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Feb / March 2007
LOVE
by Barbara Davies, ND
Astrology and Alchemy
by Marlyna Los
GREEN CLIPPINGS
by Canadian Organic Growers
The Goji Berry
Editorial
Relaxation Yoga
by Sheri Kauhausen
Hidden Additives in Plain View
by Brian Cox
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the Goji Berry
the Wolfberry
the fruit of Lycium Barbarum
Editorial
The Chinese have attributed many benefits to the Wolfberry, claiming it protects liver function, replenishes vital essences, improves visual acuity and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. The Wolfberry also strengthens muscles and bones, stimulates the heart and works as an aid in treating diabetes and impotence. But the big question was: could these results be substantiated in controlled studies using modern chemical analysis?
The Beijing Nutrition Research Institute conducted detailed chemical analyses and nutritional composition studies of the Wolfberry fruit in the ‘80’s. What they discovered was stunning. The Wolfberry apparently contains 18 amino acids (that is many times higher in proportion than bee pollen), 21 trace minerals, more beta carotene than carrots and more vitamin C than oranges.
The berry is also packed with vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
The Ningxia Institute of Drug Inspection conducted a pharmacological experiment. Their conclusion was: The fruits and pedicels of the Wolfberry were effective in increasing white blood cell counts, protecting the liver and relieving hypertension. The alcoholic extract of Wolfberry fruits inhibited tumor growth in mice by 58%, and the protein of Wolfberry displayed an insulin-like action that was effective in promoting fat decomposition and reducing blood sugar. And another clinical experiment this Institute performed in the ‘80’s was a study of the effects of Wolfberry on the immune system of aged volunteers. The results were amazing, indicating that the Wolfberry caused the blood of older people to noticeably revert to a younger state.
The possibilities are intriguing. Is the Wolfberry a Powerful Antioxidant? As we grow older, the levels of lipid peroxide in our blood increase, while levels of health-protecting antioxidants, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), decrease. In a clinical study of people who consumed high doses of Wolfberry, SOD in the blood increased remarkably, while hemoglobin increased and lipid peroxide levels dropped significantly.
These unassuming little red berries are available in health-food stores. The dried brerries, which we have come to know as Goji berries can be bought in health food stores dried and organic and are delightful to chew on or just toss into one’s drinking water where the goodness leaches out. They can be cleverly incorporated into pancakes and muffins and salads. Some people feel they can injest so much more of this goodness by drinking the juice. Infact, there is a multi level company that sells the juice.... two in one, you may think.... lots of goji health results and wealth results, too. Maybe not. Juice, to be legally sold in North America, must be pasteurized and the heat destroys and alters many of the health giving components such as the enzymes, the B vitamins, the beta-carotene, alters the proteins and the anti-oxidants. This multi-level juice is claimed to have health benefits befitting the berry on the vine in a fresh state and doesn’t account for pasteurization, mutilation and possible irradation (in order to enter the country) and many handling details. So as with all commercial juices (organic or not), you are left with the sugars and the minerals and unhappy “down-line business associates. So buyer beware!
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