Here at BlackHeart Events, we spend a lot of time on the road, and it always amazing me that when I reach for the bag of "Natural Confectionary", Amanda goes reaching for the Goji berries.  So, what the heck are Goji berries, and what's the attraction?

Every year it seems there is an ultimate well being silver bullet proliferating on health food store shelves promising amazing benefits. GOJI or Chinese Wolfberry is one of a number of adaptogens with the added attraction of being derived from an exotically originated Tibetan location (great for marketing hype). Digging beneath the hype, there is an emerging body of solid science around some of the tabloid claims that Goji is an efficacious adaptogen.

The goji berry contains 19 amino acids, including 9 that are essential for proper body functioning. This vitamin rich berry also contains 21 trace minerals, more protein than a serving of whole wheat, and more vitamin C than an orange.

The goji is super abundant in what are known as Glyconutritionals (Phytonutrients, Saccharides). These have been shown to lower cholesterol, increase lean muscle mass, decrease body fat, accelerate wound healing, ease allergy symptoms, and allay autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetes. Bacterial infections, including the recurrent ear infections that plague toddlers, often respond remarkably to saccharides, as do many viruses–from the common cold to the flu, from herpes to HIV. The debilitating symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and  fibromyalgia can abate after adding saccharides. And, for cancer patients, saccharides mitigate the toxic effects of radiation and chemotherapy–while augmenting their cancer-killing effects, resulting  in prolonged survival and improved quality of life. Marine Phytoplankton and Goji (Lycium) berries are a rich source of saccharides/glyconutrients.

The goji berries are also one of the richest sources of antioxidant carotenoids of any known food. They also contain a very powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound called solavetivone, making the goji berries a natural assistive antibiotic. This berry also contains Beta-Sitosterol, which acts as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory agent; of particular relevance to heavily trained athletes.

General Benefits

Anti-Aging - The Goji berry has a unique LBP polysaccharide complex that has been proven to be a powerful secretagogue. The goji has been shown to protect against toxins in aging-related diseases and may be beneficial for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a Hong Kong study published in the August-September 2005 issue of Experimental Gerontology.

The small red berries have also been shown to have anticancer properties. Chinese research published in the European Journal of Pharmacology in June 2003 and Life Sciences in March 2005 showed that goji berries can promote immune response and may prevent cancer cells from spreading.

Goji berries also shown significant benefits for cardiovascular health and overall blood health, non-insulin dependent diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, energy production, infertility, obesity, periodontal disease and sexual dysfunction.

Arthritis - The enzyme superoxide dismutase is a necessary enzyme that counteracts the enzyme superoxide anion, the root cause of arthritis.

Athletic Performance Benefits

Look, the claims here are stretching the boundaries of belief and I struggled to cite any decent sports medicine research to verify these. However, the chemistry of the berry, pending sufficient applied research would tend to lend itself to adaptogenic assistance for the athlete. The goji will assist in helping you to adapt to the progressive loading of a periodised program. Ningxia Goji does contain cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefit’s the heart and blood pressure.  Its anthocyanins help to maintain the strength and integrity of coronary arteries.

Many adaptogens including goji augment the body’s replacement of glycogen and creatine phosphate (CP) — both of which are depleted during exercise and are essential to fuelling muscle activity. As well, the goji polysaccharides help prevent DOMS by increasing activity of the lactic acid removing enzyme lactate dehydrogenase.  It also accelerates clearance of blood urea nitrogen, a toxin produced during exercise.

For athletic performance enhancement, research suggests a daily usage of 60ml to 120ml of high-quality Ningxia GojiTM juice or a 60-100 grams ofA-grade dried berries daily.

Because the plants are native to Asia they are mostly available Down Under in a dried form or as juice. The berries taste great like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry. The dried berries can be added to cereals, smoothies, trail mix, soups or bottled water.

With thanks to AltDirt.