Health Topics

Here we will post useful health tips and information we feel worth passing on.  Since this is a new topic we will be adding more information over time so please check back often.

• Go Goji!
• Goji Attributes
• Goji Berries for Weight Loss
• Recently posted in a Health Magazine in New Zealand
• How Stuff Works
• Clinical Studies
• A family gone Goji!
• Grapes Protect you from the Sun

Go Goji! 03 April 2007, 9:02 PM One thing is for certain, the Goji plant, it's berries, juices and teas, is the latest herb to gain notoriety as a wonder drug.  Although this plant has been used by the ancient Chinese in Chinese medicines, it has just recently been discovered by the western world.  If you type Goji berries in Google and do a search you will find endless information.  I am including some links below that I found to be most informative.  Some say that the Goji plant is also commonly called Wolfberry.  Others state that the Wolfberry is related, but the berries are not as sweet.  There are different subspecies of the Goji plant.  I have found that Plants for a Future gives a pretty detailed description of the Lycium barbarum (Goji Plant,) including the information directly below.  For more information click on the Plants for a Future Link. Medicinal Uses Antibacterial; Anticholesterolemic; Antipyretic; Cancer; Diuretic; Hypoglycaemic; Ophthalmic; Purgative; Skin; Tonic; Vasodilator. A sweet tonic decoction made from the fruits is used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It acts mainly on the liver and kidneys. The fruit is taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints. The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use. The root bark is a bitter, cooling, antibacterial herb that controls coughs and lowers fevers, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It is taken internally in the treatment of chronic fevers, internal haemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs, asthma etc. It is applied externally to treat genital itching. The bark is harvested in the winter and dried for later use. Diuretic, purgative. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, both as a general, energy restoring tonic and also to cure a wide range of ailments from skin rashes and eyesight problems to diabetes. A tonic tea is made from the leaves. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers Plants for a Future

Goji Attributes Another source (Wheeler Greenhouse) states:  Legend has it that the health benefits of the Goji berry were an accidental discovery. Outside a famous Buddhist temple was a wall covered in Goji berries. Over the years, hundreds of berries fell in a well near the wall. Frequent visitors to the temple who drank water from this well had the ruddy complexion of good health. Gradually, the benefits were documented and spread among the nearby communities. As a result, Goji berries have enjoyed a privileged place in Asian culture for thousands of years. Currently the type most desireable are those that are organically grown with seeds coming from the Tibetan Himalayan region and commonly named Goji Berry. Its botanical name is 'Lycium Eleagnus Barbarum'. There are many species of 'lesser quality' berries such as the chinese 'wolf berry' or: Lycium  barbarum  Chinese Wolfberry  Lycium  barbatum Thunb.:  Chinese Wolfberry  Lycium  barbatum var. chinense:  Chinese wolfberry  Lycium  chinense  Chinese Wolfberry  Lycium  megistocarpum:  Chinese Wolfberry  Lycium  ovatum:  Chinese Wolfberry  Lycium  trewianum:  Chinese Wolfberry  Lycium  turbinatum:  Chinese Wolfberry  The most important thing to know about Goji berries and the plants is to know where and how they were produced. Insist that you get Authentic Goji Berries grown from seeds which originated from Tibet and those that are grown organically. Most of the lesser berries today are imported from china and are produced in mass quantity. There are only a few places in the United States which produce organically grown Goji Berries. If they aren't organically grown there is simply no way to tell how much pesticides and fertilizer was used from these other large production companies. These plants will tolerate a wide range of zones, they can tolerate heat in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and can stand temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be grown indoors or out in full sun or shade. They can tolerate most soils but as with any other plant the recommendation is somewhat well drained soil. Once established (a few weeks) they are fast growers. Typically they will produce berries in their second year of growth and produce a maximum output in their fourth year. They produce berries all year long except for the late fall and winter months. They can be pruned and trained to grow as a thick bush or a tree and are self pollinating. Here are a FEW of the amazing benefits of this colorful berry which originated from Tibet: Boosts the immune system ORAC Scale Scores: TIBETAN GOJI BERRIES – 25,300 Prunes – 5770 Raisins – 2830 Blueberries – 2400 Black berries – 2036 Strawberries – 1540 Oranges – 730 Carrots – 210 Prevents free radicals Anti tumor effects Positive effects on blood pressure, sugar levels, brain and heart vessels Lowers cholesterol *Assists in weight loss by curbing appetite Increases energy levels Brightens and improves eyesight Nourishes the liver and kidneys Slows hair loss and graying Improves sleeping patterns Elevates mood Increases libido They contain the following complex compounds: Cyperone, Solavetivone, Betaine, Beta-Sitoserol and Physalin. Contains Vitamin B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E and 13% protein. Goji Berries reportedly contain 18 Amino, more Beta Carotene than carrots, more Iron than spinach, 21 Trace Minerals and high levels of antioxidants. *There are lots of testimonials on the web that state people have lost weight by eating a handful of Goji berries as a snack when they feel hungry.  Goji berries immediately curb the appetite, are a nutritious snack, and boost your energy levels.  It's a win-win situation. Plants for a Future

Goji Berries for Weight Loss Goji Berries is Great for Weight Loss The metabolic rate is the rate at which the body converts food into energy. There are many factors that influences the metabolic rate including genetics, age, muscle-to-fat ratio, level of exercise, how often we eat and dietary nutrition. The metabolic rate plays an important role in weight control. Faster metabolic rates burn calories more efficiently and store less as fat, while slower metabolic rates burn less calories, and readily store unused energy as fat. How does eating goji berries assist in weight control? Metabolism is controlled by hundreds of biochemical reactions. To perform metabolism efficiently, our body needs a constant supply of trace minerals and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 & vitamin C. Without these vitamins and minerals, metabolism becomes inefficient and sluggish. Goji berries have 21 trace minerals and are high in the above vitamins. By providing a ready supply of minerals and vitamins, goji berries help keep our metabolic rate in good working order. The weight loss benefits of the goji berry don't end there! The polysaccharides of the goji berry actually increase the metabolic rate, which can lead to reduced body weight. These same polysaccharides were trialed in an Asian anti-obesity study, in which patients were given goji berries each morning and afternoon. There were promising results with most patients losing significant weight. Goji berries are the most nutrient-dense foods on the earth. The vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides provide fuel for the immune system to function efficiently. Numerous studies have shown that goji berries actually boost the immune system by increasing white 'killer' T-cells, resulting in anti-tumor responses. Also, eating a handful of Goji berries when you feel hungry helps curb your appetitie. Goji Juice Health Report

Recently posted in a Health Magazine in New Zealand Below is an article about the Goji berry recently published in a Health Magazine in  New Zealand. These wonderful articles are turning up in many Health magazines around the world. The information is helpful and accurate. If you put "GOJI BERRY" into Google.com you will find TONS of great info and benefits! More than just a berry © Siboney Saavedra-Duff 2005 It is rare to find something new, to be awed and amazed, to discover a beauty in whose presence we are humbled. And yet it is a sign of our arrogance that we in the West often feel at liberty to pronounce as new that, which for other cultures, is tradition. One such discovery is the Goji Berry. Imagine a small red berry, about the size of a grape, growing on a vine in the hills of Tibet and Inner Mongolia. A small red berry that harvesters are careful to avoid touching with their bare hands so as not to oxidise the flesh of the fruit. A small red berry containing more amino acids than bee pollen, more protein than whole wheat and more beta-carotene than carrots. A little red berry that will dry to the size of a currant in the shade of the mountains within which it has grown before being exported across the globe to those who have only recently, despite its 2000year plus traditional history, discovered it. Goji is the colloquial name given only to this Tibetan berry by the indigenous Tibetan and Mongolian people of the region. Local growers are careful to distinguish the Goji berry from its distantly related offspring, the Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), pointing out that whilst the later evolved (over centuries) from the Goji berry, its genetic makeup differs considerably, as do the regions within which these two different berries are growing. A traditional food used widely in Mongolia and Tibet, the Goji berry is considered fundamental to a long and happy life, so much so that locals hold celebrations in honor of the fruit and its gifts. Such faith, whilst possibly appearing naive to those of us indoctrinated to Western notions of health and disease, is difficult to dismiss in a population generally free of arthritis, diabetes, obesity and cancer. The fruit is eaten either fresh or dried and can be added to cooking, cereals, trail mixes or smoothies as well as being eaten alone. The flavour of the Goji berry is difficult to describe ñ sweet with a slight tartness (similar to a cranberry but sweeter). Incredibly high in iron, Goji berries are exceptionally nutrient rich, containing up to 21 trace minerals and 18 amino acid. They are especially high in Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and B6, and contain considerably more Vitamin C than an orange. The Goji berry has also been found to contain other complex compounds, such as Betaine (useful for improving liver function and reputed to enhance memory), Solavetivone (a compound containing anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties), and Beta-Sitoserol (an anti-inflammatory agent that may also help in the treatment of hypertension). An average daily serving of a º cup of dried Goji berries would also contain 4grams each of dietary fibre and protein. The Goji berry has traditionally been utilized to nurture the heart, strengthen the immune system, facilitate optimal liver function and treat insomnia. It also increases visual perspicacity and, as a traditional blood tonic, it has a proud heritage in the treatment of forgetfulness, lethargy and anxiety related to blood and chi deficiencies. Recently the subject of various scientific studies throughout the world, Goji berries have been found to be effective in increasing white blood cells and depressing the activity of cancer cells. In studies conducted in countries such as Mongolia, Japan, China and Switzerland, researchers have determined that the Goji berry fruit (as well as an extract from the leaves of the plant) is capable of killing some kinds of cancer cells under laboratory conditions. This is thought to be primarily due to the presence of 124ppm of organic Germanium contained within the berries. According to Japanese studies, organic Germanium may be useful in the treatment of liver, lung, uterine, cervical and testicular cancer in combination with other drugs. It would appear that Goji berries, as a consequence of the Germanium as well as other constituents of the plant, are capable of inhibiting the hydrogen ion in the cancer cells, thereby depressing the synthesis of cancerous DNA. Many more studies are yet to be conducted and scrutinized by the medical and scientific communities, but it would appear that in essence the Goji berries might be helping to lower the reproductive capacity of cancerous cells. Goji berries grow naturally wild and in profusion in the remote hills and valleys of the Himalayas of Tibet and Inner Mongolia and can be harvested with ease. Wolfberry - Wikipedia.org

How Stuff Works Very informative information including clinical studies on the Goji berry. howstuffworks.com

Clinical Studies  Thursday, April 05, 2007, 8:47 AM Lots of medical and clinical studies and the results done on Lycium Barbarum (Goji berries.) The page doesn't take you directly to the Goji berry page so you must type in Lycium Barbarum in the "for" search box at the top of the page.  It will bring up all of the PubMed records. I was truly amazed as I read some of these reports.   PubMed Publications

A family gone Goji! Tuesday, April 03, 2007, 10:30 PM White Oak Ranch is now growing our own Lycium Eleagnus Barbarum and Chinese Wolfberries.  We wanted to be sure that we always had a fresh supply of these wonderful berries on hand. With greenhouse seedlings we should be able to produce year round Goji crops.  Between the family members we will be offering Goji berries, seeds, seedlings and plants.  For more information please email us.  Thank you for your interest.

Grapes Protect you from the Sun Thursday, April 05, 2007, 9:02 AM Grapes offer protection from the sun!  If you are going to be spending a lot of time out in the sun, you might want to snack on a handful of grapes or two. A recent study done by scientists at the University of Alabama Burmingham, discovered that chemicals found in grapes offer protection from ultraviolet solar radiation (primary cause of skin cancers.) Great news, and we have enough sun protection to last us years!