by Deborah Lindholm
The wolfberry has caused a stir in the world of health foods. Also known as the goji berry, the red wolfberry is grown principally in the Ningxia region of China. It has been hailed as one of the new superfruits and seems set to take its place as one of the most remarkable of newly discovered health foods.
The wolfberry or goji berry belongs to the genus Lycium, and two species are grown: L. chinense and L. barbarum. The plant has long been important in eastern traditional medicine. In Europe it was a favourite exotic plant in Victorian gardens.
One of the beneficial properties of the goji berry or wolfberry is that, like other superfruits, it is a rich source of antioxidants, in the form of phenols. It is far richer in these elements than other antioxidant-rich fruits, such as prunes. Antioxidants are thought to protect against cancer and slow the ageing process.
Wolfberries are also high in vitamin C, with some measurements of dry goji berries putting vitamin C content as high at almost 150 mg per 100g, way ahead of fruits like oranges. However, lower levels have been measured in dried wolfberries. The berries are also rich in beta carotene, essential for healthy vision, and riboflavin (vitamin B2). They are packed with minerals, including zinc, selenium, calcium, potassium and iron.
Red wolfberries are also exceptionally rich in a carotenoid known as zeaxanthin, as well as in polysaccharides, plant sterols, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Unfortunately, extravagant claims have been made for goji berries and red wolfberry juice, including that it prevents breast cancer. These have attracted critical attention from food safety agencies in Europe and the USA, so use your careful judgment when assessing claims.
Legend has it that a Chinese man who ate goji berries daily lived to the age of 250. In Chinese medicine the fruits (and sometimes the bark) are believed to improve the skin, aid male fertility and vigor, boost liver and kidney function and enhance vision. Some substances found in the red wolfberry have been investigated by western medicine, with evidence that they may assist in a wide range of conditions, from hepatitis B to cervical cancer. Goji berries may have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, lower cholesterol and modulate blood pressure.
The status of the goji berry as a superfruit is still under investigation. Users should note that juice drinks labeled as goji juice are often not pure, but are blended with other fruit juices. The quality of the product may also vary, depending on factors that include where and how it is grown and harvested, and methods of processing.
Ready to experience the power of Ningxia Red Wolfberry? NingXia Red has the highest levels of naturally occurring, age-defying S-ORAC activity to help support immune function, cardiovascular health, and nourish the eyes. Visit Deborah and Michael Lindholm, Young Living Independent Distributors to get started today.
Legend has it that a Chinese man who ate goji berries daily lived to the age of 250. In Chinese medicine the fruits (and sometimes the bark) are believed to improve the skin, aid male fertility and vigor, boost liver and kidney function and enhance vision. Some substances found in the red wolfberry have been investigated by western medicine, with evidence that they may assist in a wide range of conditions, from hepatitis B to cervical cancer.