Goji berry

        The Goji berry, Lyceum,  meaning: "school of learning", is the number one herb used in Chinese medicine. The Goji berry is an adaptogen, a term used in the world of naturopathic medicine to describe the combination of therapeutic actions on the human body (purehealingfoods.com, n.d.). The Goji berry has a remarkable adaptability to grow in a range of different environments from the desert to the tropics and even freezing climates, ranging from 102 F. to -16 F. The Goji Berry has an estimated eight-five species in Asia and fifteen in North and Central America. The Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian peoples have grown Goji berries for approximately over 5,000 years. The deciduous orange-red Goji berries are found on bushes that range from 3-12 feet in height. Goji berries are physically similar to the spherical shape of raisins or grape-sized fruit. (Becker MD, 2012).

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    Learning 

The Goji berry has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine for healing and learning. In Chinese herbalism , Lyceum, is known as the foundation of learning. Goji berries can provide the fundamental principles of the practice based on the studies and agriculture of the fruit. Chinese medicine traditionally uses Goji berries as a tonic (a medicinal substance that invigorates the body). The tonic can create a domino affect in the body, working as an adaptogen and harmonizing with the root cause of an illness being treated (purehealingfoods.com, n.d.) 

    Anti-aging 

     Research indicates that the Goji berry slows down the aging process. There is a master hormone called Human Growth Hormone (HGH), that influences all other hormones in the body, which is produced in the pituitary gland. The Goji berry is high in sesquiterpenoids, which stimulates the pituitary and the pineal glands.  It is the only known food to contain secretagogue, which directly stimulates the HGH hormone. As we age, our HGH levels decrease. These HGH levels are highest from ages 12-25 then it drops by 14% every 10 years. For more information read the article, "The Truth About Anti-Aging Products and HGH".

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    Eyes  

     The Goji berry has key antioxidants to stop degeneration in the eyes, which are zeaxanthin and lutien. These antioxidants protect the eyes from free radical damage, age-related sight loss, muscular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. It gives the eyes the key ingredients for optimal 20x20 vision. The Goji berry is also very high in carotenoids (beta-carotene), a major fat-soluble pigment and antioxidant that is known to enhance thymus gland functions and protect against viral infections (Coll Nutr, J. AM, n.d.).


                                         

   

                                                      Antioxidants

  According to the article, "Antioxidants",  antioxidants protect our DNA from free-radical damage, degeneration, radiation, diseases and any age-related side-effects. 

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Brain & Cardiovascular

          The Goji berry combats against free-radical damage to the brain and prevents neurological degeneration, also carrying a vital nutrient called choline, which helps run the brain to optimal level. Goji berries are known to prevent heart disease by delivering more oxygen to our cells and arteries. Most heart diseases are caused by oxidized cholesterol that can result in free-radicals and plaque build up in the artery walls. Our bodies naturally produce an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD) that prevents cholesterol from oxidizing and free-radicals from attacking us internally. With age, SOD decreases. Research indicates that the consumption of Goji berries show to increase production of SOD (Wong, 2013).

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        Immune system 

 The Goji berry has three major components for the immune system.  The polysaccharides that make up lycium babrarum (LBP) are the carbohydrate makeup of the Goji berry that can prevent mutations during cell production. Beta-carotenes enhance the thymus gland, a major part of the respiratory immune system.  Goji berries contain germanuim, which is known to prevent cancer according to Japanese research, by inducing the production of immune-enhancing interferon (Wolfe, 2009). The Goji berry is also ranked as one of the highest in the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), a chart which shows antioxidant levels (purehealingfoods.com, n.d.)

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   Couple Nutritional Properties of Goji Berries

• Its a complete protein source, containing 19 different amino acids and the essential amino acids. (adrenal supporting and serotonin building, tryptophan). 
• It contains 21 trace minerals; the main ones being: zinc, copper, iron, calcium, selenium, geranium, and phosphorus.
• Vitamins B1, B2, B6, E and C
• Anti-aging sesquiterpenoids
• Beta-sitosterol which has anti-inflammatory properties, lowers cholesterol.   
• Antioxidants: zeaxanthin and physalin promoting eye health. 
• Beta-Carotene: a major antioxidant that aids in protecting the thymus gland. 
• Human growth hormone (HGH) which influences all other hormones. 

Wong, Cathy. "Health Benefits of Superoxide Dismutase." About.com Alternative Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
Weil, M.D, Andrew, and Brian Becker, M.D. "Vitamin Library." Choline. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
"The Truth About Anti-Aging Products and HGH." HGH: Facts about Human Growth Hormone They Are Hiding. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
Norton, Kyle. "Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides on Age-related Oxidative Stress."Before It's News. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
"National Gardening Association." Edible Landscaping with Charlie Nardozzi ::. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
"Goji Berries." Pure Healing Foods. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
Coll Nutr, J. AM. "Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.
 "Antioxidants: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2013.