Although relatively new on the North American scene, goji berries have been used for almost 6,000 years by herbalists in China and other Asian countries — a very long time indeed!
The reason for the goji berry’s longevity in natural health circles is primarily its antioxidant content: the berries are particularly rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.
You might remember that those two carotenoids are particularly important for maintaining healthy vision. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles, in fact, is to protect the retina of your eye by absorbing blue light.
Along with boosting eye health, goji berries have traditionally been used to…
- improve sexual function,
- boost the immune system,
- improve circulation,
- and slow aging.
The versatile goji berry may protect against UV radiation
Now, Australian researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered that goji berries could also protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The research team set out to investigate the potential for goji berry juice to alter the photodamage induced in the skin of mice by simulated UV radiation. When the hairless mice were given goji berry juice, the researchers found that it significantly reduced the skin’s sunburn reaction.
They also found that goji berry juice protected against induced UV radiation. And — the juice protected against the suppression induced by “cis-urocanic acid,” a product activated by sunlight.
The researchers were able to determine that the immune-protecting properties of goji berry juice weren’t a result of the vitamin C content or preservatives, but a property of the goji berry itself. They noted that the antioxidant activity in the skin was evident by the significant protection against free radical damage to cells.
Researchers recommend goji berry juice
They concluded that the results of the study suggest that consumption of goji berry juice could provide UV protection for susceptible humans.
Not sure where to find goji berries? You’ll be surprised — you just might find them alongside the other dried fruits and berries at your local grocery. In fact, most goji berries are sold in dried form in North America for obvious reasons.
The Chinese consume goji berries in many different ways: they are eaten raw; brewed into a tea; added to Chinese soups; or made into liquid extracts. If you can’t find goji berries in your neighborhood supermarket, look for them in health food stores.
Also — keep an eye out for the berries in snack foods — they are more frequently being added to snack foods such as trail mix now that the health benefits of the berries are being proven by clinical trials.
Dr. Victor Marchione received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1973 and his Medical Degree from the University of Messina in 1981. He has been licensed and practicing medicine in New York and New Jersey for over 20 years.
Dr. Marchione is a respected leader in the field of smoking cessation and pulmonary medicine. He has been featured on ABC News and World Report, CBS Evening News with Dan Rather and the NBC Today Show and is an editor at the popular Doctor's Health Press website.
Dr. Marchione has also served as Principal Investigator in at least a dozen clinical research projects relating to serious ailments such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Latest posts by Victor Marchione, M.D. (see all)
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It is true that Goji berries are very available from many sources as dried, Goji berries can be easily grown in field soil or a 14″ container. Only producing plants should be purchased of a highly productive cultivar of Lycium barbarum. I have heard from friends that bought root pieces of plants & plants that never yielded fruit. I purchased tissue culture liners several yrs ago that flowered but bore no fruit. The same propagator discovered their error and now sells starters to the nursery industry that are highly productive in the 1st yr. They are hardy from zone 3 – 10, grow best in part shade in the deep south. Use Espoma brand fertilizer and seaweed extract to grow high nutrient dense fruit organically. Tall Harvest SumaGrow microbes are very helpful also. I prefer to grow my own easy stuff when possible then I know what the plant has or has not been exposed to. In a 10 – 14″ pot they could fit on a apartment balcony, or any small space.