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.

Simple Sea Salt Detox

     Salt, that nasty thing we're supposed to stay away from, can be one of the best ways to detox both internally and externally.  Not all salts are bad for you as we've been lead to believe.  Salt exists in many different forms, just as it is mined and processed in many different ways.  Sea salt, epsom salt, kosher salt, rock salt, and of course table salt are the basic forms of salt available.  All of these salts range in variety from color, flavor and additives, to mineral content and crystalline structure and size.  When choosing a salt for detoxification, it's just as important to select the right type of salt as it is when choosing the proper medication for the type of malady being targeted.

     Salt is actually one of nature's many gifts to our health and well-being for without it life wouldn't exist. Although extracted from bodies of water the world over, most salts primarily consist of sodium chloride. However, in its natural state, salt also contains the many 80+ trace minerals our bodies need to survive. Just as we require oxygen and water for survival, salt produces the electrical impulses in our cells that make our bodies function properly and is an absolutely essential nutrient.  It helps to balance our metabolism and strengthen our immune system.   The conflict comes in when choosing among the multitude of varying qualities of salt. Let's have a look:

SEA SALT

     As the name implies, sea salt comes from the many oceans and lakes around the world  Technically, all salt is sea salt.  All salt once touched water, either presently in lakes and oceans, or millions of years ago. Much of the sea salt on the market today is still collected by hand from the water and placed on screens to evaporate and dry in the sun.  Mechanical evaporation processing of sea salt still remains at a minimum. Other types of sea salt were already evaporated millions of years ago from previous bodies of water.  Their salts remain behind and are now mined at the surface of dried up lakes or in underground caverns.  Their varying colors are derived from natural elements found in the surrounding environment.  Sea salts contain many valuable trace minerals and have a coarse, crunchy texture and a somewhat stronger flavor.  Due to this texture and flavor, less is required for the same salty taste.  Sea salt with its lack of refinement and mineral content intact is the best salt for salt soaking baths.

EPSOM SALT

     This one is a little trickier.  Although referred to as salt, it actually contains no sodium chloride.  It is primarily made up of magnesium sulfate.  It has a larger crystal structure similar to sea salt.  It is used in cooking, farming, manufacturing, as well as for medicinal purposes.  The sulfates flush toxins out of the body.  Two cups dissolved in bathwater act as a detoxifying agent and quickly relieve minor aches and pains.  The high content of magnesium is absorbed into the body and is a much needed nutrient.  Most people today are found to have very low levels of magnesium.

KOSHER SALT

     This salt was developed in accordance with Jewish dietary laws for the preparation of kosher meats.  It is unrefined and has no additives.  During the evaporation process it is continuously raked to form multi block-like crystalline structures. This gives the salt more body and texture.  This larger surface area allows kosher salt to cling to food longer.  When curing meats, it is more efficient at drawing out  the blood.  Because of its larger surface area it is less dense and more flakey.  Chefs prefer this coarser grain for pinching and sprinkling with ease and accuracy.  Kosher salt weighs less by volume so the amount must be increased when substituting for table salt.  It takes nearly one tablespoon of kosher salt to equal one teaspoon of table salt.  Since it is a lighter salt, there is less of an aftertaste with it.  Though not normally used as a soaking salt, kosher salt is good for cooking with as it is unadulterated.

ROCK SALT

  
     Rock salt, also known as halite, is another form of sodium chloride.  Minimally refined, these larger crystals are used for deicing roads, driveways and sidewalks in winter months.  Culinary use includes mechanical ice cream makers, and as a bed for shellfish presentation.  These salt crystals are naturally colorless, white or may sometimes have a grayish hue.  Being less refined it still retains the mineral content that is removed from table salt.  Rock salt is not normally used for soaking due to its large crystalline structure.

TABLE SALT

     Table salt on the other hand is highly refined and processed rock salt.  This is the salt that gives salt a bad rap.  It is ground finer and heated during processing and stripped of its mineral content.  It gets its pure white appearance through bleaching. Additives such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, or sodium of prussia are then used to prevent the salt from clumping and allow it to freely flow through the tiny holes in the salt shaker,  Some of these additives have questionable effects on our health.  Synthetic iodine is added to some table salts to prevent goiter or swelling of the thyroid gland which was much more prevalent before the addition of iodine to table salt.  Table salt should never be used as a bath salt due to its questionable qualities and refinements.  The point of taking a salt bath is to remove toxins, not add more. Personally, you wouldn't find it on my table either. 


      So now you can see that the best salts for soaking are sea salts and epsom salts.  Lactic acid builds up in muscle tissue during exercise and strenuous activities causing soreness and stiffness.  The skin being the largest organ of our body, salt is absorbed into the bloodstream where it gathers up lactic acid and other toxins which are then pushed out through the pores.  Salt soaking baths are therapeutic in many ways. They help to:

                                                           1.  Relieve stress
                                                           2.  Improve skin disorders
                                                           3.  Reduce muscle pain and inflammation
                                                           4.  Relieve insomnia
                                                           5.  Improve circulation
                                                           6.  Expel toxins from the body
                                                           7.  Reduce joint pain due to arthritis

   Salt baths can be made up of sea salt, epsom salt or a combination of the two.  Sea salt is alkaline and helps to lower the acidity of the body.  If you are lacking in magnesium, it is best to include some epsom salts.  Try a cup of each dissolved in a warm bathtub of water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes.  For extra relaxation add a few drops of pure lavender essential oil diluted in a teaspoon of carrier oil such as the ones listed below. Even olive oil works. You'll feel invigorated and refreshed.

     You can also make an exfoliating salt scrub with one cup of sea salt, 1/2 cup of one of the following oils, and a few drops of essential oils.  Massage it into your skin before showering or bathing to rejuvenate your skin.  This will make enough for a few applications so store it tightly covered.

   *** Jojoba oil *** Coconut oil *** Sweet almond oil *** Grape Seed oil *** Avocado oil *** Olive oil ***










Note:  Instructions for internal salt water cleanses and flushes can be found on the internet but should never be attempted without professional medical supervision due to possible side effects.