Organic Spotlight: Tibetan Goji Berries
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger
Did you know that in valleys of Tibet and Mongolia there grows special berry that the locals cherish to the extent that they honor it in a special two-week long celebration each year? It’s also well documented that many people in these regions live free of common disease, and for well over a hundred years.
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.
Facts about Tibetan Goji Berries
- There are many varieties of Lycium. One in particular is called “goji.” And goji is considered to be the Mother of all Lyciums!
- Goji grows in very remote unpolluted hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia. The soil that it grows in is so rich in nutrients that the berries are practically exploding with nourishing vitality.
- Local wildcrafters are careful to distinguish the goji berry from its distantly related offspring, the Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum). Whilst the later evolved (over centuries) from the goji berry, its genetic makeup differs considerably.
- The nutrient dense energy of the Tibetan Goji berry has been recognized to have the highest in nutritional value of all the 80 plus varieties of Lycium berries on Earth!
Healing Powers of Tibetan Goji Berries
- Relieves flatulence and works as a mild laxative
- Aids in reducing fever
- Antibacterial
- Used in treating ulcers
- Thought to have cancer treating properties when ingested.
- The fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals. It’s especially rich in vitamins A, C and E, flavoniods, essential fatty acids, and other bioactive compounds
How to use Tibetan Goji Berries
- Eat the whole berry (fresh or dried)
- Add to hot or cold cereals
- Add to teas, fruit juices, smoothies etc
- Can be cooked with in any meal (the sky is the limit with this ultimate berry!)
Sunday, 2. March 2008
I am curious about your take on Goji Juice. There are quite a few people who have approached me about this and every time I turn them away. Is there really a benefit when one is not consuming the entire berry? Does the potency change?
Your thoughts?
Monday, 10. March 2008
Goji berries are a great alternative if one does not favor taking organic supplements.
Sunday, 24. August 2008
Fruits and berries offer tremendous health enhancing qualities and contain hundreds of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, essential fatty acids, fiber & phytonutrients. The 4 “Super Fruits” contained in Chews-4-Health are considered by many experts to be the most nutrient rich fruits the world has to offer. Our carefully selected super-fruit complex gives you the power of all 4 in one supplement.
Monday, 27. October 2008
I feel sorry for so many ‘Tibetan goji’ followers. Please visit my website go-goji.com to seek truth. I solemnly claim there is no such thing of ‘Tibetan goji’ on the world. None of the Tibetan knows ‘Tibetan goji’ while many of them are acquainted with Ningxia goji. There is no difference between ‘Tibetan goji’ and Chinese wolfberry simply because ‘Tibetan goji’ does not exist! Ningxia China has long history of growing goji. I am born in the zhongning - hometown of goji and I’ve never heard of any ‘Tibetan goji’ in my life. In China it is well known the best goji is produced in Zhongning, Ningxia. Other provinces started to grow goji in late 1990’s. If you ask any Chinese (including Tibetan) no one knows there is ‘Tibetan goji’. I guess only westerners who have little information of goji believe ‘Tibetan goji’.
As a native of the hometown of goji in China, I am enough with this kind of groundless claims. I welcome questions or even debate from anyone, but please review my website go-goji.com first to point out anything that is not correct. For those who intentionlly make up ‘Tibetan goji’ legend for marketing purpose, I have nothing to say. I am here just want to tell the truth. Goji customers, you may have noble motivation to help Tibetans by buying ‘Tibetan goji’, but believe me not even a penny has been earned by Tibetan farmers, you are feeding fat some online goji traders who sell Chinese goji or wolfberry under the name Tibet!