WOLFBERRY (GOJI) ALONE The Western world owes much to the Chinese and their long history of natural, plant based treatments. Goji is the modernized name for wolfberry, a red berry of the family of plants that includes tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, and potato. For at least 2,000 years, wolfberry has grown wild in China and been used in common recipes and traditional Chinese medicine. Wolves in China actually feast among the berry-laden vines during late summer at prime harvest time, probably to store nutrients for the winter; hence the name “wolfberry.” Wolfberry juices and fruits have only begun to appear in the US and Europe in this century. As a result, there are a limited number of human trials. Virtually all research has been performed in mice, rats, dogs, and various cell cultures. Wolfberry contains significant percentages of a day’s macronutrient needs – carbohydrates, protein, fat, and dietary fiber. Studies show that 68% of the mass of a wolfberry exists as carbohydrate, 12% as protein, and 10% each as fiber and fat, giving a total caloric value of 370 for a 100 gram (quarter pound) serving. Seeds contain the wolfberry’s main complement of polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids. Wolfberry’s high concentration of micronutrients suggests it is an exceptional health food. There are 11 essential minerals, 22 trace minerals, 7 vitamins, and 18 amino acids. Some of these are calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B2, and vitamin C. Wolfberries contain dozens of phytochemicals. Three of particular interest are beta-carotene which is a pigment in orange-red foods like wolfberries, pumpkins, carrots, and salmon. Beta-carotene is important for synthesis of vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient and antioxidant essential for normal growth, vision, cell structure, bones, teeth, and healthy skin. Wolfberry’s betacarotene content per unit weight (7 mg/100 grams) is among the highest for edible plants. Another is zeaxanthin, an extraordinary carotenoid important as an antioxidant. Finally, wolfberries contain polysaccharides. These are long-chain sugar molecules characteristic of many herbal medicines like mushrooms and roots. Metabolism in the intestine yields short-chain fatty acids which 1) are valuable for health of the colon epithelial lining, 2) enhance mineral uptake, 3) stabilize blood glucose levels, 4) lower pH, and 5) stimulate immune functions. Polysaccharides also display antioxidant activity. In preliminary research to date, wolfberries may have potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, some forms of cancer, diabetes, premature aging, memory deficits, vision degeneration, and lung disorders, among other diseases of oxidative stress. Although not adequately demonstrated yet in published research, a synergy of antioxidant carotenoids (primarily beta-carotene and zeaxanthin) with polysaccharides may make wolfberries an exceptionally rich antioxidant food source. Micronutrients and minerals combined with key health phytochemicals like carotenoids and polysaccharides give wolfberries remarkable nutritional qualities making this berry possibly one of the most nutritious plant foods on Earth. Summary Wolfberry is an exceptional health food containing carbohydrates, protein, fat, dietary fiber, omega-3s, omega-6s, and high levels of antioxidants. Wolfberry’s beta-carotene content per unit weight is among the highest for edible plants. As a result, this Superfruit may possess many potential benefits against diseases. Maybe the ancient Chinese were right!
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 11:07:22 +0000
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