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Goji Berry: A Great Anti-oxidant
Antioxidant rich food add to
health by fighting free radicals. Free radicals are charged oxygen molecules
that our bodies create - and are exposed to. In case of over-riding free
radicals the immune
system, slows down considerably. Also, oxidative damage of biomolecules
increases with age and
is postulated to be a major causal factor of various physiological function
disorders.
There are three main components in the goji berry
(Lycium barbarum) that act as anti-oxidants: polysaccharides,
carotenoid, and germanium.
Goji berries are rich in unique compounds known
as Lycium barbarum polysaccharides.
These nutrients have been shown to enhance immunity and
have a similar chemical structure to immune stimulating compounds with mushrooms
and echinacea. These polysaccharides provide immune cells with special sugars
that enable them to communicate more effectively. According to a study it
was concluded that the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be used in
compensating the decline in Total Anti-oxidant Capacity (TAOC), immune function
and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thereby reduces the risks of lipid
per-oxidation accelerated by age-induced free radical. Antioxidant activities of
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can be compared with normal antioxidant, vitamin
C. Another study indicated
that regular intake of Goji berries could enhance the storage of muscle and
liver glycogen, increase the activity of LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase, an enzyme)
before and after swimming (in swimmers), decrease the increase of blood urea
nitrogen (BUN) after strenuous exercise, and accelerate the clearance of BUN
after exercise. The dosage of LBP-X 10 mg.kg-1.d-1 was the best amount among the
five tested doses.
Another vital anti-oxidant in the goji berry, is carotenoid
in the form of beta-carotene (pro vitamin A compound) and zeaxanthin. Studies
conducted over several years indicate that beta carotene may play a significant
role in reducing the effects of certain illnesses (such as heart disease,
decreased immune function, cataracts, and forms of cancer). Beta-carotene
yields safe levels of vitamin
A in our bodies, promoting normal
cell growth and development, healthy immune function and aiding in improved
eyesight. Zeaxanthin is one of the most common carotenoid alcohols found in
nature and is used to treat disorders of the eye, including limiting the onset
and progression of age-related
macular degeneration. AMD is the leading cause of vision
loss and blindness in those over
65 years of age.
 Germanium
sesquioxide, present only in goji
fruit has been found to be effective in
treating certain types of cancer,
and is also critical in boosting
interferon levels. According to sources
Goji berry contains 124 part/million of
Germanium. Japanese studies indicate
that organic germanium is effective in
the treatment of cervical
cancer, lung cancer, uterine
cancer etc.
The late Dr. Kazuhiko Asai PhD, spent
more than 30 years studying germanium
sesquioxide and lead the field in the
discovery of its healing benefits. In
his book, "Miracle Cure - Organic
Germanium," he wrote about the "electric
potential" of cancer cells being
dramatically different from that of
normal cells. Because cancer cells
multiply at a furious pace, their
"electric potentials" are high and
undergo extremely rapid changes.
Germanium sesquioxide, however, acts to
lower the "electric potentials" of
cancer cells by taking away their
electrons. This, in turn, suppresses the
activities of abnormal (cancer) cells
and also keeps cancer from spreading.
Goji berries can be used a variety of ways. In
Chinese medicine they are used in teas (the heating process extracts the
polysaccharides into the tea water), soup or eaten raw.
It must be cautioned that germanium is not a cure-all compound, and that intake
of too much germanium has been found to have very negative results. Goji berries
may interact with diabetes and blood pressure drugs.
For more input:
Dated 03 August 2012
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