Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Goji Berries, the King of Antioxidants

By Anne-Marie Pannu

A study from Tufts University in Boston ranks the antioxidant value of commonly eaten fruits and vegetables using an analysis called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). This is a test tube analysis that measures the total antioxidant power of foods and other chemical substances

Cellular damage and oxidation is caused by free radicals. SO what do these and antioxidants have in common? Well antioxidants help fight off these free radicals, which in return keep you young, and feeling fresh. They have been proven effective in some diseases like macular degeneration. Some more popular antioxidants are Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Beta Carotene, just to name a couple. Even those these have some antioxidants there are much more powerful choices available for you to choose from. Goji berries for example may be the highest antioxidant you can get.

Top scoring fruits for units ORAC per 100 grams (about 3" ounces) Fruits: Goji Berry- Up to 25,000 ORAC levels, only certain companies look for the best, Prunes -- 5570, Raisins -- 2830, Blueberries -- 2400, Blackberries -- 2036, Strawberries -- 1540, Raspberries -- 1220, Plums -- 949, Oranges -- 750, Red grapes -- 739, Cherries -- 670, Kiwi fruit -- 602, Grapefruit, pink -- 483

In Chinese Traditional Medicine Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) are believed to enhance immune system function, protect the liver, improve eyesight and improve circulation, among other effects. Goji Berries have long played an important role in traditional Eastern medicine, and are thought to extend the life of a person through their powerful antioxidant action, thereby protecting them from premature aging.

Potential benefits of Goji Berries include blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar stabilization, an increase in energy and strength, disease resistance, including cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, and improved memory, fertility, and general overall health. Goji berries contain 19 amino acids, including all 8 essential ones, 21 trace minerals, including germanium (anti-cancer, rarely found in foods), 13% protein, a complete spectrum of carotenoids (the richest source of all known foods), vitamins C, B, E, and essential fatty acids

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