Friday, February 13, 2009

Goji Berries, the King of Antioxidants

By Anne-Marie Pannu

Tufts university in Boston is leading the way in testing fruits and vegetables for their ORAC value. What is ORAC you ask? ORAC is that standard way that antioxidants are measured. It stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. Different fruits and vegetables have different ORAC amounts but the Goji Berry stands out as having the most Antioxidants.

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.

Highest Ranking fruits for ORAC units 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.

Much attention has been given to the goji berry recently in the West and the traditional health-giving properties of the berry are being confirmed in modern scientific studies. Potential benefits 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 are thought to be neuroprotective and anti-cancer, and can be used to reduce the toxic side effects of conventional cancer treatments.

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