The Fountain of Youth Discovered: Ancient Tibetan Goji Berries Reverse Aging

The Fountain of Youth Discovered: Ancient Tibetan Goji Berries Reverse Aging

The legend of the Fountain of Youth has captivated imaginations for centuries. This mythical spring was said to restore youth and vitality to all who drank from it. While the actual fountain remains elusive, certain natural remedies have shown promise in promoting longevity and anti-aging effects. 

The Goji berry, used for centuries in traditional Tibetan medicine, contains unique polysaccharides found in no other plant. These special carbohydrates are thought to be responsible for the berry's association with anti-aging properties. Known as the "fruit of longevity" in Asia, the Goji berry has long been prized as a remedy to promote health and vitality into old age.

Modern research is now uncovering the science behind the anti-aging claims surrounding this Himalayan superfruit. The Goji berry is rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and compounds that may help fight inflammation, boost immunity, and protect cells from damage. While more studies are still needed, the potential anti-aging benefits of Goji point to this fruit as a possible nutritional fountain of youth.

Where Goji Berries Grow

Goji berries grow on vines that are part of the goji berry plant (Lycium barbarum). This plant is native to Asia, particularly northern China. The goji plant thrives in mild climates and grows well in regions with long summer seasons. 

Goji vines can reach heights over 15 feet tall. The vines produce delicate fruits that must be harvested by shaking them onto mats below the vines. If the ripe fruits are touched by hand, they will oxidize and turn black. This is why a gentle harvesting method is used to preserve the quality and freshness of the goji berries. After shaking the berries onto mats, they are dried in the shade before being packaged and distributed.

Nutritional Profile

Goji berries contain an impressive nutritional profile. They are loaded with antioxidants, including carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. In fact, goji berries contain one of the highest concentrations of carotenoids among known foods. 

The berries are also a great source of vitamin C and vitamin A. 100 grams of goji berries provides over 250% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin A.

In addition to vitamins, goji berries are rich in essential minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, and copper. 

One of the most remarkable components of goji berries are their polysaccharides. Goji polysaccharides have been studied for their potential anti-aging effects. In particular, goji contains polysaccharides not found in other plants that may stimulate human growth hormone secretion and fortify the immune system.

The unique polysaccharide content contributes to the superfruit status of goji berries. Along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the polysaccharides make goji berries a true functional food.

Anti-Aging Effects

The goji berry contains unique polysaccharides that have remarkable anti-aging properties. These polysaccharides stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) in the pituitary gland. HGH is an important anti-aging hormone in the body that declines with age. The increased secretion of HGH from goji berries can help slow the aging process. 

In addition to stimulating HGH, goji berry polysaccharides powerfully boost the immune system. Studies have shown they can triple T cell transformation functions and double white blood cell activity. The strong immune enhancing effects help the body stay healthy and youthful. 

Goji berries are also loaded with antioxidants, including carotenoids like beta-carotene. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that accelerate aging. Consuming goji berries regularly can help reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Goji berries have also been found to benefit sleep, appetite and sexual function in the elderly. In one study, 67% of elderly patients reported improved sleep quality, 95% noted increased appetite, and 35% experienced partial restoration of sexual function after taking goji berry for 3 weeks. This demonstrates the anti-aging effects of goji on overall vitality and wellbeing.

Clinical Research

Goji berries have been studied in clinical trials for various health conditions with promising results. 

• In a study of elderly patients, taking goji daily for 3 weeks tripled T cell transformation functions and doubled white blood cell interleukin-2 activity. Patients also reported improved sleep, appetite, mood, and partial recovery of sexual function.
• For diabetes patients, taking 8-10 grams of goji berries steamed, 3 times daily, improved outcomes. Goji has also been used traditionally to treat early onset diabetes.
• Goji berries have been used successfully to treat bone marrow deficiency conditions like anemia and low platelet count. 
• Patients with weakened digestion from reduced stomach function improved after taking 10 grams of goji berries before meals, for 2 months.
• In atrophic gastritis patients, goji berries increased stomach activity and improved digestion.

Goji berries have demonstrated significant health benefits in clinical settings, with little to no toxicity. The berries have been used to effectively treat diabetes, anemia, low immunity, poor digestion, and more.

Traditional Uses

Goji berries have a long history of use in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine. They were highly revered for their wide range of health benefits.

In Tibet, goji berries were commonly used:

• To increase energy and vitality
• To support the immune system 
• To promote longevity 
• As an aphrodisiac
• To treat kidney and liver problems

Chinese medicine used goji berries to:

• Strengthen the eyes and improve vision
• Help treat diabetes and hypertension
• Improve circulation
• Slow the aging process
• Treat headaches and dizziness
• Reduce fever 
• Promote weight loss
• Treat tuberculosis
• Alleviate pain from arthritis and gout

Goji berries were believed to nourish the yin, fortify the blood, and enhance overall vitality. They were also used in formulas to treat deficiencies in kidney and liver function.

Some specific conditions goji berries were used for include:

• Cough and asthma
• Poor appetite
• Insomnia and anxiety
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Impotence
• Fever
• High blood pressure
• Anemia
• Constipation

Goji berries remain a staple in traditional Chinese medicine today. They are consumed in teas, soups, boiled with chicken, added to rice congee or morning cereal, or taken as a juice or extract.

Preparation and Dosage

Goji berries can be consumed dried, similar to raisins. However, they are most often prepared as a juice or added to smoothies and drinks. 

To make goji juice:

• Rinse fresh or soaked dried goji berries.
• Add to a blender with water, juice, or other ingredients. Blend until smooth.
• Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag to remove the seeds and skin.
• The strained goji juice can be consumed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

For maximum health benefits, it's recommended to drink 2-4 ounces of pure goji juice or a smoothie containing goji berries daily. The traditional therapeutic dosage is 8-30 grams of dried berries per day. Goji berries can also be eaten by the handful as a snack throughout the day.

When beginning to take goji berries, start with a low dosage and gradually increase over time to build up tolerance. Excessive consumption on an empty stomach may cause dizziness or diarrhea for some sensitive individuals.

Precautions

While generally safe for consumption, some precautions should be taken with goji berries:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution, as there is a lack of research on safety for these groups. Consult a doctor before consuming goji while pregnant or nursing.
• Those taking blood thinners or diabetes medications should avoid goji, as it may increase bleeding risk and blood sugar control. 
• If you have an upcoming surgery, stop taking goji 2 weeks beforehand to avoid bleeding risk.
• Goji may interact with immunosuppressants taken after organ transplant, so avoid use if you've had an organ transplant.
• Those with pollen or latex allergies should use caution, as cross-reactivity is possible. Discontinue use if signs of allergy occur.
• Children and elderly should start with lower doses to assess tolerance.
• Goji has diuretic effects, so stay well hydrated when consuming it.
• Avoid goji if you have diarrhea or a spleen deficiency condition.
• Consume goji in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Too much can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea.

Goji Berry Benefits

The goji berry has remarkable health and anti-aging properties. This is due to its unique polysaccharides and high concentration of antioxidants and nutrients. 

Goji berries contain 4 special polysaccharides not found in other plants. These polysaccharides boost the immune system and stimulate the secretion of human growth hormone, which has anti-aging effects.

The goji berry is the richest source of carotenoids, containing high levels of beta carotene. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that can be converted to vitamin A. Goji's high antioxidant content protects cells from damage and disease.

Goji berries also contain significant amounts of vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, and E. They are high in trace minerals like zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus. 

The amino acid profile of goji berries is unique, with 18 amino acids and half being free-form amino acids ready for the body to use. 

With rare nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, the goji berry offers many benefits:

• Slows aging 
• Boosts immune function
• Increases energy 
• Improves sleep
• Supports heart health
• Protects eyesight
• Enhances skin health
• Boosts libido and fertility
• Helps manage diabetes
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports brain health

The remarkable nutrient density and anti-aging polysaccharides make the goji berry a true "fountain of youth" food.

Goji berries have been prized for centuries in Asian traditional medicine for their potential anti-aging and longevity effects. Native to the Himalayan mountains and grown in Tibet and Mongolia, the goji berry contains unique polysaccharides and antioxidants that aren't found in other fruits. Clinical studies have started to validate some of the traditional uses of goji berries, including improved immune function, eyesight, quality of sleep, and sexual function in the elderly. While more research is still needed, the results so far are promising for this little red berry. With their high levels of antioxidants and nutrients, goji berries have excellent potential to fight aging by protecting cells from damage and inflammation. By incorporating goji berries into your diet, you may be able to turn back your biological clock and achieve the longevity benefits that this superfruit is renowned for.