Goji Berry Nutritional Powerhouse

     Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are one of the most nutritionally dense fruits known on the planet and exhibit amazing properties.  Also known as wolfberries, they are native to the Himalayan mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, but now grown in many other countries as well. Used for both medicinal purposes as well as a popular culinary ingredient, Goji berries have been consumed for thousands of years in Tibet and China.  They are wonderful way to flush toxins from the body and improve your overall health without a lot of effort.  With a score of over 25,000 on the ORAC scale and heavy duty anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, just a small amount of goji berries pack a powerful punch of health benefits.  Gojis are unique among other fruits because not only do they have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit, they also contain all of the essential amino acids.  They are packed with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have 21 trace minerals, and are very high in fiber and iron.  It's no wonder they are considered a nutritional powerhouse:

          High in antioxidants to remove cancer causing free radicals in the blood.

          Lowers bad cholesterol levels and protects the heart from disease.

          Protects eyesight with vitamin A, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.

          Reduces insomnia and improves sleep patterns.

          Relieves stress and promotes a sense of calm and well-being.

          Consuming foods high in antioxidants can slow the aging process.

          Raises energy levels with B complex vitamins which convert food into energy.

          Strengthens the immune system.

          Detoxes liver and kidneys.

          Normalizes blood pressure.

          Regulates blood sugar levels.

          Slows hair loss and graying.




     Goji berries contain unique Lycium barbarum polysaccharides which assist immune cells in communicating and functioning.  They provide a good fuel source for supporting healthy intestinal bacteria. These polysaccharides also act as a detoxification aid in the removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid accumulated during muscle exertion.  The Goji berry is used medicinally in Asia for inflammatory disorders such as asthma, allergies, chronic pain and cancer.

     With a score of 25,300 on the ORAC scale per 100 grams, you can see that it would only take 20 grams or about a heaping tablespoon of goji berries to reach the suggested consumption of 5000 units per day for maximum benefit.  On the other hand, you would have to eat 22 apples to reach the same daily dose of 5000 units.  It is still important to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily because they all supply different benefits.

     In Western countries goji berries are most commonly available in dried or powder form or juice.  The whole dried goji berry can be soaked for a couple of hours and added to smoothies and the liquid can be consumed as a delicious juice.  The dried or soaked whole berries can be added to trail mix, cereal, oatmeal,  salads, and baked goods.   The powder can be added to smoothies, sprinkled over cooked or cold cereals, salads or even added to soups.  Goji powder is also delicious in tea.  The whole dried berries are also a great snack right out of the bag.  It is very important when purchasing goji berries to look for the organic label as some imports in the past have been found to have high concentrations of pesticides.

                                 

    Goji berries are a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family of plants.  Any reactions such as nausea or rash are usually attributed to detoxing.   If you have sensitivities to nightshade plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants or have allergies to pollen you may want to  discuss with your allergist whether or not to try goji berries.

Note:  Those taking medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) should avoid goji berries or consult with their physician before consuming them as they may interact with some medications.  They should also not be used by pregnant or lactating mothers as they can be a uterine stimulant.

Heal Your Mind and Body with Pure Fresh Water

Photo by Mike Kelly

     One of the best things you can do for healing and detoxing your body is to drink plenty of water.  Dehydration can lead to many diseases that could easily have been prevented. Our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water which needs replenishing every day. Not only will you feel better when your body is hydrated, but your skin will reflect a clear and healthy glow.  Also, you will find yourself thinking more clearly.  That's because our brains are made up of over 90% water.  Think about it.  A dried up, shriveling brain won't do you much good in the middle of an exam or when you are trying to remember where you left your keys.

     An estimated 75% of the U.S. population suffers daily in varying states of dehydration.  Often the symptoms go unnoticed until the mouth becomes dry signaling a need for water.  Unfortunately, by the time the tissues in the mouth become dry, the person is already 2-3 glasses of water below what their body requires to sustain and heal itself.  Dry mouth is one of the last symptoms.  Taking a few sips of water relieves the dryness in the mouth, but accomplishes nothing in alleviating the damage being done to the cells in the body.  When trying to figure out how much pure water your body requires to stay hydrated the following formula works for most people.  Just drink a little more when exercising or perspiring excessively, or when drinking dehydrating liquids like coffee, tea or alcohol.

                                                         Your body weight divided by 2 =
                                                         the number of ounces of pure water 
                                                         you should drink every day in addition
                                                         to other beverages. 

                           Example:  200 lbs. divided by 2 = 100 oz. water per day

Metric:

33 ml. per kg. of body weight

                        Example:  90 kg. x 33 ml. = 2970 ml. water per day

     Choosing more flavorful drinks over water only aggravates the problem.  Coffee, tea, sugar-laden sodas, and alcohol all serve as diuretics and lead to further dehydration.  Some medications are diuretics and can cause dehydration.  Though the brain takes priority over other parts of the body when it comes to water, that minor nagging headache may turn into a migraine as the brain starts to dehydrate from further lack of water. Fatigue increases along with anxiety and lightheadedness.  Dehydration is not only fluid loss, but valuable salt and nutrient loss as well.  Pure water contains the minerals we need to fire up electrical impulses required by the cells in our bodies to survive.  

     These electrolyte minerals are necessary because cells (especially nerve, heart and muscle cells) use them to maintain electrical charges across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions, etc.) across themselves and to other cells.  Cell membranes surround each cell, enclosing their contents.  Water delivers nutrients and carries wastes away from these cell membranes. When dehydration occurs, toxins build up inside the membrane.  Excessive toxins are suspended in a sludge-like state waiting to be carried away.  Blood begins to thicken and cannot flow freely.

     Progressive dehydration can trigger the onset of a host of other diseases which left unchecked can lead to irreversible damage to the cells and body as a whole. When the body runs out of emergency water storages it goes into repair mode in an attempt to undo the damage caused by dehydration.  This can lead to an over production of cholesterol which the body uses to repair cells.  Suddenly the immune system goes into a state of alert causing a rise in the production of histamines.  The brain is no longer able to produce hormones efficiently and they become unbalanced.  Lower heart rate proceeds to higher heart rate in a desperate attempt to pump the thicker blood throughout the body.  Insulin levels begin to rapidly fluctuate creating low blood sugar which further progresses to high blood sugar levels as dehydration continues to assault the entire system.  So now we've managed to trigger the start of high cholesterol, angina, heart disease, asthma and allergies, diabetes and hormonal imbalance.  If allowed to continue long enough, it will eventually affect the brain, causing possible dementia, worsening Alzheimer's, as well as other memory disorders and depression.  In extreme cases kidney failure, seizures, coma and even death can occur.

     All of this trauma to the brain and body because that glass of water seemed just too boring sitting next to that cup of coffee or soda pop.  Well guess what? That glass of water doesn't have to be boring.

     There's lots of things you can do to jazz up your water.  Instead of buying artificially flavored soda pop laden with sugars and artificial sweeteners, why not squeeze your own real fruit into a glass of cool, fresh water.  Just be sure you are using water from a trusted source or filter your own.  Add a couple slices of lemons, limes, or oranges or mix it up.  Even though they are acidic, citrus fruits actually help to maintain an alkaline body.  Cucumbers sliced in the water are so refreshing.  Add a sprig of fresh mint for even more flavor.  

     Better yet, buy yourself an inexpensive water infuser and cut up the fruit of your choice, a different flavor every day.  Mango, papaya, grapefruit, or watermelon on a hot summer day etc.  When you drink the water it is drawn through the fruit in the infuser and gives the water a naturally enhanced fruit flavor that refreshes so much more than heavy, sugary sweet drinks.  Infusers and recipe books available online are shown at the end of this article.

     So you're feeling the urge for that cup of coffee, tea, or soda, or even a glass of wine in the evening to relax.   There's nothing wrong with indulging in your favorite beverages.  Just do your mind and body a favor and drink down an extra glass of water before or in between that next cup of coffee or glass of wine.  And don't skip your daily water requirement.  Remember to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  Your body will love you for it and will reward you with better health and vitality.  Not to mention, next time you'll know exactly where you left those keys, and you might just be on time or score an 'A' on that exam.