Where do Goji berries come from?

Goji Berries are grown in the mineral rich soils of Northern China, Mongolia
and Tibet. The term “Goji” was invented in Tibet in 1976. Before that “Goji”
berries were known in the western world as “wolfberries.”

It was also about 30 years ago that medical research on Goji Berries started
in China. Here are some highlights about these discoveries.

Goji berries protect DNA and reduce DNA damage in animal studies. This is
great news for anyone concerned about aging. Although aging is a complicated
process, one anti-aging strategy is to minimize DNA damage.

In a related study, Goji berry polysaccharides (a kind of sugar) protect
testicular cells against damage from free radicals.

Goji berries protect against Alzheimer’s disease by protecting the neurons in
the brain against beta amyloid protein. This deadly protein is associated with
Alzheimer’s. This is welcome news since Alzheimer’s is expected to reach
epidemic levels in aging baby boomers.

The State Scientific and Technology Commission of China reported in 1988 that
eating 50 grams (slightly less than 2 ounces) of Goji Berries caused an increase
in the white blood cell count. There was also an increase of 75 % in antibody
immunoglobin A (IgA).

In other words, there was a significant increase in two important immune
functions. A different study shows that Goji polysaccharides increase the
production of interleukin-2. This substance protects against cancer and
bacteria.

Goji berries may reduce insulin resistance. Diabetic animals that were fed
Goji berries for three weeks showed reduced weight and improved triglyceride,
cholesterol and insulin levels.

There are 67 medical studies that show how Goji Berries support a healthy
heart. All of these are documented in the book Discovery of the Ultimate
Superfood. Three other studies show that the antioxidants in Goji inhibit
lipid peroxidation, which is a major factor in heart disease.

Goji berries were combined with a cancer drug to reverse the growth of cancer
in 79 patients. The Goji berries enhanced the effect of the cancer drug. This
improved combo was effective in malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, lung
cancer, malignant hydrothorax, colorectal carcinoma and nasopharyngeal
carcinoma.

Another study shows that Goji berries stop the growth of human leukemia cells
in the test tube.

Goji berries also protect the liver. They contain a compound called
cerebrosides, which works better to protect the liver than milk thistle, which
is often used for this purpose.