Anyone up for some Thanksgiving Turkeysterone?
- Thread starter dsade
- Start date
Mach .78
Registered User
Goji has been used for thousands of years in Asia and is now gaining popularity in the western world. Many believe that the extract boosts the immune system, helps control blood sugar, prevents eye problems, fights cancer, and facilitates weight loss. If you would like to purchase the berries or goji beans, they won't be easy to find. Currently they aren't commonly found in health food stores, so you may need to go online. They are pricey but their benefits are worth the expense.
When it comes to alternative healing, you either get it, or you don't. You're a believer, or you're not. Aloe juice, mushrooms, green tea, homeopathic pain remedies; we've seen them come and go. The newest entry in natural healing is goji, a substance made from berries that are so cherished by the people of Central Asia that a yearly two-week-long festival is held in their honor.
After thousands of years of use, goji maintains a reputation of both healing and prevention properties. Tao Hong Jing (456-536 A.D.), a Taoist master, wrote that goji increases vital energy, while strengthening the user's capacity for physical exercise. Among medicinal plants, goji is a colossus that few Americans knew existed until the berry was subjected to peer-reviewed scientific studies in the past two years that appear to make the case for its effectiveness.
Goji's Health Benefits
Users believe that goji extends life, strengthens the immune system, controls hypertension, relieves headaches, controls blood sugar among diabetics, supports eye and heart health, eliminates sexual dysfunction and menopause symptoms, relieves stress and depression, eliminates insomnia, and helps with weight loss.
These are very substantial claims for the little plant, and ongoing research is testing its effectiveness in cancer treatment and prevention, HIV treatment, and DNA restoration. If goji's effectiveness in these diseases is disproved, there is no evidence that the plant causes any harm to the human body. In other words, even if it doesn't help you, goji won't harm you. It's also safe for children and household canine and feline pets.
Mach-I also found a couple of places stating that it increases GH levels. I couldn't really find any real technical data on it. Many of it's benefits come from both folklore and users experiences. The Asians fall all over this stuff. You really should google it and learn more about it. If you can get it at a good price, people outside of your regular customer base will no doubt become loyal followers. Goji is gaining Cult status from the testimonials I've read.
When it comes to alternative healing, you either get it, or you don't. You're a believer, or you're not. Aloe juice, mushrooms, green tea, homeopathic pain remedies; we've seen them come and go. The newest entry in natural healing is goji, a substance made from berries that are so cherished by the people of Central Asia that a yearly two-week-long festival is held in their honor.
After thousands of years of use, goji maintains a reputation of both healing and prevention properties. Tao Hong Jing (456-536 A.D.), a Taoist master, wrote that goji increases vital energy, while strengthening the user's capacity for physical exercise. Among medicinal plants, goji is a colossus that few Americans knew existed until the berry was subjected to peer-reviewed scientific studies in the past two years that appear to make the case for its effectiveness.
Goji's Health Benefits
Users believe that goji extends life, strengthens the immune system, controls hypertension, relieves headaches, controls blood sugar among diabetics, supports eye and heart health, eliminates sexual dysfunction and menopause symptoms, relieves stress and depression, eliminates insomnia, and helps with weight loss.
These are very substantial claims for the little plant, and ongoing research is testing its effectiveness in cancer treatment and prevention, HIV treatment, and DNA restoration. If goji's effectiveness in these diseases is disproved, there is no evidence that the plant causes any harm to the human body. In other words, even if it doesn't help you, goji won't harm you. It's also safe for children and household canine and feline pets.
Mach-I also found a couple of places stating that it increases GH levels. I couldn't really find any real technical data on it. Many of it's benefits come from both folklore and users experiences. The Asians fall all over this stuff. You really should google it and learn more about it. If you can get it at a good price, people outside of your regular customer base will no doubt become loyal followers. Goji is gaining Cult status from the testimonials I've read.
mmowry
Board Sponsor
Goji also known as Wolfberry ORAC >30,000
[edit] Etymology
"Wolfberry" is the most commonly used English name for the plant, while gǒuqǐ (枸杞) is the Chinese name. In Chinese, the berries themselves are called gǒuqǐzi (枸杞子), with zi meaning "seed" or specifically "berry". Other common names are "the Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree",[1] and "matrimony vine."[2] Wolfberry is also known pharmacologically as Lycii Fructus (lycium fruit).
Lycium, the genus name, is believed to derive from the ancient Mid-Asian region of Lydia whereas barbarum, the species name, suggests that the plant was of foreign origin, perhaps originating outside China. Together, these names are used as specific botanical identifiers in the binomial (or binary) epithet. The end abbreviation, L., represents the nomenclature system devised by Carolus Linnaeus, the father of modern biological taxonomy. Lycium barbarum L. was apparently first named in the Linnaeus system in 1753.
In the English-speaking world, "goji berry" has been widely used in recent years as a synonym for wolfberry. While the origin of this spelling is unclear, it is probably a simplified contraction of gǒuqǐ.
In Japan the plant is known as kuko (クコ), in Korea the berries are known as gugija (hangul: 구기자; hanja: 枸杞子), and in Thailand the plant is called găo gèe (เก๋ากี่).
[edit] Medicinal use
Wolfberries and Lycium bark have long played important roles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other effects. In TCM terms, wolfberries are sweet in taste and neutral in nature; they act on the liver, lung, and kidney channels and enrich yin. They can be eaten raw, consumed as juice or wine, brewed into a tea, or prepared as a tincture.
An early mention of wolfberry occurs in the 7th century Tang Dynasty treatise Yaoxing Lun. It is also discussed in the 16th century Ming Dynasty Compendium of Materia Medica of Li Shizhen.
There are also many published studies, mostly from China (see Pubmed), on the possible medicinal benefits of Lycium barbarum, including research on cancer, aging, immune functions and diabetes. Little of this research has been confirmed by western science, approved as clinical conclusions, or accepted by regulatory authorities to allow any health claims.
[edit] Culinary use
As a food, dried wolfberries are also eaten raw or cooked. Their taste is similar to that of raisins, though tarter and stronger. Dried wolfberry is an ingredient often used in Chinese soups. Young shoots and leaves are also grown commercially as a leaf vegetable. A wine containing wolfberries (called gǒuqǐ jiǔ; 枸杞酒) is also produced.[5]
[edit] Nutrient content
Wolfberries are nutritionally rich, containing the carotenoids - beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene, at least 6 vitamins (examples, vitamins C, B1, B2), over 30 essential and trace minerals, polyphenolic antioxidants, and amino acids.
Companies marketing wolfberry products such as juice, powders and dried berries report contract laboratory assays showing uniformly high contents for 18 amino acids (examples, isoleucine, tryptophan, leucine and arginine), 11 essential minerals (examples, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, selenium, phosphorus), 22 trace minerals and vitamins (especially thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and vitamin C.[6][7] Of course, certain methods of preparation (e.g., the commonly available dried fruits) may have decreased the amount of water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C particularly, for which they are so highly reputed).
Two recent book publications[6][7] provide thorough nutrient assays by independent contract laboratories and discussions of these exceptional nutritional qualities in wolfberries, advancing a working thesis that wolfberry is one of nature's most nutrient-rich plant foods.
[edit] Macronutrients
Wolfberry contains significant percentages of a day's macronutrient needs – carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fiber. 68% of the mass of a wolfberry exists as carbohydrate, 12% as protein, and 10% each as fiber and fat, giving a total caloric value of 370 for a 100 gram serving.
Soybean, another ancient Chinese plant among the world's most complete foods, is comparable across macronutrients. Although wolfberries and soybeans are similar as regards their macronutrient content, wolfberries provide a significantly higher source of calories as energy from carbohydrates (soybeans = 173 calories). Blueberries, by contrast, do not have as much macronutrient or caloric value.
Seeds contain the wolfberry's polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids.
[edit] Micronutrients
Wolfberry's diversity and high concentration of micronutrients brand it as an exceptional health food with quantitative examples below. The following data are presented for 100 grams of the most commonly eaten preparations, i.e., dried wolfberries,[7] fresh blueberries,[8] and boiled mature soybeans.[9] Although numerous other nutrients of wolfberries and soybeans or blueberries could be compared (as was done in [7]), the following nutrients represent examples of wolfberry's richness.
Calcium. The primary constituent of teeth and bones, calcium has a diverse role also in soft tissues where it is involved in cardiac, neuromuscular, enzymatic, hormonal, and transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Wolfberries and soybeans contain 112 mg and 102 mg per 100 gram serving, respectively, providing about 8-10% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
Potassium. An essential electrolyte and enzyme cofactor, dietary potassium can lower high blood pressure. Giving about 24% of the RDI (1132 mg/100 gram), wolfberries are an excellent source, providing more than twice the amount of soybeans.
Iron. An oxygen carrier on hemoglobin, iron also is a cofactor for enzymes involved in numerous metabolic reactions. When intake is deficient, low iron levels cause iron deficiency anemia affecting millions of children worldwide. Wolfberry’s exceptional iron content, 100% DRI at 9 mg/100 grams, is twice that provided by soybeans, often regarded as the best plant source of iron.
Zinc. Essential for making proteins, DNA and functions of over 100 enzymes, zinc is involved in critical cell activities such as membrane transport, repair and growth, especially in infants. Zinc in wolfberries (2 mg/100 grams) has a high content (double the amount of soybeans), meeting 20% of RDI.
Selenium. Sometimes called the “antioxidant mineral”, selenium is often included in supplements. Selenium has unusually high concentration in wolfberries (50 micrograms/100 grams), nearly 100% of the RDI whereas blueberries and soybeans are not important sources (8 micrograms or less).
Riboflavin (vitamin B2). An essential vitamin supporting energy metabolism, riboflavin is needed for synthesizing other vitamins and enzymes. A daily wolfberry serving provides the complete RDI (1.3 mg) whereas soybeans and blueberries have relatively low levels of this important vitamin (< 0.3 mg/100 grams).
Vitamin C. A universal antioxidant vitamin protecting other antioxidant molecules from free radical damage, vitamin C content in dried wolfberries has a range (from different sources) of 29 mg/100 grams to as high as 148 mg/100 grams. Even the lower estimate is a multiple of equal weights of blueberries or soybeans, providing about 35% of the RDI. Reports on vitamin C content from other wolfberry preparations, such as juice concentrate or juice powder, have been significantly higher. The note below offers possible explanation for these discrepancies.
[Note on micronutrient contents: differences in the degree of berry maturation at the time of picking, soil conditions and geographic region where the berries were grown, post-harvest handling and processing, duration of storage, residual water content and assay preparation can significantly affect individual nutrient contents, especially those for vitamins and phytochemicals. These factors make data comparisons between different assays or sources difficult to reconcile].
[edit] Phytochemicals
Wolfberries contain dozens of phytochemicals whose properties are under scientific study. Five of these are of particular interest:[6][7]
Beta carotene. A carotenoid pigment in orange-red foods like wolfberries, pumpkins, carrots and salmon, beta-carotene is important for synthesis of vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient and antioxidant essential for normal growth, vision, cell structure, bones and teeth and healthy skin. Wolfberry's beta-carotene content per unit weight (7 mg/100 grams) is among the highest for edible plants.
Zeaxanthin. Wolfberries are an extraordinary source for this carotenoid important as a retinal antioxidant and pigment filter of ultraviolet light. Wolfberries contain 162 mg/100 grams.
Lycopene. Unknown previously as a constituent of berry fruit, lycopene in powder made from wolfberry juice concentrate has been measured at 1.4 mg/100 grams (contracted assay, UBE Analytical Labs) . As lycopene's antioxidant role as a possible cancer-inhibiting agent occurs at microgram blood levels in humans, this is a potentially important discovery inviting further research.
Polysaccharides. Long-chain sugar molecules characteristic of many herbal medicines like mushrooms and roots, polysaccharides are a signature constituent of wolfberries, making up 31% of pulp weight in premium quality wolfberries. Polysaccharides are a primary source of fermentable dietary fiber in the intestinal system. Upon colonic metabolism, fermentable or "soluble fibers" yield short-chain fatty acids which 1) are valuable for health of the colonic mucosal lining, 2) enhance mineral uptake, 3) stabilize blood glucose levels, 4) lower pH and reduce colon cancer risk and 5) stimulate the immune system. Polysaccharides also display antioxidant activity.
Phenolics. Also called phenols or polyphenols, this group of phytochemicals numbers in the thousands of individual chemicals existing across the plant kingdom, mainly as protective astringents or pigments that give bright colors to plants like the red, ripe wolfberry (photo top right). Phenolic pigments have the metabolic property of high antioxidant capability transferable to animals by eating the plant. New assays have demonstrated the presence in wolfberries of phenolics such as ellagic acid (86 mg/100 grams) and p-coumaric acid, with a total phenolics content of 1,309 mg/100 grams -- one of the highest values for any plant food yet tested.[6][10]
[edit] Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity
Wolfberry's richness in carotenoids, phenolics and vitamin C creates potential for an extraordinary synergy of antioxidant strength, a measure determined by test tube assays of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).
In 2004, scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture published an extensive list of ORAC values for over 100 common foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices, grains, etc.).[11] Values were reported as micromoles (μmol) of Trolox equivalents (TE, vitamin E derivative) per gram both for lipid-soluble ("lipophilic" as for carotenoids) and water-soluble ("hydrophilic" as for phenolics) antioxidant chemicals in foods, thus were a sum of lipophilic and hydrophilic values or total ORAC. The data of Wu et al. showed that all plants have variable amounts of both lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals with antioxidant properties contributing to total ORAC.[11]
Spices (clove, cinnamon) showed the highest ORAC values (>250,000, converted to μmol TE per 100 grams) whereas, among commonly eaten foods, dark berries (known to be rich in phenolics), such as cranberry and lowbush blueberry, were highest (around 9,300 μmol TE per 100 grams) (note: wolfberries were not assessed in this study). By comparison, different species of apples had ORAC values of 4,275 μmol TE per 100 grams or less, white potato was under 1,100, peanut was 3,166 and tomato about 400.
In their 2005 book,[6] Young et al. report ORAC for dried wolfberries as 30,300 μmol TE per 100 grams, indicating exceptional antioxidant strength likely resulting from the synergy mentioned above for wolfberry's diversity of antioxidant phytochemicals. This exceptional ORAC has not been peer-reviewed or confirmed in publication by other research.
Among high-antioxidant berries and fruits whose ORAC values have been reported as marketing information (unconfirmed by scientific peer-review) are açaí at 34,000 (freeze dried powder, Sambazon) and pomegranate at 10,500 (References, Brunswick Laboratories).
[edit] Functional food and beverage applications
Cultivated for a variety of food and beverage applications within China, but increasingly today for export as dried berries, juice and powders of pulp or juice, wolfberries are prized for their versatility of color and nut-like taste in common meals, snacks, beverages and medicinal applications. A major effort is underway in Ningxia, China to process wolfberries for “functional” wine.
Despite no evidence from clinical research, myths of wolfberry’s traditional health benefits endure, including longevity, aphrodisia, analgesia, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-stimulating properties, muscular strength, energy, and vision health.[12][7]
In laboratory animal models, in vitro methods and preliminary human research to date, whole wolfberry or its extracts have demonstrated potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, some forms of cancer, diabetes, premature aging, memory deficits, vision degeneration (such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma), and lung disorders, among other diseases of oxidative stress (extensive references cited in [6][7]).
Particularly regarding its antioxidant strength, wolfberry's carotenoids (primarily beta-carotene and zeaxanthin) combined with polysaccharides and vitamin C may make this berry exceptional as an antioxidant food source, although this quality has not yet been adequately demonstrated in peer-reviewed research.
For retinal health specifically, wolfberry vitamin C, carotenoids and minerals like zinc would support prevention against age-related macular degeneration (the most common cause of blindness among the elderly). These nutrients are used together in commercial supplements for eye health during aging [7] and wolfberry has long been associated with this benefit in traditional Chinese medicine.
Although not yet confirmed in peer-reviewed literature, wolfberries may contain an abundance of phenolic acids (phenolics, phenols or polyphenols), the major class of water-soluble antioxidant pigments in blueberry, cranberry, black raspberry and açaí. At a reported 86 mg per 100 grams of fruit, the phenolic ellagic acid appears to be especially rich in wolfberries [6]. Should this phenolic capacity be confirmed and extended to include the likely presence of other phenolic chemicals, the combination of rich contents in wolfberries of lipid-soluble ("lipophilic") antioxidants (carotenoids) plus water-soluble ("hydrophilic") antioxidants (phenolics) would make wolfberries exceptional as an antioxidant food source.
Micronutrient density combined with diverse phytochemicals like carotenoids, phenolics and polysaccharides give wolfberries remarkable nutritional qualities, qualifying this berry as one of nature's most nutrient-rich plant foods
[edit] Etymology
"Wolfberry" is the most commonly used English name for the plant, while gǒuqǐ (枸杞) is the Chinese name. In Chinese, the berries themselves are called gǒuqǐzi (枸杞子), with zi meaning "seed" or specifically "berry". Other common names are "the Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree",[1] and "matrimony vine."[2] Wolfberry is also known pharmacologically as Lycii Fructus (lycium fruit).
Lycium, the genus name, is believed to derive from the ancient Mid-Asian region of Lydia whereas barbarum, the species name, suggests that the plant was of foreign origin, perhaps originating outside China. Together, these names are used as specific botanical identifiers in the binomial (or binary) epithet. The end abbreviation, L., represents the nomenclature system devised by Carolus Linnaeus, the father of modern biological taxonomy. Lycium barbarum L. was apparently first named in the Linnaeus system in 1753.
In the English-speaking world, "goji berry" has been widely used in recent years as a synonym for wolfberry. While the origin of this spelling is unclear, it is probably a simplified contraction of gǒuqǐ.
In Japan the plant is known as kuko (クコ), in Korea the berries are known as gugija (hangul: 구기자; hanja: 枸杞子), and in Thailand the plant is called găo gèe (เก๋ากี่).
[edit] Medicinal use
Wolfberries and Lycium bark have long played important roles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where they are believed to enhance immune system function, improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other effects. In TCM terms, wolfberries are sweet in taste and neutral in nature; they act on the liver, lung, and kidney channels and enrich yin. They can be eaten raw, consumed as juice or wine, brewed into a tea, or prepared as a tincture.
An early mention of wolfberry occurs in the 7th century Tang Dynasty treatise Yaoxing Lun. It is also discussed in the 16th century Ming Dynasty Compendium of Materia Medica of Li Shizhen.
There are also many published studies, mostly from China (see Pubmed), on the possible medicinal benefits of Lycium barbarum, including research on cancer, aging, immune functions and diabetes. Little of this research has been confirmed by western science, approved as clinical conclusions, or accepted by regulatory authorities to allow any health claims.
[edit] Culinary use
As a food, dried wolfberries are also eaten raw or cooked. Their taste is similar to that of raisins, though tarter and stronger. Dried wolfberry is an ingredient often used in Chinese soups. Young shoots and leaves are also grown commercially as a leaf vegetable. A wine containing wolfberries (called gǒuqǐ jiǔ; 枸杞酒) is also produced.[5]
[edit] Nutrient content
Wolfberries are nutritionally rich, containing the carotenoids - beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene, at least 6 vitamins (examples, vitamins C, B1, B2), over 30 essential and trace minerals, polyphenolic antioxidants, and amino acids.
Companies marketing wolfberry products such as juice, powders and dried berries report contract laboratory assays showing uniformly high contents for 18 amino acids (examples, isoleucine, tryptophan, leucine and arginine), 11 essential minerals (examples, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, selenium, phosphorus), 22 trace minerals and vitamins (especially thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and vitamin C.[6][7] Of course, certain methods of preparation (e.g., the commonly available dried fruits) may have decreased the amount of water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C particularly, for which they are so highly reputed).
Two recent book publications[6][7] provide thorough nutrient assays by independent contract laboratories and discussions of these exceptional nutritional qualities in wolfberries, advancing a working thesis that wolfberry is one of nature's most nutrient-rich plant foods.
[edit] Macronutrients
Wolfberry contains significant percentages of a day's macronutrient needs – carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fiber. 68% of the mass of a wolfberry exists as carbohydrate, 12% as protein, and 10% each as fiber and fat, giving a total caloric value of 370 for a 100 gram serving.
Soybean, another ancient Chinese plant among the world's most complete foods, is comparable across macronutrients. Although wolfberries and soybeans are similar as regards their macronutrient content, wolfberries provide a significantly higher source of calories as energy from carbohydrates (soybeans = 173 calories). Blueberries, by contrast, do not have as much macronutrient or caloric value.
Seeds contain the wolfberry's polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids.
[edit] Micronutrients
Wolfberry's diversity and high concentration of micronutrients brand it as an exceptional health food with quantitative examples below. The following data are presented for 100 grams of the most commonly eaten preparations, i.e., dried wolfberries,[7] fresh blueberries,[8] and boiled mature soybeans.[9] Although numerous other nutrients of wolfberries and soybeans or blueberries could be compared (as was done in [7]), the following nutrients represent examples of wolfberry's richness.
Calcium. The primary constituent of teeth and bones, calcium has a diverse role also in soft tissues where it is involved in cardiac, neuromuscular, enzymatic, hormonal, and transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Wolfberries and soybeans contain 112 mg and 102 mg per 100 gram serving, respectively, providing about 8-10% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
Potassium. An essential electrolyte and enzyme cofactor, dietary potassium can lower high blood pressure. Giving about 24% of the RDI (1132 mg/100 gram), wolfberries are an excellent source, providing more than twice the amount of soybeans.
Iron. An oxygen carrier on hemoglobin, iron also is a cofactor for enzymes involved in numerous metabolic reactions. When intake is deficient, low iron levels cause iron deficiency anemia affecting millions of children worldwide. Wolfberry’s exceptional iron content, 100% DRI at 9 mg/100 grams, is twice that provided by soybeans, often regarded as the best plant source of iron.
Zinc. Essential for making proteins, DNA and functions of over 100 enzymes, zinc is involved in critical cell activities such as membrane transport, repair and growth, especially in infants. Zinc in wolfberries (2 mg/100 grams) has a high content (double the amount of soybeans), meeting 20% of RDI.
Selenium. Sometimes called the “antioxidant mineral”, selenium is often included in supplements. Selenium has unusually high concentration in wolfberries (50 micrograms/100 grams), nearly 100% of the RDI whereas blueberries and soybeans are not important sources (8 micrograms or less).
Riboflavin (vitamin B2). An essential vitamin supporting energy metabolism, riboflavin is needed for synthesizing other vitamins and enzymes. A daily wolfberry serving provides the complete RDI (1.3 mg) whereas soybeans and blueberries have relatively low levels of this important vitamin (< 0.3 mg/100 grams).
Vitamin C. A universal antioxidant vitamin protecting other antioxidant molecules from free radical damage, vitamin C content in dried wolfberries has a range (from different sources) of 29 mg/100 grams to as high as 148 mg/100 grams. Even the lower estimate is a multiple of equal weights of blueberries or soybeans, providing about 35% of the RDI. Reports on vitamin C content from other wolfberry preparations, such as juice concentrate or juice powder, have been significantly higher. The note below offers possible explanation for these discrepancies.
[Note on micronutrient contents: differences in the degree of berry maturation at the time of picking, soil conditions and geographic region where the berries were grown, post-harvest handling and processing, duration of storage, residual water content and assay preparation can significantly affect individual nutrient contents, especially those for vitamins and phytochemicals. These factors make data comparisons between different assays or sources difficult to reconcile].
[edit] Phytochemicals
Wolfberries contain dozens of phytochemicals whose properties are under scientific study. Five of these are of particular interest:[6][7]
Beta carotene. A carotenoid pigment in orange-red foods like wolfberries, pumpkins, carrots and salmon, beta-carotene is important for synthesis of vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient and antioxidant essential for normal growth, vision, cell structure, bones and teeth and healthy skin. Wolfberry's beta-carotene content per unit weight (7 mg/100 grams) is among the highest for edible plants.
Zeaxanthin. Wolfberries are an extraordinary source for this carotenoid important as a retinal antioxidant and pigment filter of ultraviolet light. Wolfberries contain 162 mg/100 grams.
Lycopene. Unknown previously as a constituent of berry fruit, lycopene in powder made from wolfberry juice concentrate has been measured at 1.4 mg/100 grams (contracted assay, UBE Analytical Labs) . As lycopene's antioxidant role as a possible cancer-inhibiting agent occurs at microgram blood levels in humans, this is a potentially important discovery inviting further research.
Polysaccharides. Long-chain sugar molecules characteristic of many herbal medicines like mushrooms and roots, polysaccharides are a signature constituent of wolfberries, making up 31% of pulp weight in premium quality wolfberries. Polysaccharides are a primary source of fermentable dietary fiber in the intestinal system. Upon colonic metabolism, fermentable or "soluble fibers" yield short-chain fatty acids which 1) are valuable for health of the colonic mucosal lining, 2) enhance mineral uptake, 3) stabilize blood glucose levels, 4) lower pH and reduce colon cancer risk and 5) stimulate the immune system. Polysaccharides also display antioxidant activity.
Phenolics. Also called phenols or polyphenols, this group of phytochemicals numbers in the thousands of individual chemicals existing across the plant kingdom, mainly as protective astringents or pigments that give bright colors to plants like the red, ripe wolfberry (photo top right). Phenolic pigments have the metabolic property of high antioxidant capability transferable to animals by eating the plant. New assays have demonstrated the presence in wolfberries of phenolics such as ellagic acid (86 mg/100 grams) and p-coumaric acid, with a total phenolics content of 1,309 mg/100 grams -- one of the highest values for any plant food yet tested.[6][10]
[edit] Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity
Wolfberry's richness in carotenoids, phenolics and vitamin C creates potential for an extraordinary synergy of antioxidant strength, a measure determined by test tube assays of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).
In 2004, scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture published an extensive list of ORAC values for over 100 common foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices, grains, etc.).[11] Values were reported as micromoles (μmol) of Trolox equivalents (TE, vitamin E derivative) per gram both for lipid-soluble ("lipophilic" as for carotenoids) and water-soluble ("hydrophilic" as for phenolics) antioxidant chemicals in foods, thus were a sum of lipophilic and hydrophilic values or total ORAC. The data of Wu et al. showed that all plants have variable amounts of both lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals with antioxidant properties contributing to total ORAC.[11]
Spices (clove, cinnamon) showed the highest ORAC values (>250,000, converted to μmol TE per 100 grams) whereas, among commonly eaten foods, dark berries (known to be rich in phenolics), such as cranberry and lowbush blueberry, were highest (around 9,300 μmol TE per 100 grams) (note: wolfberries were not assessed in this study). By comparison, different species of apples had ORAC values of 4,275 μmol TE per 100 grams or less, white potato was under 1,100, peanut was 3,166 and tomato about 400.
In their 2005 book,[6] Young et al. report ORAC for dried wolfberries as 30,300 μmol TE per 100 grams, indicating exceptional antioxidant strength likely resulting from the synergy mentioned above for wolfberry's diversity of antioxidant phytochemicals. This exceptional ORAC has not been peer-reviewed or confirmed in publication by other research.
Among high-antioxidant berries and fruits whose ORAC values have been reported as marketing information (unconfirmed by scientific peer-review) are açaí at 34,000 (freeze dried powder, Sambazon) and pomegranate at 10,500 (References, Brunswick Laboratories).
[edit] Functional food and beverage applications
Cultivated for a variety of food and beverage applications within China, but increasingly today for export as dried berries, juice and powders of pulp or juice, wolfberries are prized for their versatility of color and nut-like taste in common meals, snacks, beverages and medicinal applications. A major effort is underway in Ningxia, China to process wolfberries for “functional” wine.
Despite no evidence from clinical research, myths of wolfberry’s traditional health benefits endure, including longevity, aphrodisia, analgesia, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-stimulating properties, muscular strength, energy, and vision health.[12][7]
In laboratory animal models, in vitro methods and preliminary human research to date, whole wolfberry or its extracts have demonstrated potential benefits against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, some forms of cancer, diabetes, premature aging, memory deficits, vision degeneration (such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma), and lung disorders, among other diseases of oxidative stress (extensive references cited in [6][7]).
Particularly regarding its antioxidant strength, wolfberry's carotenoids (primarily beta-carotene and zeaxanthin) combined with polysaccharides and vitamin C may make this berry exceptional as an antioxidant food source, although this quality has not yet been adequately demonstrated in peer-reviewed research.
For retinal health specifically, wolfberry vitamin C, carotenoids and minerals like zinc would support prevention against age-related macular degeneration (the most common cause of blindness among the elderly). These nutrients are used together in commercial supplements for eye health during aging [7] and wolfberry has long been associated with this benefit in traditional Chinese medicine.
Although not yet confirmed in peer-reviewed literature, wolfberries may contain an abundance of phenolic acids (phenolics, phenols or polyphenols), the major class of water-soluble antioxidant pigments in blueberry, cranberry, black raspberry and açaí. At a reported 86 mg per 100 grams of fruit, the phenolic ellagic acid appears to be especially rich in wolfberries [6]. Should this phenolic capacity be confirmed and extended to include the likely presence of other phenolic chemicals, the combination of rich contents in wolfberries of lipid-soluble ("lipophilic") antioxidants (carotenoids) plus water-soluble ("hydrophilic") antioxidants (phenolics) would make wolfberries exceptional as an antioxidant food source.
Micronutrient density combined with diverse phytochemicals like carotenoids, phenolics and polysaccharides give wolfberries remarkable nutritional qualities, qualifying this berry as one of nature's most nutrient-rich plant foods
Mach .78
Registered User
Pa.protomike said:
Lewes,De.
Fl. in that order
I know The Rusty Rudder too well.
I knew those guys when they started playing at Areas Deli in Rehoboth. We spent many years marinating in beer together.
I used to Guard on Cape Henlopen with Rick Artz (lead singer), and Will Stack (rhythm guitar). Oh, You are talking about Pete(bass) right? Crazy azz fool, he is. They used to dedicate "Friend of the Devil" to me whenever I would surprise them at the bar they were at in the tri-state area.
Those were the best days of my life.
If you could let those guys know we chatted, tell Rick I was the one who took his sorry azz to the the hosiptal after he broke his arm at the lifeguard olympics in O.C. He'll know who I am.
protomike
Member
wojo said:
trust me bro, i've lived in town(dewey) for four, going on five years straight... i know the owners of highway one, which is the corporate entity that ownes the rudder/lighthouse/bottle and cork/northbeach/lots of other things, the whole condo deal was just a way to get more people to vote for the local election... due to the former person in charge of the town wanted to impose more fines on the bars, and have them shut down earlier. in essence they would never sell. i know how much that place makes on just the rudder and light houses bar alone. way to much to convert to condos. plus the company that owes it all has alot of partners that have a decent ammount of interest, the ones i know(three of the original eight) wouldn't sell the land per them.
protomike
Member
Mach .78 said:
i'll def tell rick you said hi, im goin over to the rudder to pick up my paycheck, and thier playing tonight. yeah pete's the one im talkin about. the guy is freakin crazy man, there would be nights where he would crack open a bottle of jager at 9pm, and we would be sitting on the steps of the rudder at two am finishing it off.
i've lived in pa(mostly in and around philly), lived in boca for a little while with my aunt and uncle, and then found my way down here almost five years ago. i've worked over at the rudder the majority of the time on the weekends as a bouncer mostly. all i can say, is that its been unreal almost. i think im getting a little too old for this area, so i've been gettin ready to move in jan back twards philly.
Mach .78
Registered User
Yea tell Rick, he'll laugh.
Born in Philly, lived in Audubon moved back to Manayunk from Lewes and then down into S. Florida:fool2: very close to Boca.
Go back up to Philly, make some coin and retire down here with us in Florida.However,Florida is somewhat flakey as you already know.
Oh tell Will I said hi as well. I'll email them on their website soon.
Man, If I had The Route One Groups cash, I would turn the Outlet Malls into Cow fields again. I would be the hero of Lower Slower Delaware.
Born in Philly, lived in Audubon moved back to Manayunk from Lewes and then down into S. Florida:fool2: very close to Boca.
Go back up to Philly, make some coin and retire down here with us in Florida.However,Florida is somewhat flakey as you already know.
Oh tell Will I said hi as well. I'll email them on their website soon.
Man, If I had The Route One Groups cash, I would turn the Outlet Malls into Cow fields again. I would be the hero of Lower Slower Delaware.
bioman
Well-known member
There are about a dozen species of Lyceum that grow in the southwestern US. Native Americans ate, and probably still eat the berries which is thought by paleobotanists and ethnobotanists to have extended the plant's range into areas it was not found in prior to human colonization of the Americas..ie they crapped them out everywhere or tried to cultivate them.
There are a lot of "Chinese Herbs" that grow in the US....Goji, Ephedra, Jujube to name a few. I nibble on them when I do field work sometimes, lol.
There are a lot of "Chinese Herbs" that grow in the US....Goji, Ephedra, Jujube to name a few. I nibble on them when I do field work sometimes, lol.
WhatsaRoid?
Board Sponsor
dsade said:
Great idea...I need new bcaa's..how about some efa's as well??
WhatsaRoid?
Board Sponsor
dsade said:
Ohh eaa's and ijus seen your other thread..great job man. Now you jus need more yg..jus a random question will you guys ever get bulk AA?
WhatsaRoid?
Board Sponsor
dsade said:
How about eta on AP..I'm prolly going to place a order now but would wait if Ap comes out next week...
getjacked63
Member
how is there still turk left if there was only 66 available????