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About Goji and Scientic Research |
| | | NingXia Wolfberry (goji) nutritional facts | • 19 Amino Acids
including an essential 8 (not made by the body) that must be sourced from food.
• 21 trace minerals
including Germanium, rarely found in foods.
• 6 unique Polysaccharides
required for proper immune function and cellular interaction.
• High levels of Protein
• Rich quantities of Antioxidant Carotenoids
such as Beta-Carotene.
• Zeaxanthin
believed to protect the retina of the human eye from the damaging effects of light.
• Contains Vitamin C, E, A and B
• Beta Sitosterol
(an anti-inflammatory agent).
• 27 essential fatty acids
(for hormone production and brain and nervous system function). |  | Grading the berries
Goji berries are graded into four qualities which are 'super', 'king', 'special' and 'grade A'. There is a significant difference in price and quality between the grades.
'Super' grade berries are around 40% more expensive than 'grade A'. The 'super' berries are larger in size, more flesh, less seed with more polysaccharides than any type of goji berry. These superior berries are come from the longest established bushes and vines. To be classified as 'super' there has to be approximately 220-240 berries per 50 grams. This compares with the 'grade A' where there is approximately 480 berries per 50 grams.
The ORAC scale
The way scientists measure the amount of antioxidants in a food is called an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) score. The more Free Radicals a food can absorb, the higher its ORAC score and the better it is at helping our bodies fight the effects of Free Radicals.
Although the test is still being refined, it is expected that ORAC will become a standard on food labels in the future as a benchmark for assessing the antioxidant value in the food we buy.
It generally seems that the darker the colour of the food, the higher ORAC they have.
Read about the ORAC scale
Interesting stuff
Goji has played an important role in Chinese traditional medicine where it is believed to help enhance immune system function and promote general well-being.
• Goji berry has been declared a “national treasure” by the China State Scientific and Technological Commission.
• Ma Junren, coach of many world record holding distance runners, uses wolfberries to help runners achieve greatness.
• Wu Jicai, coach of Olympic swimmers, wolfberries as his “secret weapon”.
Emerging Scientific Research
While the benefits of goji berries have been widely known in traditional Chinese medicine a general promoter of good health, it’s only recently that scientific studies have also supported the potential merits of this exceptional food.For clinical studies on goji berries, please go to and type in LYCIUM BARBARUM or GOJI or WOLFBERRY.
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