Goji berries are not usually found growing in your backyard, but they are readily available in the market or grocery store. Goji berries are typically found in the form of juices and as a dried fruit. The Goji berry grows in Asia in the Himalayan mountain region. Goji berries are a small red fruit, rich in four polysaccharides -- a nutrient that helps cells to communicate with each other. Goji berries have well balanced levels of these polysaccharides.
History
Goji berries come from the Lycium fruit family. Lycium barbarum and its genus were named in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. However, this berry is described in Chinese literature as far back as 100 AD and has been used by the Chinese and many Asian naturopaths for centuries. They believe goji berries to be an anti-aging or "fountain of youth" type fruit. Science cannot confirm this completely, but does recognize the many anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidants contained in the goji berry, says the Institute for Traditional Medicine.
Types
Goji berries are grown as two varieties,Chinese and Himalayan. The Chinese variety is more bitter, while the Himalayan variety is plumper and sweeter. Goji berries are also referred to as "wolf berries," and are perennial plants. The Himalayan plant grows a bit taller than the Lycium barbarum plant, which grows in southern China. They are very similar in every other way.
Benefits
Goji berries are rich in beta-carotene and have more of it than carrots, which are commonly considered the poster vegetable for vitamin A. Beta-carotene is an important antioxidant that fights cancer cells and converts to vitamin A. Goji berries are also rich in vitamin C, which helps to keep your immune system functioning properly and are also high in vitamin E. Goji berries are also anti-inflammatory because they contain beta-sitosterol which is an anti-inflammatory agent that keeps cells healthy. Inflammation is your body's way of protecting itself; however it damages cells and ages a person faster. Goji berries and foods like them technically help to keep a body young.
Theories/Speculation
Free Life International conducted a study where subjects were given 4 ounces of goji berry juice for 14 days. The subjects reported feeling more energy, sleeping better, and an increase in mental clarity and gastrointestinal functions. This study was published by the "Journal of Alternative Medicine" but was brought into question by Paul Gross, Ph.D., a self-described berry doctor, who felt the study could have been conducted by an additional research facility. Dr. Gross also stated "The study should have included larger numbers of subjects and should have had a longer duration."
Expert Insight
According to Timothy Moynihan, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic, goji berry juice is high in vitamins and antioxidants and can be consumed to meet your recommended amount of vitamins A, C and E. The goji berry has negligible amounts of iron and other minerals and would not replace other foods richer in these. Dr. Moynihan states the goji berry has not been proved as a cure for cancer or for many of the other claims that have been reported. This does not mean it may not help, since antioxidants are known cancer fighters. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist when looking to make a significant change to your diet.
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