Goji Berry:  The Longevity Fruit
by Sue Roberts

Goji (pronounced go-gee) berry food products are quite the rage these days.  They seem
to be popping up everywhere, as either an ingredient in trail mix or crunch bars or alone as
a juice, tea or dried fruit.  Goji berries, or wolfberries as they are sometimes called, are far
from a new food, though, having been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to cure a
variety of ailments.

The nickname “Longevity Fruit” comes from the fact that in Northern China where the
availability and consumption of the fruit is high, there are over 16 times the number of
people over 100 years old as compared to the rest of the country.  These centenarians
tend to be much healthier and more active than their counterparts in Western culture.

Ancient folklore has it that a Chinese man who ate Goji berries lived to the ripe old age of
252 years!  No wonder its known as the “Longevity Fruit”!  One source has also coined
the nickname “Hallelujah Berry.”

Well, is there any truth to these claims?

As is the case with many herbal and dietary supplements, sufficient scientific evidence
to prove therapeutic benefits is not available yet.

Here’s what is known:  Goji berries are nutritious foods that are considered pretty safe
for everyone except for pregnant or lactating women.  (They should avoid consuming
Goji berries until more is known about how this food actually works in the body.)

It is recommended that individuals limit their consumption of Goji fruit to 10 – 30g per
day, due to the selenium content which can be toxic at high intake levels.

It is believed that Goji berries may act to lower blood glucose, thus it is recommended that
other herbs and supplements known to reduce blood sugar, such as ginger, kudzu and
fenugreek, should not be consumed along with Goji berries in order to prevent hypoglycemia. 
As a precautionary measure, herbs such as ginger, ginseng, turmeric and valerian should
also not be taken along with Goji fruits because of a possible combined anti-hypertensive effect.

How nutritious are Goji berries?

Consider this. Goji berries are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  By weight,
they contain 68% carbohydrate, 12% protein, 10% fat and 10% fiber, with 370 calories per 100g.  They also contain 33 minerals, 18 amino acids and 6 vitamins.

Want more specifics?  Take a look at these impressive facts:

    Nutrient Content
               per 100g dried fruit*

                                                *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfberry

This fruit is so good for you it must taste awful, right?  Wrong.  Goji berries have a  flavor
that is quite pleasing, like cranberries, raspberries and strawberries all wrapped up together.

Before you run out to the health foods store to buy some, keep in mind that Goji berry food products can be quite expensive.  It is not unheard of for a 32 ounce bottle of 100% juice
to cost $13 or more.

If  you are willing to pay the price, tap into the nutritional powerhouse contained in Goji
berries, maybe you’ll live to be 252, too!

Copyright  June 1, 2007  Sue Roberts, MPH MS RD/CN
As a certified nutritionist and registered dietitan for over 20 years, Sue is passionate about helping you become your healthiest ever! She provides completely confidential online nutrition counseling, wellness coaching and education services at www.YourOnlineNutritionist.com

Your Online Nutritionist
PO Box 4354
West Richland, WA 99353
ph: 1.888.609.2211 (toll free)
fax: 309.401.8759
sue@youronlinenutritionist.com