While
doing research for the third ‘Avenging Cat’ crime novel Cataclysm, I decided to
include goji berries in the storyline; I’d actually come across them in a
crossword puzzle and looked them up, and found that they could very nicely fit
into the plot!
Goji
berries are exported to more than twenty countries, such as the USA, Japan, Australia,
Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and the EU. [There are quite a few
instances of the word ‘may’, so maybe the jury’s still out on the efficacy of
the berries, but it still makes interesting reading!]
The Ningxia Hui region of Northern China, where goji berries are grown
and eaten on a daily basis, has sixteen times as many centenarians as the rest
of the country. Apparently, as residents of the region age, they are much more
active, healthy and vibrant than their peers in Western cultures. The small,
red goji berry, traditionally regarded as the "longevity fruit," is a
key ingredient in their healthy diet. Researchers who study medicinal plants
have identified a variety of nutrients in the goji berry that may help people
enjoy longer and healthier lives. Claims of anti-aging properties for these small berries include:
Protecting DNA with Antioxidants
As we go through life, our DNA is damaged by free radicals generated as
a byproduct of normal metabolism and by exposure to toxins. Although our bodies
are equipped to continually repair themselves, they can become overwhelmed by
too many free radicals, especially as we age. This results in the premature
death of healthy cells, which may contribute to a variety of degenerative
diseases and mutated cells that can lead to cancer -- unless antioxidants
counter the onslaught. Vitamins, minerals and amino acids may have antioxidant
properties. Here are some of the key antioxidant nutrients found in goji
berries and vital body functions they purportedly support, in addition to
fighting free radicals:
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Vitamin
C
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Heart
health
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Beta-carotene
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Immunity
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Cystine
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Immunity,
healthy stomach lining
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B2
(riboflavin)
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Conversion
of carbohydrates into fuel
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Manganese
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Healthy
skin, bone, cartilage
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Zinc
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Wound
healing, fertility, vision, immunity
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Copper
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Energy,
hormonal function, healthy skin
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Selenium
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Healthy
liver, thyroid, immunity, cancer protection
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Promoting Human Growth Hormone Production
Levels of human growth hormone decline as we age. It seems that a
70-year-old produces only one-tenth of the amount generated by a 20-year-old. As
Oscar Wilde said, Youth is wasted on the Young! This decline parallels physical
deterioration, such as lower levels of energy, muscle wasting and a tendency to
store more body fat. The belief is that boosting the natural production of
growth hormone helps us feel, look and function like a more youthful person. But
it doesn’t turn back time! They say that goji berries help our bodies aid the
growth hormone in two ways:
- Potassium: Goji is a rich source of the mineral, vital for health
and longevity. Too little potassium interferes with the normal function of
the pituitary gland, which produces the growth hormone.
- Amino acids: Certain amino acids promote the production of growth
hormone. Goji is a rich source of l-glutamine and l-arginine, two amino
acids which may work together to boost growth hormone levels and
revitalize youthful appearance and function.
Increasing Energy
The goji berry is an "adaptogen," a term used in the world of
medicinal plants to describe a substance with a combination of therapeutic
actions. An adaptogen invigorates and strengthens the system while helping the
body to deal with stress without collapsing. It also supports healthy function
of the adrenal glands, which tend to get overworked in times of stress.
Improving Vision
The goji berry contains two key nutrients for healthy vision: zeaxanthin
and lutein. These are concentrated at the center of the retina and protect the
eye from the most common causes of age-related loss of sight, including macular
degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Free radicals also attack the
eyes, and zeaxanthin and lutein protect against such damage.
Controlling Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
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Super
Potassium. A 3-ounce serving of dried goji berries contains 1,600 mg of
potassium -- four times the potassium in three ounces of banana.
|
Goji berries have the ability to combat two key factors that promote
heart disease: oxidized cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. Cholesterol
becomes especially dangerous when it oxidizes as a result of free radicals, and
the oxidized blood fats then attach to artery walls as plaques. Our bodies have
a built-in defense system, an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD produces
antioxidants to prevent cholesterol from oxidizing, but levels of SOD decline
as we age. Chinese research shows that goji berries can increase our production
of SOD, reducing oxidization of cholesterol.
Keeping Vital Organs Healthy
In addition to helping keep the heart healthy, goji berries help balance
blood sugar and enhance the liver, digestive system and skin:
- Blood sugar: Goji berries have been used in Asia for the treatment
of diabetes and to help regulate high blood sugar, which is a precursor to
both diabetes and heart disease.
- Liver: Several types of phytonutrients in the fruit enhance the
ability of the liver to detoxify and guard against the organ being damaged
by carcinogens and the hepatitis virus.
- Digestion: Goji berries are helpful for all types of digestive
problems and can aid in recovery from digestive illnesses, such as ulcers
and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Skin: Goji berries contain fatty acids, which can stimulate
collagen production and retain moisture, resulting in younger-looking
skin.
Improving Sleep
Goji berries are a rich source of two nutrients that are necessary for
healthful sleep:
- Thiamin (B1): The vitamin is found in the hulls of grains, but it
is missing from diets that mostly contain refined grains. Thiamin improves
mood, alleviates depression and increases energy levels.
- Magnesium: The mineral reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and
improves the quality of sleep.
***
The above is a slightly edited
version of an article on the goji berries; there are other claims, too. The
western world is chary of much Chinese medicines – the rapacious slaughter of
endangered species doesn’t help; rhino horn doesn’t possess any beneficial
properties, for example, but is still prized, sadly. Yet you can’t throw the
baby out with the bath-water – many Chinese remedies and techniques are highly
efficacious.
The goji berry plotline is an
intriguing one; I hope any readers of Cataclysm
will appreciate it!
