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(Actual) publications 2007 Wolfberry
Exotic Superfruits: Literature Update
Paul M. Gross, Ph.D
11/16/2007 This article provides a brief look at the research directions each of the six exotic superfruits is taking. Selected from Autumn 2006 to September 2007, three articles for each fruit are presented with a synopsis; original abstracts can be viewed by visiting http://pubmed.gov and entering key words from the articles below in the search statement.
Acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.): A newcomer to the medical research literature, with just 11 papers published since the first appeared in 2004. PubMed search statement: "Acai".
1. Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Patel D, Huang D, Kababick JP. "Phytochemical and nutrient composition of the freeze-dried amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (Acai)." J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1;54(22):8598-603. Synopsis: Due to the characteristic exceptional fat content of Acai pulp potentially leading to rancidity, these authors prepared freeze-dried pulp and berry skin for nutrient and phytochemical analyses. As the commercial Acai supply derives from tropical countries (in this example, Brazil), freeze-drying is a practical method for preserving the post-harvest nutrient and phytochemical value of the fruit. The authors described a rich and diverse nutrient content of high lipid (oleic and palmitic acids) and dietary fiber of the skin-pulp material, as summarized in Part 1 of this essay and reference (4). Cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside were the two main anthocyanins present together with a high content of proanthocyanidin polymers. Interestingly, these phenolics were determined to be a small fraction of the total, indicating that the main antioxidant strength of Acai resides in phytochemicals as yet unidentified.
2. Schauss AG, Wu X, Prior RL, Ou B, Huang D, Owens J, Agarwal A, Jensen GS, Hart AN, Shanbrom E. "Antioxidant capacity and other bioactivities of the freeze-dried Amazonian palm berry, Euterpe oleraceae mart. (Acai)." J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Nov 1;54(22):8604-10. Synopsis: In a companion study to the one above, the authors demonstrated an exceptionally high scavenging ability of Acai phenolic extracts in vitro against the superoxide anion, the most common oxygen radical in mammals. These results yielded the highest total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) yet measured in a plant food, 1027 units per gram. An in vitro assay measuring inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation in human neutrophils showed that antioxidants in Acai were able to enter human cells and serve an oxygen quenching function at low doses. Furthermore, Acai was found to inhibit cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymes involved in inflammatory and immune functions, indicating a possible mechanism for health benefits of this berry to be defined in future research.
3. Neida S, Elba S. "[Characterization of the Acai or manaca (Euterpe oleracea Mart.): a fruit of the Amazon]." Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2007 Mar;57(1):94-8. [Article in Spanish] Synopsis: In this constituent analysis of Acai pulp ("manaca") from the Venezuelan Amazon, the authors confirmed the results of Schauus et al. above, showing an exceptional high lipids content (33% total mass), protein (average 11%), and total dietary fiber (average 22%). 71% of Acai lipids were oleic acid. Polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins were found in high density, giving the pulp the extraordinary antioxidant capacity demonstrated by the Schauss study. Venezuelan Acai has a high nutritional value and contains abundant antioxidant compounds.
In summary for Acai, studies 1 and 3 confirm the commercial challenge for harvesting, processing and storing Acai raw materials. The fruit's high fat content and susceptibility to rancidity dictate that it likely cannot be processed or shipped from the tropics fresh or as a juice. This restriction limits its applications, since freeze-dried powders containing high amounts of fiber and residual fats are perhaps the most convenient form of raw material, but will be a solubility challenge for beverage applications. A potential benefit of freeze-drying, however, is preservation of exceptional content of antioxidant phenolics in Acai, allowing definition of the highest ORAC value yet recorded in a plant food (spices excepted). Despite these limitations, development of new SKUs for Acai is occurring at a rapid rate, promising significant growth in consumer popularity.
Goji (Wolfberry) (Lycium barbarum L.): Searching for "lycium barbarum", "lycium chinense" or "Wolfberry" on the PubMed finds 148 publications since the first report in 1963. Having not been used in scientific literature, the name "Goji" retrieves no results in a PubMed search.
1. Ho YS, Yu MS, Lai CS, So KF, Yuen WH, Chang RC. "Characterizing the neuroprotective effects of alkaline extract of Lycium barbarum on beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity." Brain Res. 2007 Jul 16;1158:123-34. Synopsis: These authors extracted glycoconjugate fractions from Goji berries then tested them in vitro against the activity of caspase-3 enzymes, a marker of amyloid toxicity in isolated cortical neurons. The Goji fractions inhibited caspase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, providing evidence that Goji extracts could block apoptotic (rate of natural cell death) mechanisms in this in vitro model of brain function. The results are evidence for a potential mechanism by which consumption of Goji could deter neurodegeneration, but such a conclusion requires extensive further basic and clinical research to demonstrate this effect.
2. Xin YF, Zhou GL, Deng ZY, Chen YX, Wu YG, Xu PS, Xuan YX. "Protective effect of Lycium barbarum on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity." Phytother Res. 2007 Jul 11; [Epub ahead of print] Synopsis: The objective of this work in rats was to test the hypothesis that Lycium barbarum protects against doxorubicin-induced toxicity of the heart through antioxidant-mediated mechanisms. Where control doxorubicin-treated animals showed signs of cardiac injury and higher mortality, those provided orally with 25 mg/kg/day of Goji extract over 3 weeks had less myocardial fibril injury and improved overall heart function. The results indicate possible antioxidant effects of Goji constituents against cardiotoxicity.
3. Chan HC, Chang RC, Koon-Ching Ip A, Chiu K, Yuen WH, Zee SY, So KF. "Neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum Lynn on protecting retinal ganglion cells in an ocular hypertension model of glaucoma." Exp Neurol. 2007 Jan;203(1):269-73. Synopsis: One of the most enduring Chinese legends of eating Goji berries is for its eye health benefit. This research team tested whether Goji could promote the survival of retinal ganglion cells against elevated intraocular pressure (a model of glaucoma) induced experimentally in rats. Oral administration of Goji significantly reduced the loss of retinal ganglion cells in the model, providing evidence for protection against retinal cell degeneration during high intraocular pressure seen in glaucoma.
In summary, although a rich history of its medicinal applications exists in Chinese legend, Goji has neither yet been shown in basic medical research nor in human studies to have any conclusive pharmacological properties. These three studies demonstrated protective effects by Goji extracts on brain, heart and ocular functions, although the models and results are preliminary to more complete biological definition and human clinical trials.
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.): Medical research interest in mangosteen (also search PubMed for "mangostin" or "mangostana") began in 1940 now with a total of just 53 papers including only 8 in the last year.
1. Fu C, Loo AE, Chia FP, Huang D. "Oligomeric proanthocyanidins from mangosteen pericarps." J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Sep 19;55(19):7689-94. Synopsis: Although the inedible exocarp (rind) of mangosteen is known primarily for its content of xanthone antioxidants, this study demonstrated the presence of other phenolic pigments, such as proanthocyanidins, prodelphinidin, gallic acid, catechins and their oligomers. These phenolics are not expected to exist in the white fruit pulp. By inference, mangosteen juices made from purées of fruit pulp and exocarp contain a mixture of xanthones and these other phenolics. The results are important for applying exocarp extractions in mangosteen juice blends because the presence of phenolics other than xanthones diversify and strengthen the antioxidant value of such juices.
2. Walker EB. "HPLC analysis of selected xanthones in mangosteen fruit." J Sep Sci. 2007 Jun;30(9):1229-34. Synopsis: This study explored extraction methods using high-performance liquid chromatography for optimizing recovery of xanthones from the mangosteen exocarp. Several newly discovered xanthones are listed and numbered here (total of 28 isolated to date) as a preliminary catalog (not intended to be comprehensive): 1) alpha-mangostin, 2) 8-desoxygartanin, 3) gartanin, 4) beta-mangostin, 5) 3-mangostin, and 6) 9-hydroxycalabaxanthone. Xanthones isolated in previous studies include 7) 8-hydroxycudraxanthone G, 8) mangostingone [7-methoxy-2-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-8-(3-methyl-2-oxo-3-butenyl)-1,3,6-trihydroxyxanthone, 2], 9) cudraxanthone G, 10-12) garcimangosones A-C, 13) garcinone D, 14) garcinone E, 15) 1-isomangostin, 16) gamma-mangostin, 17) mangostinone, 18) smeathxanthone A, 19) tovophyllin A, 20) mangoxanthone, 21) dulxanthone D, 22) [1,3,7-trihydroxy-2-methoxyxanthone, 1,3,5-trihydroxy-13,13-dimethyl-2H-pyran[7,6-b]xanthen-9-one], 23) mangosharin, (2,6-dihydroxy-8-methoxy-5-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-xanthone), 24) 1,6-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxy-2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-xanthone, 25) mangostanol, 26) 5,9-dihydroxy-8- methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-7-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-2H,6H-pyrano-[3,2-b]-xanthene-6-one, and 27-28) afzeliixanthones A and B. Thus, a total of 28 individual xanthones have been isolated to date from mangosteen.
3. Nakagawa Y, Iinuma M, Naoe T, Nozawa Y, Akao Y. "Characterized mechanism of alpha-mangostin-induced cell death: caspase-independent apoptosis with release of endonuclease-G from mitochondria and increased miR-143 expression in human colorectal cancer DLD-1 cells." Bioorg Med Chem. 2007 Aug 15;15(16):5620-8. Synopsis: In this study of human colonic cancer cells in vitro, the mangosteen xanthone, alpha-mangostin, was shown to stimulate tumor cell apoptosis (rate of natural cell death) and therefore could provide a potential anti-cancer therapy. However, considerably more development and proof for efficacy and safety in human patients are needed. When combined with the established chemopreventive agent, fluorouracil (5-FU), alpha-mangostin augmented the anti-cancer effect, indicating a potential role for both agents as a tandem therapy if eventually proved with efficacy in animal and human studies.
Undeveloped as a subject in medical research, mangosteen and its phenolic constituents are just at the threshold of establishing potential anti-disease effects. Existing research reflects the exploratory approach of laboratory studies to date - isolating and characterizing the chemistry and preliminary biological activities of xanthones. There have been only five preliminary research reports identifying mangosteen xanthones with anti-cancer activity. In conclusion, at this stage of research, comments about the anti-cancer properties of mangosteen xanthones are not warranted.
Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.): Since the first report on noni in 1954, there have been 114 medical research publications including 27 in the past year. PubMed search: "noni" or "morinda citrifolia".
1. Potterat O, Felten RV, Dalsgaard PW, Hamburger M. "Identification of TLC markers and quantification by HPLC-MS of various constituents in noni fruit powder and commercial noni-derived products." J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Sep 5;55(18):7489-94. Synopsis: Noni iridoid glucosides, scopoletin, rutin, fatty acid glucosides, and anthraquinones were detected in several commercial noni powder and juice products. Asperulosidic acid and deacetylasperulosidic acid (both anthraquinones) and rutin (an antioxidant flavonoid) were present in all samples analyzed, but their concentrations differed considerably between products. Fatty acid glucosides, and noniosides B and C were present in capsule powders and most juices. Scopoletin was mainly found in juices. The study indicates an important trend for noni research - isolation and description of functional properties for noni phytochemicals - but reveals that noni research remains at a level indicating only preliminary understanding of the potential health properties of this fruit's phytochemicals.
2. Deng S, West BJ, Palu AK, Zhou BN, Jensen CJ. "Noni as an anxiolytic and sedative: a mechanism involving its gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects." Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug;14(7-8):517-22. Synopsis: In marketing literature on noni products, a claim is often made that consumption of noni induces a calming effect on its user. Accordingly, the aim of this study conducted by a research team affiliated with the manufacturer of a major noni juice blend-Tahitian Noni International Inc.-was to investigate the effects of noni fruit on anxiety mechanisms in vitro. The investigators showed that an extract of noni had affinity for gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAa) inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors and displayed a high degree of competitive inhibition (showing avidity for this receptor). The authors interpret their results demonstrate binding by noni extracts to neuronal GABAa receptors and so may induce sedative effects. Such conclusions, however, are preliminary requiring further evidence for specificity and efficacy at these receptors.
3. Akihisa T, Matsumoto K, Tokuda H, Yasukawa K, Seino K, Nakamoto K, Kuninaga H, Suzuki T, Kimura Y. "Anti-inflammatory and potential cancer chemopreventive constituents of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia (Noni)." J Nat Prod. 2007 May;70(5):754-7. Synopsis: Four saccharide fatty acid esters isolated from noni fruit exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity in situ in a mouse model. As inflammatory mechanisms are thought to be involved at the onset of cancer, these results were interpreted by the authors to represent potential anti-cancer evidence for the noni isolates. A noni anthraquinone and two newly identified saccharide fatty acid esters also had inhibitory activity against inflammation in mice. The findings provide a basis for further animal testing and identification of cellular mechanism for anti-inflammatory activity of these constituents from noni fruit.
For noni, despite more than 50 years of interest by Western scientists in its biomedical properties, the research base for this fruit remains immature with generally poor development or understanding around any noni phytochemical. No specific constituent stands out as an emerging candidate for development of a mechanism of action or therapeutic strategy, in contrast to better studied plants such as those with rich phenolic or carotenoid contents having potential health properties.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): A PubMed search on pomegranate retrieved 226 reports in the medical literature since 1950 with 52 in the last year.
1. West T, Atzeva M, Holtzman DM. "Pomegranate polyphenols and resveratrol protect the neonatal brain against hypoxic-ischemic injury." Dev Neurosci. 2007;29(4-5):363-72. Synopsis: In previous studies, these investigators showed that pomegranate juice provided protection of neonatal mouse brain against hypoxic-ischemic injury when given to mothers in their drinking water. This study tested the hypothesis that the protection was due to phenolics in the juice, and compared the results to those for resveratrol, another phenolic common in red grapes. The neuroprotective effects of resveratrol had been demonstrated in adult models of stroke, but had not previously been examined in neonates. The study showed that pomegranate phenolics and resveratrol reduced activity of the enzyme, caspase-3, following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. The results indicate a protective effect of pomegranate juice in this laboratory model of ischemic oxidative stress of the newborn.
2. Seeram NP, Aronson WJ, Zhang Y, Henning SM, Moro A, Lee RP, Sartippour M, Harris DM, Rettig M, Suchard MA, Pantuck AJ, Belldegrun A, Heber D. "Pomegranate ellagitannin-derived metabolites inhibit prostate cancer growth and localize to the mouse prostate gland." J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Aug 28; [Epub ahead of print] Synopsis: This group of researchers has conducted a phase II clinical trial showing that consuming pomegranate juice increased prostate specific antigen doubling time in prostate cancer patients, indicating a positive effect for inhibiting onset of prostate cancer. Ellagitannins are the most abundant phenolics in pomegranate juice. This study showed that ellagitannin metabolites were concentrated at higher levels in mouse prostate, colon, and intestinal tissues than in other organs after administration of pomegranate extracts. The pomegranate extracts also significantly inhibited growth of cancer cells in mice. Pomegranate urolithins were shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells in vitro. The chemopreventive potential of pomegranate ellagitannins and localization of their bioactive metabolites in the mouse prostate indicates that pomegranate phenolics may play a role in human prostate cancer treatment and chemoprevention.
3. Reddy MK, Gupta SK, Jacob MR, Khan SI, Ferreira D. "Antioxidant, antimalarial and antimicrobial activities of tannin-rich fractions, ellagitannins and phenolic acids from Punica granatum L." Planta Med. 2007 May;73(5):461-7. Synopsis: Phenolic chemicals found in pomegranate-ellagic acid, gallagic acid, punicalins, punicalagins and tannins-were shown in this study to have antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and antimicrobial activities in vitro. Specifically, pomegranate gallagic acid and punicalagins exhibited antimalariial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and all pomegranate phenolics were effective for antimicrobial activity when assayed against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Mycobacterium intracellulare. This is the first report on the antioxidant, antiplasmodial and antimicrobial activities of pomegranate isolates, indicating a potential benefit from regular intake of pomegranate products as dietary supplements to augment human immune, antioxidant, antimalarial and antimicrobial capacities.
The research trends for pomegranate show development toward defining anti-disease properties mainly of the phenolics present in the seed arils and juice as the main consumer product. Although the range and depth of research interests are greater than for any other superfruit, understanding about pomegranate's health properties is still preliminary to human clinical trials which are just now underway. Consequently, several more years of human research will be needed before confirming effects for consumers.
Seaberry (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): Beginning in 1951, there have been 175 medical research reports on seaberry (search PubMed for "sea buckthorn" and "rhamnoides").
1. Hosseinian FS, Li W, Hydamaka AW, Tsopmo A, Lowry L, Friel J, Beta T. "Proanthocyanidin profile and ORAC values of Manitoba berries, chokecherries, and seabuckthorn." J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Aug 22;55(17):6970-6. Synopsis: These investigators examined phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in whole fruit, juice, and pulp of six berry species-strawberry, Saskatoon berry, raspberry, wild blueberry, chokecherry, and seaberry. The total proanthocyanidin contents varied from 276 to 505 mg/100 g in the whole fruit samples, with raspberry containing the highest content and seaberry the lowest for total flavanols. The highest concentration of proanthocyanidin in juice was found in Saskatoon berry (1363 mg/100 mL). Epicatechin was the most abundant flavanol among these berries. Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of whole fruit, juice, and pulp extracts were measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).
2. Chawla R, Arora R, Singh S, Sagar RK, Sharma RK, Kumar R, Sharma A, Gupta ML, Singh S, Prasad J, Khan HA, Swaroop A, Sinha AK, Gupta AK, Tripathi RP, Ahuja PS. "Radioprotective and antioxidant activity of fractionated extracts of berries of Hippophae rhamnoides." J Med Food. 2007 Mar;10(1):101-9. Synopsis: The flavonoid-rich fraction of seaberries exhibited strong antioxidant activity and membrane protection of cells in vitro, indicating its ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals. Compared to vitamin E, the fraction also demonstrated efficacy in protecting cells against radiation damage. Such activities were attributed to the presence of quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol. The seaberry extract has potential as an effective antioxidant nutraceutical product.
3. Teng BS, Lu YH, Wang ZT, Tao XY, Wei DZ. "In vitro anti-tumor activity of isorhamnetin isolated from Hippophae rhamnoides L. against BEL-7402 cells." Pharmacol Res. 2006 Sep;54(3):186-94. Synopsis: Isorhamnetin, a flavonol aglycone isolated from seaberry, was investigated for its influence on human liver carcinoma cells. The studies showed that isorhamnetin could permeate the cell membrane of the experimental cancer cells, causing fragmentation and stimulated apoptosis (increased rate of cancer cell death). This appears to be the first report of toxicity against human liver carcinoma cells by isorhamnetin, providing a lead toward further research on the anti-cancer properties of seaberry and other pigment-rich berries.
In conclusion, all of the published work on these fruits addresses fundamentals for defining properties in a new research field-first, isolation studies are done to characterize individual phytochemicals, and second, in vitro assays or animal models may be used to identify biological effects.
Such research defines these fruits at the earliest stages of physiological understanding. Consequently, inferences about anti-disease effects or human health benefits are premature and not appropriate at this stage.
The overall totality of research on any one superfruit-even for pomegranate as the most advanced of these six superfruits-is not yet sufficiently broad to invite expert opinion on the developing research base for relevance to human health. In other words, a critical mass of research evidence has not yet occurred (emerging for pomegranate) to allow scientific validation that defines nutrient and phytochemical qualities for guiding consumers about health benefits.
Although begun for pomegranate, but still in the earliest phases, clinical trials for this group of fruits are not yet completed, indicating that confirmable human health effects of these fruits are many years away.
Paul Gross, Ph.D., received his doctorate in physiology from the University of Glasgow and was trained in neuroscience at the Laboratory of Cerebral Metabolism, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Md. He was a Research Scholar for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and recipient of the Karger Memorial Award, Switzerland, for publications on brain capillaries. He is also senior author of "Wolfberry: Nature's Bounty of Nutrition and Health" (Booksurge Publishing, 2006).
FROM: http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/7bh16125940.html
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Goji berry rising as new star in health-food industry
By Linda Shrieves
November 12, 2007- ORLANDO, Fla. - The small red berry doesn't look like a powerhouse. Indeed, this dried Chinese berry resembles a weak cousin to the cranberry.
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Photo: The Chinese Wolfberry, most commonly known as the Goji berry, has high levels of zeaxanthin, a cousin to beta carotene |
Already, the Goji is earning a prominent place at health food stores. It's showing up in juices, sodas and energy bars. A Los Angeles dermatologist is using crushed Goji berries in facial treatments and advising patients to eat them, as well. At upscale California spa restaurants, the Goji berry is being added to granola, trail mixes and salads.
It's even getting big billing by Dr. Mehmet Oz, the author of "YOU: The Owner's Manual." On "The Oprah Winfrey Show," he recently billed the Goji berry as "the most potent antioxidant fruit that we know."
But how much of that is hype and hopefulness? And how much is supported by science?
The berries, grown in Tibet and other parts of China, have been available in U.S. markets for several years but are now receiving a Hollywood-like billing.
"We started carrying the berries back in 2005, but we started seeing Gojis being used in juices and beverages in the last year and a half," says Mary Ann O'Dell, a registered dietitian with Chamberlin's Natural Foods, an Orlando chain of health food stores.
"I think demand for it is building," O'Dell says. "We saw what happened with pomegranates - how they became popular and began showing up everywhere - well, that trend is happening with all these super fruits, Goji and mangosteen and pomegranates."
Now the Goji berry seems to be picking up steam among mainstream food makers. Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch launched 180 Red with Goji, an energy drink featuring the berry. Expect to see it soon in granola bars and trail mixes.
Despite the berry's marketing blitz, the scientific research on the Goji berry is still in its infancy.
"There is limited data on the Wolfberry," said Mark Failla, chairman of the Human Nutrition Department at Ohio State University, who is studying the Goji.
Based on early research on the berry, Failla says it's clear that Gojis contain high levels of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that is related to beta carotene.
That might elevate the Goji berry's importance in coming years, as aging baby boomers try to stave off macular degeneration. Studies of people with macular degeneration have shown they have lower levels of zeaxanthin and lutein in their eye tissue. Another study found that people who have low intake of fruits and vegetables might be more prone to macular degeneration. Still, Failla cautions that there has been no proof that a lack of zeaxanthin causes macular degeneration.
"In traditional Chinese medicine, zeaxanthin has been used to treat ocular disorders," says Failla, who suspects the Chinese doctors were right. "Long before the Lord made biochemists, Chinese doctors have been using this."
So though the berry might be great for people worried about their eyesight, there's no proof - at least among the Western scientific community - that the Goji berry can do all the things that marketers claim: help you live till 100, relieve insomnia, cure liver damage, regulate blood sugar and prevent hypertension. In the past year, the Food and Drug Administration has cracked down on Internet Goji sellers for making claims that can't be supported by scientific evidence.
"Everybody thinks they have the magic bullet, and they'll live forever," Failla says.
And though Goji berries might not be a cure-all, Failla sees nothing wrong with eating the berries or drinking Goji juice.
"As nutrition scientists, we support food-based approaches to health," he says. "It is a fruit; it likely has numerous health-promoting compounds. Overall, I'd rather see people eating Wolfberries than taking a pill containing zeaxanthin."
FROM: http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/health/11/12/1112goji.html
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Research slim on goji berry
Linda Shrieves | Sentinel Staff Writer
October 30, 2007 The small red berry doesn't look like a powerhouse. Indeed, this dried Chinese berry resembles a weak cousin to the cranberry.
Yet in the health-food industry, many are trumpeting the Chinese Wolfberry, more commonly known as the Goji berry, as the next great "super food" -- a fruit laden with so many antioxidants that it makes other fruits and vegetables seem puny by comparison. The berry, say marketers, is an anti-aging miracle food, regularly consumed by Chinese centenarians.
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Photo: The Goji berry the new superfood, the heatlh food industry has the Goji berry producing Goji-flavored teas and drinks |
It's even getting big billing by Dr. Mehmet Oz, the author of YOU: The Owner's Manual. On The Oprah Winfrey Show, he recently billed the Goji berry as "the most potent antioxidant fruit that we know."
But how much of that is hype and hopefulness? And how much is supported by science?
The berries, grown in Tibet and China, have been available in U.S. markets for several years but are now receiving a Hollywood-like billing.
About the Goji berry
- Nicknames: Wolfberry, Duke of Argyll's tea tree, matrimony vine.
- Relatives: Potato, tomato, chili pepper, tobacco, deadly nightshade.
- Primary producer: China.
- Growth: In the northern hemisphere, flowering occurs in the summer, and berries appear in the fall.
- History: The Chinese have cultivated the berry for centuries. In traditional medicine, the berry was used to treat ocular disorders.
"I think demand for it is building," O'Dell says. "We saw what happened with pomegranates -- how they became popular and began showing up everywhere -- well, that trend is happening with all these super fruits, Goji and mangosteen and pomegranates."
Now the Goji berry seems to be picking up steam among mainstream food makers. Earlier this year, Anheuser-Busch launched 180 Red with Goji -- a new energy drink featuring the berry. Expect to see the Goji berry soon here in granola bars and trail mixes.
Despite the berry's marketing blitz, the scientific research on the Goji berry is still in its infancy.
"There is limited data on the Wolfberry," said Mark Failla, chairman of the Human Nutrition Department at Ohio State University, who is studying the Goji.
Based on early research on the berry, Failla says it's clear that Gojis contain extremely high levels of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid that is related to beta carotene.
That may elevate the Goji berry's importance in coming years, as aging baby boomers try to stave off macular degeneration. Studies of people with macular degeneration have shown they have lower levels of zeaxanthin and lutein in their eye tissue. Another study found that people who have low intake of fruits and vegetables may be more prone to macular degeneration. Still, Failla cautions that there has been no proof that a lack of zeaxanthin causes macular degeneration.
"In traditional Chinese medicine, zeaxanthin has been used to treat ocular disorders," says Failla, who suspects the Chinese doctors were right. "Long before the Lord made biochemists, Chinese doctors have been using this."
So while the berry may be great for people worried about their eyesight, there's no proof -- at least among the Western scientific community -- that the Goji berry can do all the things that marketers claim: help you live till age 100, relieve insomnia, cure liver damage, regulate blood sugar and prevent hypertension. In the past year, the FDA has cracked down on Internet Goji sellers for making claims that can't be supported by scientific evidence.
"Everybody thinks they have the magic bullet, and they'll live forever," says Failla.
And though Goji berries may not be a cure-all, Failla sees nothing wrong with eating the berries or drinking Goji juice.
"As nutrition scientists, we support food-based approaches to health," he says. "It is a fruit; it likely has numerous health-promoting compounds. Overall, I'd rather see people eating Wolfberries than taking a pill containing zeaxanthin."
FROM: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/food/orl-goji07oct30,0,2061526.story
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Berries are the superstars of antioxidant-rich fruits.
by dr amir farid isahak
October 28, 2007 - TODAY I shall move from the esoteric world of akashic records, fate, destiny, the soul and jinns to the scientific world of antioxidants and superfoods.
Learning about health and nutrition does not mean just gobbling mundane scientific data. There are also mystical stories to digest and magical legends to savour. Let me first explain some details about free radicals and antioxidants.
Free radicals and antioxidants
Ten years ago, I imported the first urine test that measures excess free radicals in the urine, and I went around giving talks trying to educate the doctors and the public on the role of free radicals and antioxidants in ageing and the evolution of many diseases.
However many doctors were sceptical and at one private hospital I was ridiculed for believing that free radicals are responsible for so much of the damage in the body.
Now the scenario is different as that fact is well established and even the lay person knows about free radicals and antioxidants, thanks to the interest in health and the many articles available in various media and the internet.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that require electrons to re-stabilise. They steal the electrons from other molecules, making the latter unstable, causing a chain-reaction.
If this happens to the molecules which make up the wall, DNA or other components of the cell, then these structures become damaged. Accumulated free radical damage will leads to abnormal functioning, accelerated ageing, cancer or cell death.
Antioxidants are molecules which readily provide electrons to free radicals, thus sparing precious cell components from damage.
Although the antioxidants themselves become free radicals, these are weak or relatively harmless free radicals. The chain is broken when water-soluble antioxidants which have become free radicals are excreted by the body. Thus it is good that vitamin C, which is the most common antioxidant supplement consumed, is excreted through the urine (about 50% of ingested vitamin C is removed every three hours). That way the body can neutralise a lot of free radicals, provided fresh antioxidants are made available all the time.
The ORAC score
The measurement of an antioxidant's power to neutralise free radical damage at the cellular level is known as the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC score or value.
A sample of antioxidant in the form of food, drink, fruit, nutritional supplement, vitamin, or chemical substance (for example, orange juice, carrot, or vitamin C) is put in a test tube to see how well and how long it takes to destroy or neutralise a known quantity of free radicals.
The nutrient tested is then given an ORAC score that reflects the power and speed with which it does its job as an antioxidant.
The Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University US has established that 5000 ORAC units per day can prevent certain age-related diseases.
ORAC scores are given in units per litre, so when you are comparing the scores between different foods or nutrients, it must be between the same volume (or for simplicity, even weight or amount) of the substances being compared.
Below are the ORAC scores of some berries, and grapes, spinach and carrot for comparison.
Ningxia Wolfberry - 25,300
Blueberries - 2,400
Strawberries - 1,540
Raspberries - 1,220
Red grapes - 739
Spinach - 1,260
Carrots - 210
The carotenoid score
One method of measuring antioxidants directly in the body is by using a biophotoscan to measure the body's carotenoid score. This measures the amount of carotenoids present, but not the other antioxidants.
Carotenoids are the yellow-orange-red antioxidant pigments that are present in carrots, papaya, tomato, watermelon and many other fruits and veggies.
If you take a well-balanced diet consisting of a wide variety of fruits and veggies (or a broad-spectrum supplement), the carotenoid score can be used to estimate the adequacy of other antioxidants as well.
Although most antioxidants can be measured accurately through blood tests, this is not practical, and not even necessary.
Oxidative stress and oxyscore
The most important score to know is one that tells you how much excess free radicals you have. Although taking high ORAC antioxidants is good insurance, and having a high carotenoid score is comforting, you are really healthy only if the antioxidants are sufficient to combat the free radicals lurking in you.
Your free radical load may even be much higher than your high antioxidant score!
Every day, each cell is bombarded by over 10,000 free radicals. Our toxic environment adds so much more to that produced by our cell metabolism. Our immune cells produce free radicals and use them to fight bacteria. The free radical load in the body is so high that it is impossible for anyone not to have an excess of free radicals even after taking plenty of antioxidants. What separates the healthy from the unhealthy is how much excess free radicals.
The amount of excess free radicals can be accurately measured using the urine free radical test. The urine free radical score (oxyscore) is a reliable estimation of the excess free radicals that have damaged your cell walls.
Specificity of antioxidants
While the ORAC score gives the free-radical scavenging power of the antioxidant nutrient when tested in the lab, it only indicates the potential when the nutrient is available at the proper site in the body.
Different free radicals are neutralised by different antioxidants - and therefore the widest range of antioxidants must be present to protect the cells maximally.
Different antioxidants also have varying activity outside and inside the cell, and in different cell types. For example, different berries are beneficial for different cells/organs. So always get your antioxidants from a variety of fruits and veggies, or supplements containing a variety of them.
Superb antioxidants
Now let us discover the super foods with superb antioxidants - the mystical berries.
Berries are the superstars of antioxidant-rich fruits. They contain special antioxidants called anthocyanins. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals like ellagic acid, quercetin and catechins.
Many studies have shown that berries have powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties.
Acai berry, Wolfberry and blueberry consistently top the list of antioxidant-rich foods studied. For a long time it was thought that blueberries had the highest antioxidant content among them, as only the berries common in Western countries were studied.
Acai berries of the Amazon were found to be twice stronger. Now it is known that Chinese Ningxia Wolfberries are 10 times stronger! When these berries are studied in greater detail, more magical benefits will unfold.
Did you know that botanically, grapes and blackcurrants are also berries? No wonder they all look similar (except for the colour), and are equally nutritious. Grape seed and grape skin contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and resveratrol.
The different berries not only vary in their colours and tastes, but also in the type of anthocyanins, and therefore in their health benefits.
All berries have deep or dark colours, and it is well known that the phytochemicals which give these colours are potent health-enhancing nutrients as well. Berries have very high ORAC scores, and are qi-enhancing, especially when taken fresh.
Many scientific studies have now validated what was expected from their known nutrient contents. A study by the founding president of the American Society of Holistic Medicine on a concoction of seven different berries (including Acai and Wolfberry) blended with grapes, pomegranate and green tea showed that consuming it for two to three weeks reduced free radicals in the body by 43%.
From known scientific data about free radicals, if that reduction is maintained long term, it is estimated that life span may be increased by 20 years!
Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry is perhaps the crown jewel of berries. I have mentioned it in a previous article (see www.superqigong.com/articles). It is consumed to improve circulation, increase energy and vitality, improve eyesight, and provide natural resistance to colds, flu, and disease. It is so vitalising that it is called the "fruit of life". Amazon legends accord it magical powers to enhance sexual desire.
It has 10 times the antioxidant power of red grapes, thirty times that of red wine, and its seeds are also packed with antioxidants. It is rich in essential fatty acids, and has plenty of phytosterols which help to bring down bad cholesterol. It is also an excellent source of vitamins and fibre. Studies have shown it to be beneficial for the circulatory and digestive systems.
It is listed by the famous dermatologist Dr Nicholas Perricone as the top anti-ageing superfood, and was even featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Blueberries have been used to improve mental functions. In fact, in animal studies, blueberry extracts have been shown to be able to make nerve cells grow and significantly improve learning, memory and coordination.
Cranberries have long been known to be especially beneficial for preventing and treating urinary infection. Nutrients from cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the urinary tract.
Cranberry juice and even extracts (in tablets or capsules) have been prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike for this purpose, especially for women, who are at least 10 times more prone to urinary infections compared to men, simply because of our different anatomies. During pregnancy, that risk increases another 10-fold.
Raspberries have also been shown to improve vision, memory and motor skills.
Studies have also shown that taking the individual phytochemicals (as supplements) was not as effective as taking the fruits themselves. Therefore, for supplementation, go for whole food extracts that retain all the nutrients.
Wolfberries were among the secrets behind the longevity of the Himalayan people, as well as the north-western Chinese. And the best Wolfberries are those from Ningxia autonomous region of China.
I discovered this through my qigong sifu (who is from Ningxia, China) who shared with me (about 15 years ago) how Wolfberries were used by his people to stay young and also fight disease.
I didn't pay much attention then. Later, my interest in antioxidants and cancer led me to information which confirmed that Ningxia Wolfberries have very potent anti-ageing and anti-disease nutrients. They help the function of many organs. They have an ORAC score of 25,000, which is over 10 times that of blueberries.
Ningxia Wolfberry is my "secret weapon" for health, aesthetics, anti-ageing and preventing many diseases.
Dr Amir Farid Isahak is a medical specialist who practises holistic, aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine. He is a qigong master and founder of SuperQigong. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my.
FROM: http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2007/10/28/health/19294682&sec=health
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Weight Loss - Drink Goji Juice for weight loss
Ricky Hussey
October 14, 2007 - Modernization is wonderful, but there are also other factors in the modern life we live in that may subject our bodies to harm. Understanding what can harm us and what will help us will be our best defense.
Goji juice is juice from the Goji fruit or berry and is more and more accepted as having a great health potential. You can buy this elixir in health food stores as well as online. However, watch out for more scams! There a many of them out there.
When we say "Goji juice scam" we normally mean one out of two very different scams. One of these would relate to the quality of the advertised Goji juice. Let's say that an advertisement did not mention Himalayan Goji berries. This could be seen as a Goji juice scam as only the Himalayan berries have a nutritional profile that includes close to one dozen different ingredients.
While there is at least one Goji juice scam that deprives consumers of a good quality Goji juice, there is yet a second, no less dangerous form for this kind of scam. The second Goji scam concerns the nature of information regarding one mineral in the Goji juice. The second scam leaves out all of the available information about a mineral called selenium.
What do you think is their secret?
Introducing Goji juice, made from Goji berries grown in the remote and unpolluted hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia. Experts who want to save the people who live in this modern society studied what must be wonderful about these Himalayan diets and why do they live so long and free from diseases. Their studies prove that their diet perpetually include Goji berries.
Further studies on Goji berries prove that they are nutritious and contain vital nutrients necessary to combat free radicals.
Goji juice contains potent vitamins, and minerals like no other berry.
Goji juice also contains 18 amino acids, 8 of which are essential for our bodies, but having all 18 adds to the beneficial characteristic of this wonderful red juice.
Based on studies by numerous health professionals including Dr. Earl Mindell, the author of The Vitamin Bible, Goji juice made from Goji berries can give your body all the nutrients it needs to help keep a healthy and happy life.
Goji juice aside from the 18 amino acids also has 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E. All of these can help give you healthy and active life.
Some of the beneficial effects of drinking Goji juice are:
Energy and Strength - Goji juice is considered as an adaptogen. It increases exercise tolerance, stamina and endurance. Goji juice may also enhance the recovery of ill patients.
Cholesterol level balance - Goji juice may also help manage your cholesterol level because it contains beta-sitosterol, which can help in your cholesterol level balance. It will also help avoid cholesterol deposit in the blood vessels, thus heart problems may be eliminated.
Normal Kidney Function - your kidney is the vital organ that may possibly control the brain and other organs in the body. It is thus essential for better health that you keep your kidneys functioning properly. Goji juice is believed to be helpful in keeping this essential organ functioning properly.
Supports General Health - as mentioned earlier, free radicals harm our body in many ways. Thus, eliminating this natural enemy will help keep our body strong and avoid illnesses. Goji juice is a potent antioxidant that may keep our body healthy.
Other beneficial factors which may come from Goji juice are enhanced sexual function, blood sugar level balance and vision problems.
Goji juice is available with several health stores and a lot of these have online shops. The recommended dosage is 2-4 ounces per day; however, there are no known side effects of exceeding the dosage. Most people are able to see and feel the positive effects of Goji juice within one month of regular consumption. The bottled juice sold by health stores should not contain artificial colors or sweetening agents. A one-liter bottle of Goji juice may contain the nutritional equivalent of two pounds of fresh Goji berries.
FROM: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=40246
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Goji berries: The new superfruit
12/10/2007 Move over blueberries and broccoli: the new superfood on the plot is the Goji berry. Diana McAdam introduces the Chinese wonder shrub you can grow at home
Britain's love affair with growing fruit and veg has hit new heights, thanks to the campaigning work of green gardeners and foodies, and increased awareness that what we eat affects the way we look and feel.
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Photo: Berry healthy: Goji berries are the latest superfood |
Dieticians tend to avoid the term "superfood" and prefer to talk about a super diet, where the emphasis is on a balanced regime rich in a wide variety of fruit - especially berries - and veg. But they do not dispute that some foods - such as the fruit of Lycium barbarum, known as Goji berries - pack a harder than average nutritional punch.
This fruit, which is about 2cm (1in) in diameter with a mild, sweet liquorice flavour, has recently been rated No 1 on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) by the US Department of Agriculture. The scale was developed to measure the antioxidant level in foods and, the higher the score, the more capable that food is of destroying the free radicals that cause cancer and speed up the aging process.
Goji berries scored a spectacular 25,300 per 100g, while prunes, which came second, had a mere 5,770 per 100g. According to Gillian McKeith, the presenter of Channel 4's You Are What You Eat, they have 2,000 more antioxidants and 500 times the amount of vitamin C per weight as oranges.
They also contain beta-carotene (their ability to improve vision has been documented for more than 1,500 years in China), vitamins B1 and B2, minerals and amino acids. Goji berries and lycium bark play important roles in traditional Chinese medicine and are believed, among other things, to strengthen the immune system, help eyesight, protect the liver, boost the sperm count and improve circulation.
Another traditional property of Goji fruit is their ability to benefit the complexion and it is also claimed that they enhance longevity (a Chinaman, Li Quing Yuen, who ate them every day, is said to have lived to the age of 250).
Most of the Goji berries that are sold in this country are cultivated in China, but they also grow in Mongolia and on vines in the sheltered Himalayan valleys of Tibet and Nepal, where they have been eaten for centuries and are nicknamed "happy berries" because of the sense of wellbeing they are said to induce.
They can be dried (most that you buy in this country are dried), eaten raw or brewed into a tea. So although they are new to many of us, Chinese supermarkets have been importing Goji berries to this country since the 1970s. The young shoots and leaves of the lycium bush are also grown commercially in China and can be used as a flavouring or lightly cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The flavour is said to be cress-like but has also been described as pepperminty.
However, what is perhaps most surprising about this wonder shrub is that, according to William Aiton's Hortus Kewensis, published in 1789 (Aiton was director of Kew from 1759 until his death in 1793), Lycium barbarum was being grown as an ornamental plant in the Royal Gardens of St James's Palace in 1696.
The Victorians were also very fond of the berries. There is a reference from 1830 to Goji berries being tied as beads around the necks of teething children - although they would have known the plant by a different name. Goji is a relatively recent invention, based on the Chinese Gou Qi Zi. Other names for it include Chinese Wolfberry, matrimony vine, Chinese boxthorn, red medlar, vicar's tea party and the Duke of Argyll's tea tree.
Stephen Shirley, the owner of Victoriana Nursery Gardens, began cultivating Goji plants last year. "They are extremely hardy and can grow to 10ft tall. I hadn't heard that the Victorians loved and grew them - or not for their fruit, anyway - but it would not surprise me if they were used as a topiary plant.
Rapid in growth and resilient to hard pruning, they are ideal for topiary." As Stephen suggests, L. barbarum can be grown as an informal hedge, and will even thrive by the sea. It has an extensive root system, so can be used to stabilise sandy banks. Tolerant of pruning, it can regrow from old wood, but any trimming is best carried out in spring.
So, far from being exotic and temperamental, these wonder plants are tough, easy-growing and self-fertile, and will thrive in practically any soil type and at any temperature. Why not grow your own?
A single plant will produce more than 2lb (1kg) of berries in its second year. You could save a fortune and perhaps live to be 250.
Reader offer
Readers can now buy Goji berries on-line at the Telegraph Shop: www.shop.telegraph.co.uk/tl412. One plant supplied in a 9cm pot is available for just £9.95 inc p&p. Or save £9.95 when you buy three plants or just £19.90.
Alternatively, call 0870 950 5926, quoting ref.TL412 or send cheques made payable to Telegraph Garden to Telegraph Goji Offer, Rookery Farm, Joys Bank, Holbeach St Johns, Spalding, PE12 8SG. Delivery within 28 days.
How to grow
Although the plants can grow in poor soil, it should be well-drained. They do not like to sit in the wet, but they can grow in both semi-shade (light woodland) and full sun.
"Our experience is that full sun is their favourite, with a well-drained but rich compost, and that it is best to sow in spring in the greenhouse," says Stephen Shirley.
"Each fruit contains many seeds and it is important to break up the fruit and sow the seed thinly. We barely cover it with compost and find germination is best at around 18C-20C (64F-68F)."
Germination is usually fairly quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter.
"At first the seedlings are extremely weak and losses can easily occur from damping off, slugs and just about anything else. Initial transplanting (pricking out) can also cause significant losses as the first roots are very delicate," says Shirley.
"But once you get past the 5cm-7cm (2in-3in) stage, about 10 weeks from sowing, the plants are altogether different and their rate of growth is dramatic, easily achieving 2ft of growth in a month or so."
Plant out the seedlings in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the tips of the young plants to encourage bushy growth. Small purple and white trumpet flowers appear from June to August and these are followed by small red oval berries from August to October. These can be harvested until the first frosts. It is better to shake the berries from the plant than pick by hand, as this causes the fruit to oxidise and turn black.
"The plants will recover from being allowed to dry out and high temperatures do not bother them, but they are also hardy to about -15C and will survive the winter with no protection," says Shirley
FROM: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/main.jhtml?xml=/gardening/2007/10/12/garden-superfruit-superfood-goji112.xml
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Going for the goji: Unusual berry boasts antioxidants, vitamins galore
By: MIKA ONO BENEDYK - For the North County Times
October 11, 2007 - Goji berries are popping up in natural food stores everywhere -- not only dried in tidy packages with pictures of the Himalayas, but also in Goji berry trail mixes, energy bars, juice packages, spreads, and even in powdered form mixed with cocoa to add to your smoothies.
"We began introducing Goji berries in our stores a year to 18 months ago in response to customer requests," said Andy Huth, grocery buyer for the four Jimbo'sÖNaturally! stores in North County. "They just took off. Anything with Goji berries tends to be a hot item."
Goji (pronounced GO-gee) berries, also known by a variety of other names, including Wolfberries, lycium fruit, and matrimony vine fruit, have come to the forefront in large part because of their remarkable nutritional profile -- boasting anti-oxidants and vitamins galore.
"Like a lot of things these days, Goji berries straddle the line between food and supplement," noted Huth. "They are classified as a food, but you don't consume them because you are hungry so much as because you want their desirable properties." An 8-ounce bag of Wild Oats dried Goji berries goes for $9.99.
Goji berries are easy on the palate, though, offering a tart and sweet taste. In the dried form, the size and texture of Goji berries are not unlike those of a raisin, although sometimes a little crisper.
Dried Goji berries are convenient to use. They can be sprinkled on cereal in the morning or added to baked goods like any other dried fruit. And they also can be consumed in the array of products made with Goji berries that currently populate natural food store aisles.
Henry's produces a Goji berry and cranberry chutney, along with energy bars with the berries. GNC sells Goji berry juice and several juice mixes featuring Goji berries as an ingredient.
With the exception of Whole Foods, the trend hasn't yet made the leap to the large national supermarket chains, though. At last check, you won't find Goji berries in Vons stores, nor even in the new Ralph's Fresh Fare in 4S Ranch.
Gift from the East
While Goji berries are just now being embraced by the American health food scene, they have a longstanding reputation for their healthful properties in other parts of the world.
Dr. Yuan Wang, a traditional Chinese medical practitioner at The Source clinic on Pomerado Road in Poway and member of the faculty at San Diego's Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, is more than a little familiar with Goji berries, called gou qi zi in Chinese (kukoshi in Japanese; kugija in Korean).
"Gou qi zi is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine," said Wang, "especially for the eyes."
Traditional Chinese medicine, which uses acupuncture and herbs as its two main tools, is a 3,000-year-old healing art based on generations of scholarship and clinical observation. Goji berries are featured in modern texts, such as "Materia Medica," third edition, by Dan Bensky et al. (Eastland Press, Seattle), as well as ancient ones.
Wang likes to add Goji berries to soups and notes they can be brewed into a tea. She prescribes them to patients who, in Chinese medical terms, need to nourish the blood, enrich the yin (one of two life forces), strengthen the kidney and liver, and moisten the lungs.
"My patients are always asking me 'What should I eat?'" Wang says. "The answer can often include gou qi zi."
Many of the dried Goji berries you'll find in health food stores are farmed in Asia, especially north-central and western China (probably not Tibet, despite marketing claims, as the landscape is inhospitable to commercial cultivation). The delicate fruit require careful harvesting come the late summer, and berries are often shaken from the vine into trays to avoid spoiling.
The plant -- a member of the Solanacea family, which also gives us hot peppers, eggplant, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes -- also grows as hedgerows in Great Britain, and can be raised in many parts of North America. One nursery in Utah, Timpanogos Nursery, specializes in selling the seeds and plants to the U.S. market, advising customers they grow well in well-drained soil of moderate quality and produce the best berries in full sun.
Bounty of benefits
Goji berries offer a cornucopia of nutrition. In addition to calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamin C, the fruit contains phytochemicals, particularly beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. The health benefits of diverse phytochemicals, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, are now increasingly recognized in the West.
According to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, a diet high in zeaxanthin (and lutein) may slow, or even reverse, the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans.
Other foods containing zeaxanthin include corn, spinach, collards, lettuce, oranges and tangerines. Kale, turnip greens, and broccoli also contain lutein.
Scientific studies of Goji berries have been suggestive of other health benefits, such as increased immunity, but none have yet provided conclusive evidence. Funding for large-scale, well-controlled human trials is hard to come by, though, so as in many areas, consumers will have to continue to make decisions in a world of less than perfect information.
Wang adds that while Chinese medical tradition supports the beneficial properties of Goji berries, this same tradition also emphasizes the need for balance.
"No one food is going to provide everything to everybody," she said.
GO-GO SMOOTHIE
1/3 cup orange juice
3 or 4 ice cubes
Handful of dried Goji berries
1 banana (or half a dozen strawberries or 1?4 cantaloupe, if you prefer)
Put the ingredients together in a blender, whirl together, then serve. Serves 1.
This recipe is from www.gojiberriesblog.com:
CRANBERRY Goji RELISH
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, flavinoids and anti-oxidants, this energizing relish is delicious by itself, as a colorful side dish for holidays, or a beautiful garnish with fruits and lettuces. A great winter or summer food.
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
4-6 dates
1-2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tablespoon jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 orange, peeled, sectioned
1 Tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup Tibetan Goji berries, soaked
1/4 cup black seedless raisins, soaked
Blend ingredients except berries and raisins to a coarse texture in a food processor with the "S" blade. Stir in raisins and berries by hand and serve immediately or refrigerate overnight to blend flavors. Keeps up to 1 week. Store in glass bowl or jar.
FROM: http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/10/13/food/11_03_2410_11_07.txt
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Goji berries - views from a brit
October 10, 2007 -
One aspect of the Asia economic boom is the demand for products made or produced in Asia. In the UK Tesco a major supermarket chain is now stocking "Goji berries" straight from the Himalayas to the local supermarket. Goji berries are only part of the issue the Western demand for Asian production has negative effects in many areas. There are claims that as a result of Western demand increasing production in China, CO2 emissions in China are increasing disproportionately-Chinese factories produce more CO2 than their Western counterparts therefore increasing Chinese production leads to greater international (and of course Asian) environmental damage. There is also the point that by concentrating production in Asia leads to sustaining and even increasing unacceptable employment and working conditions for many Asians. Asian labor costs are indeed much cheaper than European labor costs, not necessarily because Asia is a cheaper place but because the rules that govern safety at work, occupational health, pension benefits and the plethora of other labor and employment regulations don't apply in the same way, if at all, in many Asian countries. Is this a case of Asian labour and Asian air quality being compromised by consumer needs (not to mention the needs for robust shareholder returns) in the West? I think that it is. Why should for example, the EU rules regarding labor welfare not apply in the Philippines or in China or other parts of Asia? is it a matter of sovereignty ("we will set and enforce our own rules in our own way") or is it just a way of producing at the lowest possible cost (by dodging proper rules) in order to sell at the highest possible cost, distributing profits along the way to each participant in the value chain?
According to the BBC a report by development charity War on Want said it found that sewing machine operators in textile factories in Bangladesh were working more than 80 hours a week for five pence per hour (P4.00). They were making clothes destined for US and European supermarkets
Neither was this just a typical step toward economic development. Overall pay in the sector had halved in real terms in the 1990s. People in underdeveloped Asian economies want and need work-at any price. In many places if you have no money you just die, and if you are poor and unskilled and without useful connections, you have very little bargaining power, "give me a job, any job, give me the right to work." Here in the Philippines there is a set of (low) minimum wage rates and there are ad hoc mandatory cost of living allowances granted, as well as the need to make SSS and tax contributions-but in reality life and working conditions do not always follow these rules, and even if they did the labor costs would be well below European or US comparables and life for the workers would still be a major challenge.
Once again we are back to the issue of market forces and in this case the damage that they can do to less developed Asian economies. Reverting back to the "Goji berries" from the Himalayas there are many small farmers in the less developed world who can come to depend on Western consumer tastes, and because of this dependency and the increasingly limited number of mega-supermarket chains, become hostage to the purchasing departments of the supermarket giants (of which there are currently about 30 world wide, forecast to reduce to 10 within the next 5 years)-what is a Goji berry grower to do when Tesco no longer have a market for his produce?
FROM: http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/oct/10/yehey/business/20071010bus14.html
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Back to the Bakery
New Breads Are Healthier and Appeal to the Discerning Palate
By: Marketwire .
Oct. 4, 2007 - BOULDER, CO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Whole grains and high fiber are great reasons to bring bread back into your diet; and here's one more: the allure of the bakery.
As Americans move back towards a more balanced way of eating, their options when it comes to high quality bread products have really improved. Demand for bakery breads have gone up with the increased sophistication of the average person's palate.
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"We are finding that people want more out of their bread than just a dose of whole grains," says Beth Swanson, marketing manager for The Baker Organic line of bread. "They want more fiber, organic and high quality ingredients; and they want it to taste good."
The Baker Organic is a new line of organic breads being launched to appeal to the senses of those looking for healthier bread that tastes like it's straight from the bakery. The eight varieties available vary from traditional 100-percent Whole Wheat and 7 Grain and Fiber, to some innovative renditions like Green tea and Goji Berry, Pomegranate and Blueberry and Yoga Bread.
The Green tea and Goji Berry Bread is made with two of the most nutrient-rich plant foods on earth (3 grams of fiber, 17 grams of whole grains per serving). The Pomegranate and Blueberry Bread includes organic pomegranate and blueberries, which are both known for their high antioxidant properties (3 grams of fiber, 15 grams of whole grains per serving). The Yoga Bread is a unique blend of pumpkin seeds, cranberries, poppy seeds and sunflower seeds (3 grams of fiber, 13 grams of whole grains per serving).
All of The Baker Organic breads are infused with European aroma, flavors and have a hearty texture made with a variety of organic whole grains, fruit and nuts. The breads are made without any artificial ingredients, preservatives, pesticides or high fructose corn syrups. Learn more at http://www.thebakerorganic.com.
FROM: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20071015/tea_research_071015/20071015?hub=Health
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Benefits from 'super juices' debatable
By MARY JANE BOLAND - Sunday Star Times
9 September 2007 - New reasearch suggests that consumers should be sceptical about some of the health benefit claims of so called "Super juices".
Goji juice, made from berries of the Goji or Wolfberry tree, is one of the newest products to gain popularity here.
But research from Australian consumer watchdog Choice shows some Goji juice products - which can cost up to $85 a litre - contain just 10 per cent of the antioxidants found in a red delicious apple.
Antioxidants may protect against damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to cancer.
The New South Wales Food Authority is examining claims by some Australian and New Zealand distributors of Goji juice and other drinks, including mangosteen and Tahitian noni juice, that they could help treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes and drug addictions.
In New Zealand the Ministry of Health is investigating one juice company over whether its internet claims breach the Medicines Act, which makes it illegal for companies to claim therapeutic benefits in products unless the item is registered as a medicine.
Most super juices are sold through multi-level marketing companies. Customers buy the products on the internet and, in some cases, only after joining a distribution network.
Some have claimed Goji juice is "the greatest natural source of antioxidants on the planet".
But Choice media spokesman Christopher Zinn told the Sunday Star-Times its interest was piqued by the many companies touting superjuices and some making outlandish claims about their products' effectiveness.
He said he had originally considered labelling such companies as "snake oil merchants" but decided that was too extreme because superjuices were just as good for people as any fresh juice.
In New Zealand, Medsafe and the Food Safety Authority have both warned companies against making unsubstantiated claims about their superjuices in the past year.
Diane Robinson, spokeswoman for the authority, said among those warned were companies advertising in Tongan newspapers. Most companies had since removed their claims about it curing cancer or treating other diseases.
Rob Burlison, a distributor for Freelife, one of the biggest Himalayan Goji juice suppliers, said it was good to drink for its polysaccharide levels - complex carbohydrates - not just its antioxidants.
Burlison said his mother, who suffers clinical depression, had found drinking Goji juice had improved her energy and circulation.
He found it was better to drink Goji juice than eat lots of vitamin supplements but said he was careful about making health claims about the juice to customers.
Medsafe compliance team leader Derek Fitzgerald said it was investigating one company about its promotion over superjuices, but would not divulge details.
People should be reasonably sceptical about products, especially when they were expensive, he said.
"If it really is a good thing that cures or prevents important diseases, it's probably not going to be available through a marketer on the internet or someone giving a presentation at the local community hall. It's probably going to be available from a pharmacy or on prescription from your doctor."
FROM: http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=78969-datamonitor-superfoods-soy
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BERRY BEST
BY CATHY BUSS, HEALTH CORRESPONDENT
05 September 2007 - Health experts today urged people to ditch expensive "superfoods" - and go blackberrying instead.
They fear celebrity hype over trendy fruits and diets is leaving people out of pocket and may not be as "berry good" for you as it is claimed.
Kristian Bravin, senior specialist dietician at Leicester Royal Infirmary, has called for people to go back to basics and go foraging.
He recommends instead of spending up to £15 for dried superfoods at the supermarkets, people should tuck into fresh blackberries, wild garlic and elderberries.
Mr Bravin, 35, said: "It is very difficult to beat the old-fashioned blackberry. All these exotic fruits which are imported have to be dried or are picked when not quite ripe so immediately vital nutrients are being lost.
"It is like asking if it is better to eat an orange or take a vitamin C pill - by eating the orange you get the vitamin C as well as other nutrients."
The other advantage of picking free foods is the walk and exercise involved as well as providing a family activity.
Mr Bravin said: "Everyone is in such a hurry today that they rush into supermarkets to buy these so-called superfoods and then dash home to sit in front of the television.
"It would be so much better for them to get out about as a family and see what actually is around them."
Goji and Acai berries have been lauded by celebrities. Madonna and Liz Hurley are said to chew on the Goji berries - which resemble dried cranberries - which were discovered in the Himalayan mountains.
In the Orient they are regarded as an anti-ageing and strength-building superfood.
Oprah Winfrey, tennis star Andre Agassi and singer Sting are said to be fans of the Acai berry - a grape-sized fruit grown in Brazil.
Mr Bravin said: "Superfood is just a buzzword to describe exotic and often expensive food high in particular nutrients and to make people think they should be eating them.
"Most unprocessed foods have essential nutrients.
"Foods from hedgerows are free but we have lost the knowledge to know what we can and can't eat from the wild."
His call to shun supermarkets is backed by wild-food expert John Wright, foraging expert for TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Hugh's shows based on his life at River Cottage have urged people to explore the countryside for their food. John said: "Gathering from the wild is the only natural way of getting food and it is a joy going out to look for it.
"Mushrooms are a good example - you can create gourmet dishes, they are nutritious and a very good option for vegetarians."
Kristian Bravin will be talking in more detail about hedgerow foods and food allergies at a medicine for members event organised by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust tonight from 6pm to 8pm at Glenfield Hospital.
FROM: http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=132384&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232710&home=yes&more_nodeId1=132393&contentPK=18302972
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Msn includes goji berries in 10 best foods
Written by Jeni Bachelder
31 August 2007 - MSN recently released a list of 10 best foods you should be eating and included Goji berries as one of them.
MSN recently released a list of 10 best foods (http://301url.com/msn-gojiberries) you should be eating and Goji berries was one of them. The article is titled "Want to do your body a world of good? It's as easy as expanding your grocery list" and highlights the health foods that you must be adding to your shopping list soon.
Goji berries have one of the highest ORAC ratings, signifying antioxidant power - of any fruit, according to Tufts University researchers. These raisin-size fruits can be chewed and taste like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry. The potent berries have been used in Tibet as a medicinal food for over 1700 years.
"We appreciate that MSN included Goji berries in this list of best foods. A large number of our customers have reported overall improvement in efficiency and well-being after eating Goji berries", reported Kirk Bachelder, owner of Goji berries USA. He was very happy because his online store at http://www.gojiberries.us was referred in the list as the go-to destination for procuring Goji berries.
This store offers Goji berries in several varieties including dried Goji, Goji juice and even Goji seeds. They offer free shipping for all orders above $40 and recently introduced Goji clusters dipped in dark chocolate for those seeking to enjoy antioxidant rich Goji berries without compromising on the taste.
About GojiBerries.us
Goji berries US is the online store where you can order Goji berries, Goji juice and Goji seeds in small and wholesale quantities at very competitive rates. These are directly imported from the Tibetan Himalayas and help to improve your vigor and energy levels with the rich antioxidant properties. They now carry seaweed fertilizer, in both wholesale and retail formats, to aid those desirous of growing their own Goji berries.
FROM: http://pr-gb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13906&Itemid=9
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Superfoods market set to double by 2011
By Alex McNally
8/10/2007 - The superfood and drink market is expected to almost double in the ten year period up to 2011, says a report published today, with soy products and exotic fruits leading the charge.
This rise is down to consumers looking for foods deemed good for them, Datamonitor said, with more than half of the 5,413 European and US consumers surveyed by the firm claiming they had taken more active steps to eat and drink healthily in 2006.
Datamonitor says the market would have grown from €5,872m ($8,013m) to €7,448m ($10,163m) by 2011.
Michael Hughes, market analyst and author of the report Super Food and Drinks: Consumer Attitudes To Nutrient Rich Products, said shoppers are actively seeking nutrient rich fresh, organic and functional food and drinks and turning their backs on foods high in fats, sugars and salts.
Hughes said:
"The trend towards 'positive nutrition' is well reflected by the recent popularization of superfoods, especially in the UK and US."
As a result, superfoods and drinks, like Acai and Goji berries, are seeing a surge in demand. Datamonitor defined superfoods for the purpose of the report as foods rich in
"specific nutrients and phyto-chemicals (i.e. anti-oxidants) and are promoted as being able to improve health condition and/or disease prevention."
A spokesperson told NutraIngredients.com that the definition includes both foods which are naturally high in nutritional value and those with added nutrition. This means it can include much of the functional food market.
Many food and drinks associated with superfood status have also enjoyed healthy growth in the last five years and this - in part - can be attributed to this status, he added.
Hughes said:
"The popularization of superfoods means that many food and drinks now have a 'healthy-halo' which significantly influences consumer preferences."
Exotic, highly fashionable fruits such as Acai berries, Goji berries and pomegranates have all risen in popularity, with pomegranate currently one of the most fashionable superfood ingredients, the analyst said. In the period January 2005 to May 2007, there had already been a 500 per cent increase in the number of products using pomegranate as an ingredient compared to the period 1999 to 2004.
Hughes added:
"Right now, pomegranate is the hot ingredient, but this is likely to be superseded given that new ingredients are being continuously touted. "Monitoring these developments will be vital if industry players are going to fully capitalize on the superfoods movement."
On the down side, the report waves a question mark over the environmental ethics around superfoods - as many originate from countries away from the US or European market, their sale is at the cost of a high carbon footprint.
The report is also cautious about the future of super foods and warns companies about their marketing of the category, especially if manufacturers use explicit branding initiatives, which promote superfoods as a "magic bullet." This is now particularly relevant to the category, as under the new EU health claims regulations there must be accepted scientific data to support statements of health promotion.
Datamonitor said food companies should focus on the good content of the product and not
"overly promote the products on the basis of superfood branding,"
adding that consumers are
"savvier and seeking to consume … a nutritionally balanced diet from a diverse range of food types."
Soy product sales more than tripled in Western Europe in the period 2001 to 2006. Sales in the US nearly doubled in the same time period.
Green tea sales have grown substantially in the US. The market grew from €18m ($119m) in 2001 to €116m ($160m) in 2006, but such growth in Europe was not as apparent.
Datamonitor also identified an opportunity for manufacturers to respond to growing time constraints which are leading to people in Europe missing around 100 meals a years because they do not have time.
The report suggests companies can take advantage of this by offering nutritionally enhanced snacks as a substitution for missed meals.
FROM: http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=78969-datamonitor-superfoods-soy
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Rich Nature responds to consumer demand for goji and açaí as industry momentum for superfruits picks up
August 10, 2007 -- Early signs from Ningxia and Brazil indicate it's going to be a bumper harvest for Goji berries ("Ningxia Wolfberries", Lycium barbarum L.) and Acai ("assa-ee", palmberry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) this year.
And that means great news for superfruit food and beverage manufacturers and all Goji lovers who appreciate the unique, sweet, tangy flavor of Nature's nutritious "Red Diamond".
Rich Nature Nutraceutical Laboratories has launched five new proprietary products from this year's harvest including RichJuice 200™, a 50% dehydration of fresh Goji berry juice, RichJuice Plus™, a liquid purée of the whole Goji fruit (pulp, skin, seeds), and Bevesol 200™, a soluble powder made from RichJuice 200™.
New to Rich Nature's product lineup are two proprietary blends made from Rich Juice 200™ and soluble freeze-dried Acai powder: PalmGoji™, a liquid concentrate of the two fruit sources and PalmGojiSol™, a completely soluble powder blend made from Bevesol 200™ and soluble Acai powder. All these new products are provided as raw materials in bulk quantities for manufacturers.
Quoting President of Rich Nature, Richard Zhang, "2007 is a benchmark year for Rich Nature. Not only are we closer to full organic certification for our farm in Ningxia, but we have also developed five new raw material products to meet growing market demands and applications for Goji. We are proud to be recognized for the high quality of our Goji materials, and are excited to be expanding our development partnerships this year."
Goji and Acai are included in the superfruit category as high in nutrients and antioxidants. The Seattle-based raw materials supplier says its 700 acre Goji farm in Ningxia has completed two of three major steps for organic certification expected for the 2008 crop. Current certificates of analysis from the Rich Nature farm show negative or below detectable levels of pesticides, heavy metals and microbial contaminants, a success resulting from organic practices already in place. The Acai material obtained by Rich Nature is harvested in the wild.
Used in their respective traditional medicine for centuries, Goji and Acai are set to gain even more western popularity over the next decade, as novel applications for medicinal plants and herbs in functional foods and beverages are likely to be received well by formulators looking for novel, convenient and appealing ways to deliver them to consumers.
Rich Nature will continue to carry in its line the highest-grade dried Goji berries and whole Goji pulp powder valued for development of flavors and the natural red-orange colorant of Goji berries.
Included among "exotic superfruits", Goji berries naturally contain dense concentrations of nutrients and phytochemicals, including exceptional levels of beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene, vitamin B2, iron, copper, selenium and protein. Goji is rare among berries by containing dense contents both of polyphenolic and carotenoid pigments in its pulp and skin, giving it one of the highest measured values for oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Bevesol 200™ was measured for ORAC at 6230 micromoles Trolox per 100 g.
Rich Nature also has produced a 235-page, science-based reference textbook for Goji nutrients and phytochemicals, entitled "Wolfberry: Nature's Bounty of Nutrition and Health", authored by P.M. Gross, PhD, X. Zhang, MD and R. Zhang, Booksurge Publishing, 2006 (Amazon.com).
A deep violet color, Acai owns the title as Nature's #1 antioxidant plant food (ORAC for Rich Nature powder > 70,000), and is enriched with soluble dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fats, magnesium, iron and calcium.
FROM: http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=19218&zoneid=22
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It's the get up and goji berry
Monday July 30 2007 - Goji berries are the new kid on the block of so called 'superfoods'.
They are increasingly easy to find as they are hitting the shelves in supermarkets and healthfood stores over here.
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Weight for weight the amazing berries are reputed to contain:
- more vitamin C than oranges.
- more betacarotene than carrots.
- more iron than steak.
You can use Goji berries as you would use any fruit in your morning cereal - add them to porridge or even yogurt for breakfast.
They also work well with salads, rice or couscous or in stews or casseroles for dinner.
As a healthy snack you can eat the berries on their own or add them to your own fruit and nut mix.
Alternatively, try snack bars containing Goji berries.
As a drink enjoy a refreshing glass of Goji berry juice or as a treat look out for the berries covered in dark chocolate.
If all else fails look for the berries in capsule form, which you can take with a drink to boost your cancerfighting antioxidants.
FROM: http://www.carefair.com/html/Company_Launches_New_Botaniceutical_Hair_Care_Line_2729.html#;
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Company Launches New Botaniceutical Hair Care Line
Written by the CareFair.com Editorial Team.
Jul 28, 2007 -
A 19-product line of hair care products has been launched by Bain de Terre, a subsidiary of Shiseido International. According to the company, the range contains four botaniceuticals, namely, black currant, magnolia bark, wild jujube and Goji berry. Bain de Terre claims to be the only company that uses botaniceuticals in its hair care products.
The products are marketed as being able to help keep hair 'healthy, strong and lustrous'. In addition, the ingredients are all-natural and provide needed nourishment to hair. These botaniceuticals were created to treat four different hair care needs, preserving hair color, giving volume, balancing and moisturizing.
The new range will be on sale as of September 2007.
FROM: http://www.carefair.com/html/Company_Launches_New_Botaniceutical_Hair_Care_Line_2729.html#;
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Superfood Snacks harness raw power of cacao, Goji berries & coconut
by Keya Keita - The Garden Island
Tuesday, Jul 24, 2007 - Kaua'i resident and entrepreneur, Adam Collins, has created a superfood snack that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Developing the sustainable, healthful and tasty food product comes from a sincere desire to share his own knowledge of nutrition, based on solid food science with the island and beyond.
Collins created Superfood Snacks: The Chocolate Goji Treat after putting together his own power-packed combination of foods for a long hike. To sustain energy, stamina and focus, while feeding the body and brain on a deep cellular level, Collins has seen the proof of his superfood potency through laboratory studies as well as testimony from his octogenarian grandmother - who energetically claims she is ready to come out of retirement, kicking up her heels.
"Over the past 10 years," said Collins in a recent interview, "I was looking into different ways to stay healthy through food, just for myself. I had grown up in a healthy household where my mother was pretty conscious of nutrition."
Collins' father had diabetes, making his family very aware of the power and effects foods have on the body.
Collins described what the typical modern-American diet often yields: "I had chronic low energy, and I often felt sick. I took it upon myself to figure it out."
Exploring both vegetarianism and veganism, Collins explained that it wasn't until he delved into live and raw foods that his health really improved. From there, he began searching the globe for traditional "superfoods" that most often are whole, raw and live food products used in holistic medicine and the daily diets of indigenous peoples.
"Eventually coming into the knowledge of superfoods, I set out to find the best foods I possibly could," he said. For Collins, "best" also meant for the farmer and the planet, "organic and fair-trade as well."
Collins described what other raw-foodists know: "You find that a little bit goes a long way. There is a common illusion of the actual amount of food we need to consume to be sustained, I realized it was the quality, not quantity that is most important."
When Collins began to see the incredible improvement in health he had gained, he wanted to act. "Seeing the benefits, I wanted to create a company that could bring these foods to more people."
The birth of Superfood Snacks soon followed, yet not before several years of developing the recipe, the sourcing for fair-trade and highest quality organic ingredients, as well as bio-degradable and compostable packaging.
The recipe for Chocolate Goji Treats was assembled soon after a lengthy hike taken by Collins.
"I had thrown a bunch of my superfoods together, as a trail-mix, all loose in a bag. The mixture sustained my entire trip and came in handy when I met a few other weary hikers. The 15 ingredients in the mix pepped them up too. When I came home I started realizing I could help other people with this type of nutrition and began playing around with combining the ingredients to actually make one product." he explained.
Describing the final incarnation of the superfood treat, Collins said, "it's more like a truffle rolled in coconut, but has the antioxidant punch of these amazing ingredients."
Collins began sourcing his ingredients and soon found a manufacturer whose own philosophy of fair-trade and sustainable agriculture made a perfect match for the business.
"Our Goji berries are from the original Tibetan strand of the plant, the organic cacao from Ecuador, everything we use, even the pure brown vanilla powder, is raw, unprocessed and sustainable," said Collins.
Perhaps the most challenging for Collins was developing his packaging.
"It took two years to get the packaging right. We went through so many hurdles, so many nay-sayers, but finally we have the very first 100 percent biodegradable and compostable packaging on the market," he said, "including the actual film used to print the image on to the package. Sustainibility is extremely important to us."
What many modern nutritionists are discovering in the benefits and power of certain natural foods, has been known and practiced by traditional cultures around the world since time immemorial. Regarding food as life-sustaining medicine, rather than an entertaining past-time, can change our perspective on how to feed ourselves and families.
Collins emphasizes that by buying organic, fair-trade foods is good for both the individual and the planet at large.
"Farmers that get paid fairly for their labor, are happier as they do their work, they are happier because they can support their family, and that love goes into the food we eat," said Collins. "It's just the right thing to do."
Getting his Chocolate Goji Treats tested at a professional laboratory was a crowning moment in the process of making them. "We actually print the results on the front of the package," said Collins. "I want people to know that this is a wonderful snack for kids, adults, the elderly ... for school, for the gym, for lunch."
Incorporating superfoods into a balanced diet can make noticeable and powerful changes in the body and mind normal functions.
"We live in a fast-paced society," said Collins. "People eat what is quick and available. I hope this is something that can be a healthy and more potent alternative to other mainstream snacks."
Moving to Kaua'i three years ago from Steamboat Springs in the Rocky Mountains, Collins loves the island and is excited about his ability to bring this product to our local food stores.
Papaya's, Vim & Vigor, The Chi Center in Lihu'e and Healthy Hut in Kilauea are the Kaua'i retailers.
Collins also recently signed a contract with Whole Foods, the Mainland natural food store chain, which will soon carry Chocolate Goji Treats in its Southern Pacific region.
"I am not a certified chef, I didn't go to school - I grew up with amazing chefs in both my grandmother and mom. But this all came out of a desire to take care of myself and my own health. Now I'm happy I can share it," said Collins, the sole creator of this globally minded, deliciously addictive, new superfood, born on the island of Kaua'i.
FROM: http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2007/07/25/news/news10.txt
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The View from A Farr - Fear of the unknown
Source: Annette Farr
12 July 2007 - Soft drinks producers are seeking increasingly exotic ingredients, notably fruits, for new product ideas. But, writes Annette Farr, novel foods legislation in the EU could stifle such innovation, preventing or at least delaying the introduction to European diets of ingredients with a proven history of providing health benefits in other parts of the world.
The soft drinks industry thrives on innovation, yet the consumer always deserves honesty and consistency when it comes to product health claims. So it is rather unfortunate that recent EU legislation could financially hamper the more exotic fruit drink developments.
EU Novel Foods Regulation (EC) 258/97 has been behind the recent Goji berry controversy. The Goji berry (also know as the Chinese Wolfberry), one of a new breed of super fruits used by juice and smoothie manufacturers, has been subjected to official scrutiny under this regulation.
A novel food is defined as a food or food ingredient which does not have a significant history of consumption within the EU before May 1997. According to the regulations introduced in 1997, new foods must be shown to meet three criteria before they can be authorised for sale: they must be safe; their labelling must not be misleading; and their nutritional quality must not be inferior to other similar foods that they could replace.
After Goji berry importers provided a comprehensive dossier, which included information on the use of the berries in soft and alcoholic drinks, to the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA), the agency concluded that there was sufficient evidence to indicate that Goji berries had been consumed to a significant degree in the UK before May 1997, and that there were no safety concerns about their consumption. However, satisfying EU criteria may not be so straightforward.
The novel foods process is unpopular because it is time consuming and costly. Khaled Yafi, founder of The Berry Company, says the procedure takes some two years. He maintains that entrepreneurs will not want to waste this time going through the approval process. "It is ridiculous," he says. "How do you expect the food and beverage market to evolve when there is so much red tape?"
Many trade groups have called for a more streamlined process or its outright abolishment. According to herbal specialist Dr John Wilkinson, "there are very few new novel foods and exotic fruits that are now being introduced into the EU because of the high costs of getting approval as a food".
The Berry Company has just launched a Yum Berry juice. The Yum, hailed by Yafi as the latest "superfruit on the block", comes from China. It is high in antioxidants and is said to help weight loss and promote a healthy complexion.
Days before launch and with thousands of pounds of time-sensitive stock waiting to go on shelf, Yafi discovered that his product required novel food approval. Fortunately, with the help of the FSA he was able to collate the evidence needed and approval was rushed through.
The FSA recently delivered another positive preliminary verdict on a submission for fruit from the African baobab tree. Although there was no evidence that the fruit had been safely consumed in the EU before 1997, the FSA accepted that the fruit has been safely used for centuries in Africa.
Watch out for the baobab. The tree's dried fruit pulp could soon be available in the EU if regulatory approval is forthcoming. Nutritional analysis of baobab fruit pulp has shown that the fruit is an excellent source of pectins, calcium, vitamin C and iron. It is said to have a mild slightly acidic aftertaste which can easily be masked with flavourings for use in beverages such as smoothies.
On 1 July, another piece of European legislation came into force in the shape of new EU Nutrition & Health Claims Regulations. The principle of EC/1924/2006 is to ensure that accurate and responsible nutritional and health claims will, in future, appear on the labels of food and drink products.
The aim is to put together a list of nutrition and health claims that can be used by manufacturers across the EU by January 2010. Ultimately only health claims that are on the list will be permitted for use in the EU. Member States have until 31 January 2008 to submit their lists for evaluation and validation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
In essence, any claim made should be truthful and not attempt to mislead consumers. The FSA points out that no foods will be allowed to say they are 'good for your heart', 'help lower cholesterol' or are one of the growing list of 'superfoods' without scientific evidence to substantiate the claim.
The idea is that consumers will not be misled by false and unsuitable statements, and trade across the EU will become harmonised.
The theory is sound, but justifiable concerns have been expressed that health claims which can be scientifically proven could, in fact, be rejected by the EFSA if they are not based on "generally accepted scientific data".
The Alliance of Natural Health, for example, believes that "the scientific substantiation procedure for health claims, as set out in the proposal, would disproportionately favour large businesses over small businesses".
Does EU legislation of this sort help, hinder or harmonise? There is a real risk that innovation with the baobab, Goji and similar "untested" ingredients will stall. True dedication, time and, crucially, some significant financial input will now be the order of the day when bringing new exotic drinks to market.
FROM: http://www.just-drinks.com/article.aspx?id=90881
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Goji berry - The elixir of youth
5 Jul 2007 - Goji berry, popularly known as Himalayan Goji berry, is considered to be enriched with miraculous healing properties.
Mongolia, these small oblong-shaped bright red berries are one of the most nutrient-rich plant foods on earth. The Himalayan population has been enjoying good health and long life for thousands of years by using these berries as a health tonic. They can be eaten raw, made into a juice or brewed for tea.
Besides promoting overall health, Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan medicines for treating innumerable diseases. Goji berry, on account of its astounding effects on health, longevity and curing diseases, has found its way to the thresholds of some of the world's leading laboratories and pharmaceutical companies.
Modern science reveals that the secret behind the success of the berries offering so many health benefits lies in the rich nutritional reservoirs present in them. The berries not only are storehouses of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, but also many unique phytochemicals, complex compounds and polysaccharides.
Scientists have discovered four unique polysaccharides in Goji that have not been discovered in any other food source so far. They are of the opinion that the health benefits of the fruit are mainly due to LBP polysaccharides. Goji berries contain four complex compounds that aid good health. These are betaine, physalin, solavetivone, beta-sitosterol and cyperone.
Some of the major health benefits offered by Goji berry as documented by latest research carried out worldwide but mainly in China are:
Anti- Aging: Goji berry also known as "longevity fruit" has been traditionally used as a longevity and anti-aging super food. The high levels of antioxidants in the fruit have an unmatched ability to absorb injurious-free radicals that contribute to the aging process. The unique LBP polysaccharides play a very vital role in fighting peroxidation, a primary cause of premature cell death.
Good for cardiovascular system: The berry contains cyperone that benefits the heart and blood pressure. The anthocyanins help to maintain the strength and integrity of coronary arteries so that they can function smoothly.
Maintains healthy cholesterol levels: Beta-sitosterol has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and the potent antioxidants help in reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Strengthens the immune system: The complex compound Physalin helps boosts the immune system. Human volunteers showed an increase in white blood cells and antibody immunoglobulin (IgA) after eating 50gms of berry.
Protects against DNA damage: Scientific studies have shown that the berry protects against DNA damage and reduces DNA damage that has already occurred. This proves that it may very well counteract aging.
Good for eyes: Goji berry is a powerful vision protector. Beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, antioxidants of the carotenoid family are found in abundance in Goji berry. Zeaxanthin is very helpful against age related macular degeneration and prevents cataract formation.
Inhibits Cancer growth: The LBP-3 polysaccharide isolated from the berry has been shown to have anti-cancer effects. Researchers in China claim that Goji berry not only offers prevention against cancer but is also a cure for cancer. In vitro, the berry has inhibited the growth of leukemia, liver and skin cancer cells.
Goji berry is a source of trace mineral germanium, rarely found in food. This mineral has anti-cancer effects.
Goji berry also helps balance blood sugar and insulin response; delays the adult onset of diabetes; strengthens and protects liver from fatty liver disease; increases exercise tolerance and stamina and helps eliminate fatigue. Goji berry is also known as "happy berry" as it improves the mood, makes one feel more optimistic and gives a renewed zest for life.
FROM: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa_Plus/Goji_Berry_-_The_elixir_of_youth/articleshow/2178097.cms
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Goji juice advertising curbed in Qld
June 29, 2007 - The Queensland government has forced several companies who claimed their berry juice could cure many ills, including cancer and sexual dysfunction, to change their advertising.
Queensland Health said it had received complaints about the way goji juice is promoted or labelled by companies which import and distribute the product.
goji juice is made from goji berries, which grow on a thorny bush found in the Himalayas. The bright red-orange berries are said to have a delicious, sweet-sour flavour.
Dr Linda Selvey, senior director of population health at Queensland Health, said the complaints related to companies from Queensland, other parts of Australia and New Zealand.
"For example, two Queensland companies claimed on their websites that the juice alleviates diseases such as cancer, AIDS, cardiovascular health and is an effective treatment for obesity, liver problems, allergies and sexual dysfunction," Dr Selvey said.
"One firm recommended specific daily doses of the juice, as a treatment for each of several diseases."
Queensland Health refused to name the companies involved.
Dr Selvey said the health authority directed the companies to change website and other promotional material because it breached the Food Standards Code.
"The code draws the line on claims that a product has therapeutic value or information is presented that could be interpreted as medical advice," she said.
"Following our investigation and enforcement action, these illegal claims were rectified.
"This advertising material is now limited to the juice's nutritional benefits."
FROM: http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Goji-juice-advertising-curbed-in-Qld/2007/06/29/1182624159766.html
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Berry healthy
19-6-2007 - What's in a berry? There's a champion new berry that's come to town, and in its plump little body it has 18 amino acids, essential dietary minerals, six vitamins, anti-ageing properties and the richest source of antioxidants
The tiny, red goji berry is regarded as one of the earth's most nutritionally rich foods. Traditionally used by the Chinese as a cure for many ailments, its healing properties are still celebrated today with two-week-long festivals held in its honour.
Its roots
goji berries, also called wolfberries, are a species of Lycium fruit. It is believed the goji berry was originally only found in Tibet, but due to great demand was cultivated in other areas in China. Today, most of the world's commercially produced goji berries come from plantations in valleys in north central and western China.
The goji berry is a deep-red fruit eaten dried. It's about the size of a raisin. It has a sweet-sour taste, like a cranberry, though some people describe it as closer to a cross between a raspberry and a strawberry.
Products containing a small extract of goji berry are available - there are goji tablets and supplements, goji juice, goji teas. To maximise the health benefits, though, it is recommended that it be eaten in its natural form.
Nutritional value
What makes the berry a gem is its nutritional value. It contains 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals (zinc, copper, iron, calcium etc), and more beta-carotene than carrots. By weight, it's the richest known source of vitamin C, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and E and has the highest known levels of antioxidant.
Health benefits
goji berry marketers have claimed that their product can prevent and even cure cancer, boost sexual function, and keep us looking and feeling young. Clearly that's marketing-speak. But there is some fire behind the smoke:
- Anti-ageing effects. Free radicals' attack on healthy cells in our bodies is a major cause of early ageing, as well as certain diseases, such as cancer. Antioxidants neutralise and destroy free radicals. So foods that have a high level of antioxidants, as goji berries do, have anti-ageing benefits.
- Enhances libido. Lower sex drive in both men and women is associated with a decrease in the production of testosterone. goji berries are said to increase production of testosterone. So, maybe this is true.
- Boosts immunity. goji berries contain polysaccharides which improve the body's ability to fight diseases; and boost the immune system by increasing the production of 'killer' T cells.
- Anti-cancer properties. goji berries contain germanium, a mineral that is believed to have anti-cancer properties. The polysaccharides and antioxidants further protect against free radicals.
- Helps you lose weight. goji berries have a low GI, and are high in fibre - so they're filling, and they stabilise blood sugar levels. They're a good source of chromium, which helps with in blood sugar control, and which preserves lean mass muscle during weight loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat, which promotes metabolism, and makes it easier to prevent weight gain. It is also a rich source of nutrients that help convert food into energy rather than storing it as fat.
Beware the hype
In our quick-fix society, it is easy to be swept away by something considered a 'miracle food.' Nothing replaces a sensible, balanced and broad approach to nutrition.
They don't come cheap, though. Five hundred grams cost R120 and can be ordered online at naturallygoji.co.za - the only place that Health24 could find. But we'll keep our eyes open for other sources. - (Leandra Engelbrecht, June 2007)
FROM: http://www.health24.com/dietnfood/General/15-742,40701.asp
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NEW FSA GUIDELINES FOR GOJI BERRIES
18th June 2007- The Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) welcomes the announcement from the Food Standards Agency that goji berries are not to be classified as a 'novel food'.
Novel foods legislation applies to foods and ingredients where there is no evidence of 'significant consumption' anywhere in the EU before May 1997. An apparent lack of evidence led to an FSA investigation which, in turn, triggered urgent action by the HFMA, the leading trade association for the UK's natural health products industry.
Feedback from the HFMA's associates across Europe was utilised to produce a comprehensive, responsible and convincing dossier documenting evidence of widespread goji berry consumption for more than 10 years.
This evidence included sale of the berries in Chinese food stores; use of the berries in soft and alcoholic drinks; published recipes incorporating goji berries; and both a Belgian decree and a German Court decision classifying the berries as a food.
The breadth of this evidence played a major role in convincing the FSA to rule goji berries as 'non-novel'. The FSA had previously emphasised that they had no concerns about the safety of eating these foods.
The popularity of goji berries has grown rapidly in recent months as a result of endorsement from 'healthy eating' experts such as Dr Gillian McKeith and celebrities including Madonna.
The HFMA
The Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA) is the voice of the UK's natural health industry and represents more than 130 manufacturers and suppliers of natural health products.
Founded in 1965, the HFMA is a not-for-profit organisation which operates long-standing codes of practice, including a Code of Advertising Practice recognised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to ensure that member companies adhere to high standards and offer good quality, safe products supported by responsible, lawful information.
For further information about the HFMA, visit www.hfma.co.uk.
FROM: http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=77438-goji-berries-antioxidant-novel-food
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Goji berries not novel food, says FSA
18/06/2007 - goji berry consumption in the UK has been significant for many years, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has declared, meaning the berry does not need to be authorised as a novel food.
"In the Agency's opinion, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that goji berries were being consumed to a significant degree in the UK before May 1997,"
said the FSA in a statement.
"This means that the requirements of the novel food regulations do not apply to this product and goji berries can continue to be sold without the need for authorisation."
goji berries, also known as Chinese wolfberries, come from the Lycium barbarum plant, a vine that grows in China, Tibet and other areas of Asia.
Understood to be loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamin C, they have shot to popularity in the last couple of years as part of the 'superfruit' trend, which has also seen food and beverage manufacturers catering to consumer demand for pomegranate, cranberries, noni, blackberries, and other exotic produce.
Under the 1997 novel foods regulation, a food is judged to be 'novel' if it was not eaten in substantial quantities in the EU before May 1997.
The FSA started seeking evidence of goji consumption in February with initial reports suggesting the no significant history of consumption before 1997 was evident. This would have meant that the fruit would need to be authorized as a novel food.
In the EU, a food is judged to be novel if it was not eaten in a significant quantity in Europe before May 1997. According to the EU Novel Foods Regulation (EC) 258/97, new foods must be shown to meet three criteria before they can be authorised for sale: they must not be unsafe, their labelling must not be misleading and their nutritional quality must not be inferior to other similar foods that they could replace.
Products containing goji berries are already being sold on the UK market.
FROM: http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=77438-goji-berries-antioxidant-novel-food
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Goji Juice Energy Tests Prove What Himalayan Monks Have Known For Centuries
June 10, 2007 Not many goji juice energy tests have been done in the past but there are some studies about it.
goji Juice is made from the pulp of the goji fruit grown in the Himalayan highlands of Tibet, and has been used for years by Tibetans to improve life energy flows and overall health and well being.
While expensive, the juice is rich in phytochemicals and anti-oxidants, and has been tested with having very high energy levels of 355,000 Bovis, or 6000 Hertz.
The Bovis, named after French chemist Antoine Bovis, is a measure of natural earth energy in a subject, and is used to measure Ley lines and other phenomena with known physical interactions with the world.
The average human has a ground state of 6,500 Bovis, and anything ingested with less than that amount is deleterious to the kanampun energy field that is fundamental to all living things. Anything ingested that exceeds 6,500 Bovis provides greater energy, that can be felt in spiritual and physical and mental healthy effects.
Recent studies have shown that Bovis correspond to the quantum state of molecules and the direction of spin of the electrons that make up electron shells.
Right handed spin corresponds to a higher Bovis level, and left handed spin corresponds to a lower Bovis level. Even on the Quantum Mechanical level, goji juice energy tests are documented and documented well!
Bovis levels also correspond to the Hertz energy level, which is a measure of vibrational energy. goji juice energy test showed, that goji resonates with all living things at a Hertz level of 6,000, which is 6 kilohertz.
This detection is much more subtle than Hertz as used for audio signals, and represents the interaction of the Kanampun energy fields that tie all living things together. Higher levels of the Hertz number mean that the goji juice connects you more thoroughly with your surroundings.
The benefits of the goji berry and its juice have been known to Tibetan Monks since the formation of the world, and this holy berry has been attributed to several miracles, which have now been numerically verified by Science.
So, how much goji juice should you have every day?
At a minimum, you should be consuming eight 8-oz glasses of water per day for proper hydration. goji juice supplements this nicely.
Likewise, you should not overheat on hot summer nights as it causes the blood and energy to stagnate. It brings you out of tune with the kanampun energy fields that link you to the rest of the world, and provide good energy flow.
We recommend drinking at least 8 ounces of goji juice every day to keep your energy levels in balance, and to keep your quantum resonance with the Hertz level accurate and sufficient to maintain an active and healthy life!
FROM: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=29245
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Goji Juice Side Effects - The Facts And Theories
June 10, 2007
What are the side effects of goji Juice?
In order to answer the question, let's take a look at what goji berries are.
These small red berries are found, and harvested in the Himalayas.
While they are only relatively new to the worldwide market, they are creating quite a stir because of their claims to incredible longevity enhancement, and health benefits of those taking them.
In the Himalayas, where the berry is found growing naturally, the locals respect the berries, and as a part of their culture, there is an annual two-week celebration held to honor the berry.
According to some scientific research, the goji berries contain four master molecules that do not appear in any other food, anywhere in the world.
It is said that the discovery of these unique molecules called Polysaccharides is the biggest breakthrough in nutrition in over 40 years. Along with these Polysaccharides; there are also a number of other beneficial nutritional goodies found in the berries.
While goji berries seem like the nutritional breakthrough of the past 40 years, one of the most important questions to ask is whether this nutritional supplement is safe, and what, if any, are the side effects of using goji berries?
When speaking of side effects, and medication, or supplements of any type, even those that your doctor prescribes, it is important to remember that almost anything can cause a reaction in one patient, while another seemingly responds well to the treatment.
With that said, there has been no reported cases of anyone being allergic to the goji berry supplement, or having noted any serious, or life threatening side effects, although it is in the early days since the world wide discovery of the supplement.
It is not recommended that goji berries be taken at nighttime, as they may increase alertness, making it difficult to sleep at night. It is also suggested that those taking the berries be wary of the other fruits they mix with the berries, as they may have an allergic reaction to other fruits.
Another recommendation to reduce the likelihood of having side effects from using goji berries is to take them in moderation. Do not take over the recommended dosage, especially if you are a pregnant woman, as there has been evidence to suggest that over dosing on goji berries could cause pregnancy complications.
It is also important to know that goji berries, like some other natural products may have anti-coagulant activity, which in most cases is desirable for those taking the supplement.
If you are taking a prescription medication containing coumadin, or better known as Warfarin, there is a risk that one of the side effects of taking the both together could be dangerous episodes of bleeding.
While goji berries can have the capacity to have some side effects, there have been no serious side effects noted for those taking the berries, and considering the known side effects they are less dangerous to the ones that you may face when taking prescription medication for common ailments.
FROM: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=29220
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Learn How Goji berries and Their Extract Benefit Your Health
June 9, 2007- Berry goji juice is one of the world's best-kept health secrets, a natural age defying healthful juice made from the goji berry, a fruit native to the Asian continent.
In the disease and sickness-ridden society we live in today, people are looking for overnight cures and miracle drugs like never before in our history.
Extensive research has been done on the goji berries and the evidence remains clear, the goji berry is one of the world's healthiest foods.
So, what is so special about berry goji juices you ask?
First of all, the goji berry is one of the most vitamin and mineral dense foods on the planet. Thus, drinking juice from such a berry will produce unparalleled health benefits.
Let's examine the specifics of the Himalayan goji berries:
1. The goji berry contains 19 amino acids, including 9 that are essential for proper body functioning. This vitamin rich berry also contains 21 trace minerals, more protein than a serving of whole wheat, and more vitamin C than an orange.
2. The goji berries are one of the richest sources of antioxidant carotenoids of any known food. They also contain a very powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound called solavetivone, making the goji berries the perfect antibiotic. This berry also contains Beta-Sitosterol, which acts as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory agent.
3. The goji berry contains many essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the production of hormones and proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
4. The goji berry is considered one of the world's most powerful anti-aging foods. In fact, research has shown that people that consume the this natural berry daily are the longest living people on the planet.
Now that you know what makes up the goji berry, let's look at what drinking berry goji juice can do for you.
The list is very extensive, however, this list will serve as a brief outline of the benefits goji juice can have on specific ailments and illnesses:
* Allergies - The goji berry is known to reduce antibodies associated with allergic reactions.
* Anti-Aging - The goji berry has a unique LBP polysaccharide complex that has been proven to be a powerful secretagogue.
* Arthritis - The enzyme superoxide dismutase is a necessary enzyme that counteracts the enzyme superoxide anion, the root cause of arthritis. However, most people do not produce enough of the good enzyme to counteract the bad. The goji berry has been shown to dramatically increase the amount of the inflammatory enzyme.
* Cancer Prevention & Management - The goji berry has been shown to inhibit the gene mutation of cancer cells induced by TA98 and TA100. In addition, several studies have shown that cancer patients that were given goji LBP's stayed in remission significantly longer than patients who were given no goji.
* goji berries also shown significant benefits for cardiovascular health and overall blood health, non-insulin dependent diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, high blood pressure, energy production, infertility, obesity, periodontal disease and sexual dysfunction.
The overall health benefits of drinking Himalayan goji berry juice are phenomenal. There are very few, if any, foods known to man that can make this claim.
FROM: http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=29213
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Raw, "empowered" chocolate products launched by Empowered Foods; full review of sensational product line
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
You've never had chocolate like this before. Of all the chocolate products I've ever tried (and I've eaten a lot of them because, of course, it's my job), nothing compares to the raw, "empowered" chocolate superfood bars and products made by a small raw foods company in Clearwater, Florida. It's called Empowered Foods, and its products are like nothing you've ever tried before. The company's Chocolate goji Bar, for example, is made with raw Tibetan goji berries, raw cacao powder, raw cacao butter, raw mesquite pod meal, sun-cured African vanilla beans, Himilayan Crystal Salt and raw blue agave nectar.
And that's just for starters. This company hand makes the most remarkable raw chocolate "superfood" products I've ever seen across the health products industry. Their goji Jelly Cups, for example, are made with raw wildcrafted camu camu berry powder, raw Tibetan goji berries and "empowered chocolate." One taste tells you this is no ordinary food. In fact, it's among the highest-density superfood I've yet experienced. And the best part? It tastes so incredibly good that you'll have to exercise significant self discipline not to eat everything in sight.
Meet the Raw Guru
The company is found at www.EmpoweredFoods.com and it's headed by Alex Malinsky, "The Raw Guru," a pioneer in the raw foods industry who is quite well known as a raw foods chef and online entrepreneur (despite his remarkably young age of 22). You can read more about Alex at http://www.rawguru.com/about.html
I spoke with Alex in researching this story and found him to be a humble, dedicated and authentic person who not only lives an empowered raw foods lifestyle, but who also seems quite dedicated to sharing the raw foods experience with as many people as possible.
Chocolate, of course, is the perfect food for introducing just about anyone to something new. And you've never tasted chocolate like this. It isn't just a chunk of processed cacao powder pressure formed with some refined sugar... this is a creamy-textured cacao blend that combines raw mesquite pod meal, agave nectar, vanilla and other ingredients to create what I can only call a "perfect blend." The mesquite pod meal, by the way, helps reduce blood sugar spikes and is well known as an anti-diabetic food. (I eat the mesquite pods right off the trees here in the desert, but I admit it's an acquired taste if eaten alone.) When blended with chocolate and agave, the mesquite pods create an exquisite texture, taste and healing effect on the human body. When you also consider the liver-enhancing, brain-enhancing and anti-cancer effects of chocolate, and you add in carefully chosen ingredients like goji berry jelly, organic yacon syrup, black maca, lucuma powder and even nopal cactus (found in their "Superfood Chocolate bar"), you've created a powerhouse of superior nutrition that just happens to be the best tasting bit of food that's probably ever reached the tip of your tongue.
Let me say, for the record, that I wholeheartedly endorse the entire Empowered Foods product line. I support this company and its philosophy, and I think these foods are such magnificent creations that -- I kid you not -- eating these foods should be on everyone's among the top 100 things they do before leaving life on this planet. We've all got taste buds. Don't miss out on this taste experience!
Also worth noting: I was not paid anything to review this company or its products, and I earn nothing from the sale of these products. My endorsement is freely and openly given based purely on the incredibly quality and experience of the products themselves.
What's available from Empowered Foods
Speaking of the products, let me explain what they have and help guide you through what I think are the best products offered by Empowered Foods. Their products are categorized into five basic groups: Bars, Cups, Chunks, Mixes and Spreads. My recommendations for each are below. You can also view the list yourself on the Empowered Foods website at: http://www.empoweredfoods.com/raw_food_products.html
Chocolate Bars:
These are the flagship products. The basic starting bar is simply called the Empowered Chocolate Bar. It's just the basic chocolate mix containing mesquite pod meal, vanilla, agave nectar, and so on. Once you've tried that, venture into the Wild Peanut Caramel Chocolate Bar made with raw wild organic jungle peanuts. The taste makes you feel like you've been transported right into the Amazon rainforest, surrounded by deep-rooted plant energy.
Their Ancient Wisdom Bar is sweetened with raw organic yacon syrup (which has a glycemic index of about 12, making it the ideal sweetener for anyone watching their blood sugar) and contains maca, lucuma powder and raw cacao. And when you're ready for the ultimate nutritional adventure in superior chocolate products, order their Superfood Chocolate Bar and get ready for a taste explosion of spirulina, chlorella, maca, burdock root, nettles, probiotics, icelandic kelp, dulse, enzymes and much more. Personally, I call this the anti-cancer chocolate bar because just about every ingredient in the bar has well-documented anti-cancer properties. It even contains E3 Live, which is probably the most enzymatically-active blue-green algae product on the market. Anybody working to prevent or reverse cancer should, in my humble opinion, enjoy as many of these Superfood Chocolate Bars as they wish.
Chocolate Cups
These are fun to eat. They're a lot like those name-brand chocolate peanut butter cups, except all the ingredients found here are premium, highly-nutritious raw foods. They've got Wild Jungle Peanut Butter Cups made with raw almond butter, raw ceylon cinnamon, raw jungle peanuts and empowered chocolate. The cinnamon, by the way, is yet another medicinal spice that helps control blood sugar, so it's the perfect ingredient to add to a chocolate bar.
Empowered Foods also offers goji Jelly Cups made with wildcrafted camu camu berries (the highest natural source of vitamin C in the world) and raw Tibetan goji berries (extremely rich in antioxidants, used for 5,000 years in Chinese Medicine).
Personally, I found the chocolate cups to be just as delicious as the bars, but I liked the bars better because they were easier to unwrap and eat. The cups take a bit of work, and if you refrigerate the goji Jelly Cups and then bite down on one, the goji jelly smooshes out the side (yes, "smooshes" is a technical term used by nutritionists).
Chocolate Chunks
Have you ever taken a large, raw fig right off a fig tree, then stuffed it with raw almond butter, cinnamon, goji berries and chocolate? I haven't either. But for some reason, the Empowered Foods team thought this would be a great idea (did it come to them in a dream?), so they created a product out of it. The product rocks. Personally, I love raw figs in the first place (they're WAY better than the typical dried figs you get in the store). Adding in the almond butter and chocolate makes this taste so incredibly good that if I were actually looking for a vice, I'd choose to be addicted to this.
Empowered Foods also makes Chocolate Coated Durian Chunks, which is only good if you happen to like Durian. For those of you who don't know, Durian is an exotic rainforest fruit that has a very peculiar smell. (Some simply say it stinks, but that depends on your personal taste.) I remember flying into Malaysia a few years ago, and someone had actually stuffed a Durian fruit into the overhead compartment of the airplane. Every passenger on that plane was then treated to a three hour long "fragrance endurance test" by the Durian fruit. Ever since that experience, I have not been able to enjoy Durian fruit, but your own experience might be different...
What I really do like, however, is their Chocolate Coated Wild Ice Cream & Apple Bananas. Now, before you go ape nuts crazy over how great this name sounds, please remember that there's no ice cream here. It's just part of the name of the banana species, which is called Wild Ice Cream & Apple Bananas because if you have a really good imagination, they sort of taste like ice cream and apples. Dip 'em in chocolate and, needless to say, they're extremely delicious. I enjoyed these so much that I went back to Empowered Foods and bought more!
Chocolate Mixes
Empowered Foods also offers various chocolate mixes made with wildcrafted nuts, dried fruits and exotic fruit leathers, all mixed in with empowered chocolate and other goodies. The ingredients are too numerous to name, but they include exotic items like wild rambutan, wild egg fruit, Incan golden berries and many more. The mixes include names like Meditation Munchies Hunza Longevity Mix and Kieba's Island Fruit Leather Mix with Empowered Chocolate, among other interesting names.
These mixes were wonderful, but they did suffer from a melting problem (see my "melting" notes below). I liked the basic chocolate bars better. It's also worth noting that these mixes are not sugared-up to taste like the super sweet, sour or salty nut mixes you might find at common grocery stores. To appreciate the taste of these mixes, it's best to be off all the extreme synthetic chemical tastes found in American foods. Or, to put it bluntly, if you're still eating Doritos and other similar junk foods, your tongue is probably too blasted by all the chemicals to be able to sense the subtle richness of these exotic fruit and chocolate mixes. This is a taste that only genuine healthy people will likely appreciate.
Chocolate Spreads
Empowered Foods also makes a product called Rawtella Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, which is a raw foods alternative to the popular Nutella product. It's groovy good. Very rich. Don't eat this stuff while watching TV... you need to pay attention to what you're tasting here because you don't want to miss the experience.
They also have Rawtella goji-Swirl Spread which I haven't personally tried, but reading the ingredients makes me wish I could dive face-first into a giant vat filled with the stuff. (Does anybody out there remember the old Smothers Brothers "I fell in a vat of chocolate" comedy routine? It's from 1962, and still quite hilarious. See the wikipedia entry at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Two_Sides_of_the_Smothers_Brothers )
Beyond all the products I mentioned here, Alex tells me that the Empowered Chocolate labs are working hard on new inventions. Okay, they're not really labs; they're more like kitchens, and they're probably taking their own sweet time eating all the mistakes and calling it "research," but before long, we're all going to witness the introduction of yet more Empowered Foods products. I don't know what they'll be, but I'm fairly certain I want to be at the front of the taste testing line to try them out.
The melting problem
Quiz time: What happens when real chocolate gets warm? It melts, of course. This problem is avoided by the more mainstream chocolate manufacturers by the use of paraffin wax as a stabilizer in their chocolate products. Some chocolate bars on the market are probably more candle wax than chocolate, and as far as I'm concerned, if it doesn't melt, you probably shouldn't be eating it.
Empowered Foods products do melt upon reaching certain temperatures (probably in the 120 degrees F range). I discovered this the hard way after ordering a large box of Empowered Foods to be shipped to me in Arizona, where I enjoy life in the desert. It's not only hot in the desert; it's WAY hotter in the big brown UPS trucks that drive through the desert. (Just ask any UPS truck driver if you don't believe me.) The inside of those trucks reaches about 140 degrees F, which is more than enough to melt Empowered Foods chocolate.
As a result, the chocolate mixes in my shipment had turned to chocolate smears. All the bars, cups, chunks and spreads were fine -- just the mixes were thoroughly melted. For all the other products, I just tossed them into the refrigerator for a few hours and they were fine, too. So if you live in a place that gets a lot of sunlight and heats up during the Summer, you may want to avoid buying the chocolate mixes until temperatures cool down in the Fall.
Another point to consider is that subjecting raw foods to UPS truck temperatures destroys their raw-ness. Once they get delivered by UPS in any hot environment, they're actually cooked at low temperatures. They've gone way above 108 degrees, and they've probably stayed there for hours. This is true even if you choose second-day air shipping, because the delivery of that shipment requires the second-day air package to be placed on a local truck that drives out to your house. During that drive, your products get inadvertently cooked.
This is a big problem in the raw foods industry. It affects every manufacturer. For customers, it simply means you have to buy your products before the hot season really begins. Those of you who don't live in the southern portions of the U.S. probably don't have to worry about this. Canadians have no problems whatsoever.
Overall, I enjoy the Empowered Foods products so much that I'm not letting hot weather stop me from ordering. Even if these products are inadvertently heated for a few hours during shipping, they're still far healthier (and less processed) than the typical chocolate bars you see on the market.
By the way, Empowered Foods is working with somebody in the U.K. who may be replicating some of these products and making them available soon throughout Western Europe. I don't have details on that plan, but I know it's in the works. Alex's vision is to take this company (and its products) global, so watch for announcements along those lines. I hope to be reporting on ways that our readers around the world can enjoy these products. In addition to our North American readers (U.S. and Canada), we've got lots of readers in Australia, New Zealand and across Western Europe. I'm always keeping you in mind when reviewing these products, in the hopes that I can recommend regional sources wherever possible.
The most innovative raw chocolate products on the market
Overall, I consider the Empowered Foods products to be the most innovative raw chocolate products on the market. They're not merely good for you, they're artful in their recipes and presentations. This is exquisite food fit for Kings and Queens. If I ever hold a party and invite all my hippy friends over to my house, this is what I would want to serve. It would be an all-nighter chocolate party, where everyone is hopped up on Peruvian Maca and high-energy raw cacao. (No alcohol, please -- we want to stay conscious enough to experience the chocolate...)
I can't recommend this company highly enough. After reviewing hundreds of health product companies over the last few years, it is truly delightful to discover Empowered Foods and their unique approaches to joyful, healing foods. All citizens on planet Earth should be lucky enough to taste this chocolate someday, but alas, there isn't enough to go around. Not yet, anyway. Help Empowered Foods grow and maybe someday they can actually make enough of this super healing chocolate food to give everybody a taste.
FROM: http://www.newstarget.com/021885.html
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Medical Doctors Speak Out on goji's Health Benefits
(05/18/07) The evidence keeps mounting for nature's super food, called goji. Now a team of doctors are extolling the benefits of this natural berry that boosts immunity, improves cardiovascular health, and is a natural anti-aging tonic. See the video of the doctors…
It was referred to by Time Magazine in the July 16, 2006 issue as the "Breakout super fruit of the year" and has more than 80 scientific studies published on its health promoting properties. It's also won praises from the Los Angeles Times and the NBC Today Show. And now, medical doctors and Ph. D's are extolling the benefits of this little-known berry that grows in the Himalayan mountain valleys, called goji.
"Nature's pharmacy can add a great benefit to the options doctors provide to their patients."
-- Dr. Matt Silver, M.D.
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"Nothing could have prepared me for the profound health benefits of Himalayan goji juice. " said Dr. Ron Friedman, a Harvard trained anesthesiologist and daily user himself of the cherished berry, "So much good solid research has been done on the goji -- that makes it very reassuring. " |
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"I've seen it work, and I've achieved personal benefits from it, that's why I recommend it to my patience, my friends, and my family", added Dr. Joseph Rich, M.D. "I have seen dramatic results for people who have been on Himalayan goji juice in terms of their health and well-being -- every person should be on this product, or at least give it a try. They could have such a dramatic effect, that could change a person's life forever, and I've seen that." |
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Dr. Matt Silver, M.D. encourages fellow medical doctors to add goji to their wellness prescription, "On the global scale, there are tens of thousands of people using the product…Nature's pharmacy can add a great benefit to the options doctors provide to their patients." |
Nutritionists Convinced by the Evidence
It is not just the M.D.s and chiropractors that are excited about goji. Clinical nutritionist are also convinced of its solid science. Dr. Laure Collins, Ph.D Clinical Nutrition, revealed "Not only do I recommend Himalayan goji juice to my clients, I insist that it be part of the nutritional protocol. I start my day with goji juice, and my entire family does."
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"It supports men's health, women's health, the immune system", added Dr. Sandy Boice, Ph. D Clinical Nutrition, "It is also good for cardiovascular health, and it neutralizes free radicals. The best part is it tastes wonderful. I've seen it raise the level of wellness and functioning in everyone who drinks it." |
FROM: http://www.fitcommerce.com/Blueprint/Medical-Doctors-Speak-Out-on-The-Health-and-Anti-Aging-Benefits-of-Goji_page.aspx?pageId=276&announcementId=1158&portalId=2&cid=631
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TV diet guru McKeith eyes packaged goods partner
10-May-07 / Gillian McKeith, the controversial TV nutritionist and diet book author, is understood to be in talks with a number of packaged goods companies about launching co-branded organic versions of established products.
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McKeith, who made her name fronting Channel 4 show You Are What You Eat, is working with media consultancy Lazarus Consulting to find new opportunities for extending her brand. She already sells a range of energy bars, fruit and vegetable juices and cooking oils through supermarkets and health food stores.
Lazarus head Steve Lazarus says McKeith is already in talks with food and household goods manufacturers about a string of projects but declines to say which companies were involved.
He adds that McKeith would be involved in the manufacturing of any co-branded products to make sure the "nutritional elements" were improved and that any products were made in an "ethically responsible" way.
McKeith has been building a branded empire since her TV show began in 2004 though she has come under fire from the medical community. She volunteered to stop using the title "Dr" last year after complaints that her qualification was gained through a correspondence course from a non-accredited US college. But she was, in any case, forced to drop the title after the Advertising Standards Authority ruled it would mislead the public.
More recently, McKeith has courted controversy over her support for the goji berry, a fruit found in the Himalayas that has been billed as a superfood, but is expected to be banned by the Food Standards Authority. The FSA wants the berry to undergo testing before it is pronounced safe to eat.
McKeith has already launched a range of snacks and bars containing the fruit.
FROM: http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/item/56210/258/262/3
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Dry Skin Care Gets a Boost From Chinese Medicine
March 26th, 2007 -
As Chinese medicine becomes more popular in the U.S., we gain the benefit of their ancient skin care secrets: While Westerners run to the stores looking for the latest dry skin or anti-aging products, many of which contain harsh chemicals that actually exacerbate the situation, the Chinese generally use the same medicine they've been using for hundreds or thousands of years - medicines that address the internal problems so the skin can heal itself. Shielding lotion, a breakthrough in topical dry skin care treatment now recommended by thousands of doctors, follows along the same line in that it also allows the skin to heal itself, but knowing some of the Chinese remedies will also provide the internal boost you need.
A doctor who specializes in Chinese medicine heals skin problems by observing the skin's specific characteristics, relating them to the health of the fluids - known as the 'yin' - and functions - known as the 'yang' - within the body. If the skin is dry and has fine lines, the yin is treated, if the skin is sallow, sagging and pale, the yang is treated.
One of the staples of Chinese medicine for dry skin care is the wolfberry - the fruit of two species of boxthorn. wolfberries nourish and tone the fluids of the liver, kidneys and blood and although the name might not be familiar to us, the ingredients are: anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, linoleic acid, thiamine, beta-carotene, riboflavin and trace minerals. wolfberry comes under several names: Chinese wolfberry, Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree, Matrimony Vine and goji berry. The latter is the most common and is available in many health food stores in both liquid and dried forms.
Interestingly enough, other recommendations would include some of the same products considered beneficial by natural skin care aficionados in the West: plain yogurt, walnuts, cherries and aloe juice.
However, no matter how healthy you are on the inside, you also need a topical dry skin care treatment to protect you from the harsh, irritating chemicals and environmental conditions that cause most dry skin - which is where a shielding lotion comes in. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps moisture in and chemicals out. As with Chinese medicine, the skin can then heal itself.
I can't guarantee that the Chinese approach to skin care explains why many Chinese look almost the same at 65 as they did at 25 but along with the shielding lotion for dry skin care and prevention, it will definitely help give us a more beautiful complexion.
FROM: http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=17844
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Goji berry eaters claim it cures many ailments, retards aging
03/12/2007 - MIRACLE FOOD OR JUST A PRETTY PLANT? The expensive Tibetan goji berry is becoming so popular in the United States that some farmers grow them domestically. Some people claim the fruit cures everything from cancer to depression. The Food and Drug Administration is not convinced.
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Shortly thereafter, the health-conscious artist ordered a dozen crates of the red leathery berries, which began to overrun her house on Whidbey Island, Wash.
"She had bags in her car, in the kitchen - I'd find one in her room, on the table, on the desk in her studio, even in her gym bag. They were everywhere," her daughter Tessa Hays-Nordin said.
Hays isn't the only person who swears by the bitter goji (pronounced go-gee), which is indigenous to the lush valleys of the Himalayan Mountains.
In the last seven years, more than 100 U.S. businesses have cropped up that sell the expensive berries, which, some say, taste like a cross between olives and cranberries.
Many companies claim that gojis fight cancer, aging, fatigue, arthritis and even AIDS - despite the skepticism of many doctors, nutritionists and scientists.
Among the enthusiasts is Tim O'Shea, director of goji berries.us.
"We've had customers write in and say that their eyesight has improved and their hair color has gone dark again," he said. The company, based in Salem, Ore., has been importing the fruit from Tibet since 2005.
O'Shea said many of his 1,500 customers are baby boomers from California who insist that they have found the closest thing to the fountain of youth. He himself asserts that the berries have radically improved his vitality and libido.
Restorative claims are old news to herbal medicine practitioners in Asia. The fruit is so treasured for its healing properties that there are two-week goji festivals in Tibet, Mongolia and China.
Harvesters there pick the berries, the size of large grapes, by hand when they ripen in the summer. If the fruit is touched while still green, it turns black and rots on the bush. gojis imported to the United States are usually sun dried or made into tinctures or juice. Suppliers recommend an ounce a day, and in the United States 18-ounce bags usually sell for about $20 plus shipping.
Some distributors such as O'Shea say the high price is justified because, they say, gojis have 15 times the antioxidant power of other fruit. Suppliers also say the fruit has 500 times more vitamin C by weight than fresh oranges, six times more amino acids than bee pollen and 15 times more iron than spinach.
The Tibetan goji berry Co. in Seattle goes further, asserting that the berries fight obesity, cancer and can reverse the aging process. Julia Dobos and her husband, Bradley Dobos, a nutritionist, started importing gojis about six years ago and selling them online. They say they now ship to 3,000 customers, mostly on the East Coast but also in Europe.
"Right away you notice an increase in energy and an improvement in your immune system," she said. Their Web site's testimonial section isn't shy, claiming that gojis have cured a horse's depression and helped children with attention deficit disorder. One customer, Tara Lubin, says the berries have helped her 5-year-old son recover from mercury poisoning.
"He is now much more organized in his movements and thoughts and is starting to talk," she said. "One of the first words he started to say was 'My gojis."'
Some retailers are even selling the bushes themselves. Seven years ago, Travis Klingler of the Timpanogos Nursery near Manti, Utah, started growing goji plants. Last summer, he said, he sold 50,000 bushes for $24.95 each all over the United States.
The seeds and berries are also sold on eBay and Craigslist, and the juice is sold at the national health chain GNC.
Some experts in the nutrition and traditional medicine field wish marketers would adopt a more scientific approach. The director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Ore., Subhuti Dharmananda, said there was no evidence that gojis have unique disease-fighting properties.
"To say it helps cure cancer is just bizarre and outside the medical realm," said Dharmananda, who holds a doctorate in biology. "In terms of antioxidant effects, blueberries and raspberries are probably just as good and generally much cheaper."
Similar skepticism was voiced by Dr. Ralph Moss, an authority on alternative cancer therapies. "Something as simple as green tea looks to have an equal or even better effect at about one-hundredth of the cost," he said. He dismissed a small clinical study from Shanghai, China, that was published in the Journal of Oncology in 1994, which suggested that the berry slowed the growth of cancer.
Moss further warned that gojis, like garlic, might have a slight anti-coagulant effect and people taking drug-thinning drugs should be careful.
The health claims made by goji distributors have come under the scrutiny of the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA sent warning letters in 2006 to one Web site and one company demanding that they remove unverified statements about gojis as a treatment for diseases.
Hays didn't need the FDA to come to the conclusion that eating the berries did not make her younger. They also had an unwanted side effect.
"There is this good old saying that says everything in moderation," said her daughter. "But my mom was eating them in handfuls. And when you eat too much dried fruit, you get the runs."
FROM: http://www.insidebayarea.com/bayarealiving/ci_5417101
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Anheuser Busch Unlocks the Mystery of the Goji berry
Feb. 26, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Deep in the unpopulated regions of Tibet grows one of the world's most nutritionally rich fruits thought to increase energy and stimulate rejuvenation. Known as the goji (pronounced go-gee) berry, this small, red superfood has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit and is capturing the attention of food and drink enthusiasts worldwide. Today, Anheuser-Busch is introducing 180 Red with goji -- a new energy drink with a refreshing, slightly sweet cherry taste balanced with subtle tartness.
Legend has it that the health benefits of the goji berry were an accidental discovery. Outside a famous Buddhist temple was a wall covered in goji berries. Over the years, hundreds of berries fell in a well near the wall. Frequent visitors to the temple who drank water from this well had the ruddy complexion of good health. Gradually, the benefits were documented and spread among the nearby communities. As a result, goji berries have enjoyed a privileged place in Asian culture for thousands of years.
"Anheuser-Busch is the first major beverage company to launch an energy drink made with the exotic goji berry," said Andy Goeler; vice president; Imports, Crafts and Specialty; Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Not only does this give 180 Red its unique attributes, it also gives adults a great-tasting energy drink they can enjoy during active events or socially with friends. This unique combination will appeal to people who live a healthy lifestyle but don't want to sacrifice taste."
Energy drinks are popular choices for active adults looking to supplement their busy schedules with a refreshing boost. For adults on-the-go, 180 Red with goji contains carbonated water; sucrose; goji berry juice; acerola juice; guarana for natural caffeine; vitamins B-6, B-12 and C; and lychee natural flavor.
This new beverage joins two new 180 flavors today as well. 180 Blue Low-Calorie and 180 Sugar-Free Orange Citrus Blast are extensions of popular existing 180 flavors and are ideal for adults who regularly use low-calorie and sugar-free products.
Following the fall 2006 introduction of 180 Blue, 180 Blue Low-Calorie has a subtly sweet berry and grape flavor obtained from the Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry, red grape and blueberry juices, but with only 15 calories. Acai is a small, dark, purple fruit from the palmberry tree. It usually grows in the wild Amazonian jungles in Brazil, where it is harvested. The Acai berry is rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals (particularly iron), fiber, proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. 180 Sugar-Free Orange Citrus Blast contains only five calories and a refreshing citrus-orange taste.
"As adults' preferences and tastes continue to evolve and become more distinct, we need to find new flavors and styles to excite them," said Goeler. "Our three newest 180 flavors fit seamlessly into our energy drink family, offering a range of choices for every adult."
Each new flavor is available nationally, beginning today, at grocery and convenience stores in 8.2- and 16-ounce cans.
FROM: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,65764.shtml
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Miracle goji berries face ban under EU red tape
20th February 2007 - goji berries, the latest healthy eating fad, may have to be removed from sale.
The berries, full of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, have won popularity as a "miracle" food with fans such as Madonna, Kate Moss and Liz Hurley.
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Importers and manufacturers will then face a two-year reapproval process.
The warning comes after suppliers asked the agency whether the berry had passed EU regulations as a safe food.
The watchdog accepts there is no immediate threat to health but it must follow the EU rules.
The goji berries, said to help to combat heart disease, cancer and skin damage from the sun, have been eaten for centuries in China and other parts of Asia.
FROM: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=437240&in_page_id=1774
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Mintel data shows UK goji launches
12/02/2007 - European consumption of goji berry products appears to be centered on the UK, suggests Mintel's Global New Products Database, which lists four new launches in the market in 2006
Last week the UK's Food Standards Agency said last week that it has written to retailers, health food companies and other stakeholders to request evidence of whether goji berries were consumed in substantial quantities in the European Union before May 1997. If no satisfactory evidence is available, authorisation under novel foods legislation may need to be sought.
Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD) has no goji product listing for any other European country, and no listings before 2006.
Amongst the found products launched last year were two dried goji berry snack products from Northern Irish snack food company Linwoods, in October and November
Sales manager Fergal Woods told NutraIngredients.com that the company has been aware of FSA enquiries into the status of goji for some time, but that it is "quite confident" that there is evidence of their consumption prior to May 1997.
"People are working behind the scenes to present evidence," he said, noting that the berries have been consumed by the Chinese community for thousands of years.
Nonetheless, he said that the decision remains wholly in the court of the FSA, and it remains to be seen whether the evidence will satisfy the agency.
The FSA said last week that it has checked with other member states, and no significant history of consumption before 1997 has come to light so far. However since the Mintel data suggests that European goji consumption may be UK-focused, there is a chance that the evidence it needs may emerge from its home turf.
There are currently no safety concerns surrounding goji berries, a factor that will be taken into consideration should any enforcement action be necessary.
If the outcome of the enquiry is negative, Woods said he is aware that one of the possible upshots could be that Linwoods' and others' products will have to be withdrawn from shelves.
Other products introduced in the UK are a cereal bar called Mile High from Eat Natural, in collaboration with Virgin Airlines. The bar includes goji berries along with walnuts, sesame seeds and cranberries.
A spokesperson for the company told NutraIngredients.com that the bar is presently available on Virgin Atlantic flights and Eat Natural has plans for it to be sold at retail in and around airport locations.
The fourth product launched is Sun Dried goji berries from Fun Foods 4 All, which was entered into the GNPD in August 2006.
goji berries,, also known as Chinese wolfberries, come from the Lycium barbarum plant, a vine that grows in China, Tibet and other areas of Asia. They are understood to be loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamin C.
Woods said that goji berries have started to become popular as people seek new natural products with healthy properties.
In its product description, Linwoods describes goji berries as "one of the most nutritionally-dense foods on earth"
FROM: http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=74109&m=2NIE216&c=tbcofwatvvhylkj
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New super fruits
2007/01/29 - Every now and then, some "miracle" fruit comes along and everyone is abuzz about its health-giving benefits
At one time, it was the noni craze. Now comes the gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis spreng). The size of a honeydew melon, the gac is a large, red fruit indigenous to Southern Asia (Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia) and the gac vine is often seen growing on lattices at the entrance of rural homes.
This "super fruit" is said to protect and rejuvenate cells with its powerful antioxidants.
A well-kept secret for centuries in South Asia, the gac fruit (as it is known in Vietnam) has been used as food and medicine to promote healthy eyesight, enhance longevity and increase energy.
It is cooked with rice (as a sort of colourant) and is traditionally served during festive occasions, such as weddings. The fruit is also sought after as a traditional remedy for arthritis, and cardiovascular and macular degeneration
Studies on this fruit found it to be amongst the most nutrient-dense fruits, containing high concentrations of beta-carotene and lycopene, besides other nutrients.
The gac fruit is one of four Asian super fruits that have been identified and put into a drink so that "big benefits come in small doses", said Dr Mark Bartlett, 45, vice president of Pharmanex Global Research & Development, in a telephone interview from Shanghai, China.
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Beneficial: The cili fruit is said to have many health benefits. |
Pharmanex, which has 130 scientist working for it, is a nutritional R&D company of Nu Skin Enterprise. Dr Bartlett said Pharmanex had done research in the United States and China to scientifically validate and extract potentially vital health benefits from various Asian plants including the gac fruit. Scientists researched the four Asian super fruits for three years and found the gac fruit to be "the most exciting".
In Vietnam, people have forgotten about the many traditional benefits of the gac fruit and only use it for ceremonial rites. However, attempts are being made to reintroduce the gac to the Vietnamese. "It's like a pumpkin and tastes fairly bland," said Dr Bartlett, who is based in Provo, Utah.
The gac fruit is planted in February and harvested in November. It grows on vines and each plant bears 10 to 15 fruits, weighing between 500g and 2kg. There are a lot of sub-species of the plant, at least 10 or more, depending on the region.
Heavenly fruit
The heavenly gac fruit not only has 70 times more lycopene than that found in tomatoes, but 10 times beta-carotene than that in carrots. These carotenoid levels far exceed those found in most fruits and vegetables.
According to information from Nu Skin Enterprise, numerous studies highlight that lycopene, which imparts the red colour to brightly-coloured fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and watermelon, has cancer preventive and various properties. Lycopene is able to protect cells against oxidative damage. It appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases and is beneficial to those who have osteoporosis, neuro-degenerative diseases and hypertension.
Lycopene has a cholesterol-reducing effect and is said to be able to lower the risk of death from coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart attacks and ischemic stroke.
Five studies support a 30% to 40% reduction in risk associated with high tomato or lycopene consumption.
The Harvard School of Public Health reported that 57 studies demonstrated that a high blood lycopene level can reduce the risk of a number of cancers, particularly prostate, lung, breast and stomach cancers.
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Fruity goodness: The gac fruit is one of a new breed of Asian super fruits. |
Other super fruits
Chinese lycium or wolfberry (kei chee in Cantonese) is also known as "the herb of longevity." Ancient Chinese medical records praised its ability to improve vision and prevent headaches.
Siberian pineapple or sea buckthorn are yellow-orange berries rich in antioxidant compounds like vitamin A, C and E, carotenoids, flavonoids and phytosterols. According to ancient records, the berries promote energy, enhance the immune and liver functions and can be used to treat skin diseases.
The brilliant orange cili fruit (dubbed the king of vitamin C) has been used for centuries to promote immunity and a fairer complexion. Cili has 60 times more vitamin C than oranges. Its powerful antioxidant attributes, especially polyphenols like those in red wine, may prevent heart disease and cancer.
Protective benefits
"Over the last 15 or 20 years, we started to understand about the chemicals in the plants that provide protective benefits. We know for quite sometime now that the best way to prevent heart disease and cancer is to take lots of fruits and vegetables," said Dr Bartlett.
"But we haven't really known what's in them and what helps to protect us. Now, we understand more and more about phytochemicals (or phytonutrients) that seem to help our bodies, regulate our genes and help with overweight problems and cell communication. Examples are carotenoids such as beta carotene, alpha carotene and lycopene, zeaxanthin and lutein."
Every 10 years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) carries out a food consumption survey to find out how much (and what types of) food and vegetables people should eat.
Dr Bartlett said: "The recommended serving size is five (to nine) times a day but most people eat two or three. There is a need to double or triple the intake of fruits and vegetables."
He feels that there is a need to create awareness and motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables.
How does one know whether one has eaten adequate carotenoids which are powerful antioxidants?
Dr Bartlett explained that Pharmanex's BioPhotonic Scanner gives a good indication of the body's overall antioxidant status and helps people understand that fruits and vegetables are good for them. To date, some five million people have been scanned with this instrument.
As a result of the scanning, many people have changed their diets and lifestyles including quitting smoking.
He said that two of his five daughters became vegetarians after being scanned. They are trying to make a difference in their lives.
FROM: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/1/29/lifeliving/16524009&sec=lifeliving
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US gets nearly 14 daily calories from drinks, report
2007/01/09 - The results of a recent study on US beverage consumption could highlight opportunities for functional beverage marketers to inject more value-added beverages into a market that has become increasingly saturated with calorie-laden soft drinks.
The What America Drinks report was commissioned by the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) and found that beverages account for 22 percent of calories in the average American diet.
While functional beverages - using ingredients from soy, to pomegranate, to acai - have experienced large market growth in recent years, this current report could prod marketers to get the message out to consumers to chose nutritional beverages.
Nearly 50 percent of Americans aged four and above consume sugary soft drinks on any given day, according to MilkPEP.
With almost a third of the US population obese, getting healthier drinks to consumers could become a growing concern.
In its recent report "Nutritional supplements in the US", Packaged Facts highlighted alternative delivery systems for nutraceuticals - namely functional food and beverage - as growing at a faster rate than the traditional supplements category within the $4.7bn market.
Antioxidant-rich 'superfruits' such as goji berries, acai and pomegranate are also positioned for mainstream acceptance, Datamonitor's Productscan Online recently reported. These fruits and berries lend well to smoothies and hip functional beverage formats. While being tasty and perhaps filling, they can also bring nutritional value.
In the US, soft drinks add 36 percent of all added sugars to the American diet, MilkPEPS said. Mean regular soft drink intake per capita was calculated at 12 fluid ounces per day, or one and a half glasses.
According to the report, 28 percent of Americans consume fruit or vegetable juices, from which they derive only 2 percent of their total calories, but 28 percent of their vitamin C intake.
While beverages with nutritional value-added appeal make inroads into the mainstream market, other players are proposing to actually burn calories through their beverages.
Controversial products such as newly-launched Celsius or Coca-Cola's and Nestle's Enviga bring the promise of negative calories through green tea extracts with EGCG.
Nutritional experts have long touted the benefits of quenching your thirst with water, however, it would appear consumers crave the taste of flavoured beverages instead.
The Mayo Clinic recommends people drink water with each meal and between each meal.
"To ward off dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice,"
reads the Clinic's website.
"Pure water is your best bet,"
writes health guru Dr. Andrew Weil in his bestseller Eating Well for Optimum Health.
What America Drinks analyzed data from over 10,000 Americans aged four and older who participated in the government's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999-2000 and 2001-2002.
FROM: http://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/news/ng.asp?id=73136
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Natural snack maker focuses on seasonal sector
2007/01/08 - Healthy snack bar company Eat Natural is continuing its focus on new product innovation with the launch of a seasonal variety.
The Winter Seasonal recipe includes pears, pecans, ginger and dark chocolate in order to capitalise on consumer trends for indulgence combined with health.
One of the major trends of 2005, healthy snacking gave a boost to the cereal bar market which, according to analysts Leatherhead International had sales growth of 9.6% in the US, Japan, Australia and the five largest European countries last year and are expected to rise around 4.8% per annum over the next five years to reach $3bn (€5.9bn) by 2010.
In order to capitalise on the sector's popularity, companys such as Eat Natural are investing in innovation. In December last year, the snack bar maker released its Mile High bar aimed at travellers.
The bar, which contains health-boosting ingredients such as cranberries, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and the antioxidant 'superfruit' goji berry, began retailing to airlines and airport shops.
Eat Natural had a year on year growth of 48 per cent in 2005-2006 and has an estimated brand value of £22m (€32.6m).
It has said it will follow the winter seasonal bar with a summer edition later in the year
FROM: http://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/news/ng.asp?id=73136
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