioxidant content.
Heart
Goji berries contain beta-sitosterol. This is an anti-inflammatory agent that lowers bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This makes the Goji fruit helpful in maintaining heart health.
Digestion
Goji berries have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which help to keep the digestive tract detoxified and clean. It also acts as a blood cleanser to prevent toxins from building up in the body and causing infection.
Vision
Goji berries contain beta-carotene which is linked to visual health and the prevention of visual impairment. Beta-carotene is converted to Vitamin A within the body when ingested and prevents certain visual impairments, such as age-related macular degeneration and night blindness.
Memory and Concentration
Goji berries help support mental function. The Goji fruit helps to discourage forgetfulness and promote concentration. Nineteen amino acids exist in the Goji fruit in addition to all of the omega fatty acids. These amino acids also prevent certain cancers and heart disease.
Anti-Aging
The pituitary gland produces the anti-aging human growth hormone (HGH). Goji berries are rich in polysacchardes which stimulate the pituitary gland. By producing more of the human growth hormone (HGH), the aging process is slowed within the body. Goji berries also contain other anti-aging vitamins such as Vitamin E. Vitamin E is commonly referred to as the “skin vitamin” because it prevents free radical damage from the environment. It also repairs skin damage by boosting the rate of cell regeneration to combat fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
Weight
Goji berries are an effective appetite suppressant because they contain fiber and control blood sugar. Chromium, found in Goji berries, is a mineral that maintains lean muscle and boosts metabolism. Goji berries also contain Vitamin B1 and calcium, which convert food to energy for more calories burned in a given day.
Immunity
Goji berries contain 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than an orange and therefore are a more efficient way to support the immune system. Because of this, the Goji fruit better prevents cell oxidation which leads to sickness and disease.
References
- The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments; Gary Null, Ph.D.; 1998
- Vitamin Bible for the Twenty-First Century; Earl Mindell; 1999
- More about the mysterious Goji fruit
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