Wolfberries or Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are arguably the most nutritionally dense fruits on Earth. As members of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), these rangy shrubs originated in China.
Health Benefit1: Liver Health
Wolf berries aid in guarding the liver from the oxidizing effect of radicals .The berries not only reduce the number of radicals but replenish the body anti-oxidants hence safeguarding DNA from damage by free radicals.
Health Benefit 3: Ocular Health
Studies have shown that wolf berries lower the levels of drusen, degenerative substances responsible for macular degeneration in the eyes. They also raise carotenoid anti-oxidant zea-xanthin which, together with lutein aid in reversing the effect of retinal damage brought about by diabetes.
Health benefit 4: Cardiovascular Health
Wolf berries aid in lowering oxidized cholesterol levels replenishing the body with more anti-oxidants. As a result, they help in reducing exposure to harmful cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
Health Benefit 5: Anti- Cancer
The immune-stimulating benefits in wolfberries assist in warding off various types of cancer. They have polysaccharides with one of them consisting hybrid molecule that is vitamin C rich. This polysaccharide triggers an early cancer cells’ death, hence inhibiting their reproduction as well as multiplication.
Health Benefit 6: High ORAC Score
Berries and especially the NingXia (variety related to wolfberries) berries score highly in Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC).This implies that it has high anti—oxidant capacity. This score is important in the war against free radicals in the body. It has a score of 303 µTE/100g.
Health benefit 7: Anti-aging
Thanks to the S-ORAC anti-oxidant, wolf berries assist fighting aging. The S-ORAC is powerful anti-oxidants that combat cancer and heart disease causing free radicals.
Health Benefit 8: Nutrient Rich
Wolf berries are a rich source of various vitamins and minerals. They are among the richest source of vitamin B1, vitamin C, chromium, magnesium, calcium, copper, manganese and zinc. They are also a rich source of proteins, amino acids (l-arginine-glutamine and l-leucine).
Health Benefit 9: Source of Fiber
Wolf berries contain lots of fiber which is useful in improving the digestion process as well as maintaining sugar balance; these aids in warding off cardiovascular diseases.
Health benefit 10: Versatile Fruit
Wolf berries are versatile fruits, that is, they can either be taken in their dried form where they are consumed as a snack; they can also be made into a healthy drink when soaked in water and thereafter drained off. When mixed with water, they make hearty smoothies.
Health benefit 11: Source of Energy
As Adaptogen, wolf berries contain therapeutic functions which aid in fighting body stress without relenting. This ability to supports the body in areas such as adrenal glands function without getting overworked makes wolf berries excellent Adaptogen. They keep the body generating lots of energy hence giving you stamina and strength.
Health Benefit 12: Sexual Health
Wolf berries aid people, both men and women improve their fertility. The decreased sexual function results from decreased production of testosterone the berries have been found to assist increase fertility hence improve sexual function.
Health benefit 13: Promoting Healthy Sleep
Wolf berries contain two vital nutrients for a healthy sleep: Thiamin (B1) and magnesium. Thiamine enhances mood, reduces depression and raises energy levels. Magnesium on the other hand lowers the time we take before we go into deep sleep, hence promoting quality sleep.
