Goji: The Himalayan Superfood to Boost your Energy

The Goji is the fruit of a wild shrub, similar to the rose hip in Spain. Mentioned in the Farmer's Treatise 1500 BC, it grows in the Himalayas and other regions of China.

And it is precisely in these places, in the valleys formed between the Himalayas, Tibet and Mongolia, where the goji grows, with a bright red color the size of a small grape. It is known locally as the Goji cherry , and has been revered for thousands of years as one of the natural supplements, capable of healing countless diseases and as the main anti-aging factor for the people who live in those places.

There are more than 41 varieties of Goji, and of all of them the one that grows in the Himalayas is the best . (Among other things because they are closer to the sun.) It is an exceptional fruit because, together with its qualities, it has an excellent flavor, whether taken as fresh fruit, dehydrated, juice, etc. Possibly this has made it popular in regions where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. So popular that two-week long festivals are even held, in which the star is Goji juice.

The Hunzas - inhabitants of the valleys of the Himalayan mountain range - are known for being the healthiest and happiest people on Earth. Well, one of the bases of the Hunzas ' diet is the daily ingestion of more than 30 grams of fresh Goji berries, and its juice is one of their favorite drinks.

GOJI COMPONENTS

According to an analysis by the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute, the fruit contains:

• 500 times more vitamin C than oranges
• 20 times more beta carotene than carrots
• 15 times more iron than spinach

The fruit also contains 18 amino acids , unusual for a plant food.
About 21 trace elements , and of them germanium stands out, which is one of the compounds found in Goji cherries that is also highly active in the fight against cancer and other ailments of the human body. This natural element has unique characteristics.
Its structure causes its electrons to neutralize free radicals effectively. Germanium is also effective in combating the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Significant amounts of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin E (which is very rarely found in fruits).
The analysis also found that these berries contain essential fatty acids . Depending on weather conditions, harvest time, soil conditions, etc. These amounts may vary slightly.
Selenium is a trace mineral found in foods such as Brazil nuts and exceptionally in Goji cherries. The mineral acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals that damage cells and cause cancer.
There are also other beneficial compounds discovered by the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute . Some of them are:

1. Betasitosterol: Anti-inflammatory agent that lowers cholesterol, and has been used to treat impotence and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
2. Zeaxanthin and Lutein: Vision protectors.
3. Betaine: Produces Choline in the liver, which helps liver detoxification processes. In addition, betaine protects DNA , and improves memory and prevents ailments caused by fats in the liver.
4. Cyperone: Used in the treatment of cervical cancer. Normalizes blood pressure, heart and menstruation problems.
5. Solavetivone: antibacterial and antifungal agent.
6. Fisalina: A compound that increases the effectiveness of our immune system and is also effective in the treatment of leukemia, cancer and hepatitis B.

ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTION

There is a test to measure the antioxidant capacity of foods called ORAC.
The test was developed by Dr. Guohua Cao, a physician and chemist who worked at the National Institute of Aging in Baltimore, Maryland. It is suggested that human beings should consume a minimum of 5000 ORAC units per day , to combat possible free radical attacks through diet. For example, to get the daily dose of ORAC with apples, we would need to eat more than 2 kilos of apple. But about 22 goji berries cover your daily antioxidant needs. The reason is very simple: 100 grams of goji contain 25,700 ORAC units.

PROPERTIES

After making a brief summary of the main components of Goji, we can deduce that its therapeutic applications can be very high. In fact, Goji can act as:

1. Helps prevent premature aging.
2. It stimulates the secretion of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which prolongs people's youth and strengthens muscles and bones.
3. Helps maintain normal blood pressure.
4. Regulates cholesterol.
5. Helps maintain a normal blood sugar level.
6. Helps maintain correct weight.
7. Relieves headaches and dizziness
8. Improve sleep quality.
9. Improves vision, due to its ocular antioxidants
10. Strengthens the heart.
11. Improves the immune system
12. Detoxifies the liver
13. Improves people's fertility
14. Improve memory
15. Helps normalize kidney functions

HOW TO USE IT

The best way to ingest it is as dried fruit or juice.
The berry is best digested if soaked for a while and eaten alone. When mixed with other foods, its nutrient absorption decreases.
If you want to know more, you can download a free ebook below:The Goji, the berry of happiness.

Juan Torrontegui