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goji berry seedThe Health Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins that grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. They are usually found dried, have a slight tangy taste, and belong to the nightshade (Solonaceae) family. Some other Names for Gojji berries include Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, gou qi zi, and Fructus lycii.

Goji Berries have more vitamin C pound for pound than oranges. Scientifically controlled studies using vitamin C for colds show that it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms, acting as a natural antihistamine. The vitamin may be useful for allergy control for the same reason: It may reduce histamine levels. By giving the immune system one of the important nutrients it needs, extra vitamin C can often shorten the duration of the cold. Being an important factor in collagen production, vitamin C is useful in wound healing of all types. From cuts and broken bones to burns and recovery from surgical wounds, vitamin C taken orally helps wounds to heal faster and better. I love using the dried goji berries in a salad for zap flavour and healthier salad.

Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:

- protect the liver
- help eyesight
- improve sexual function and fertility
- strengthen the legs
- boost immune function
- improve circulation
- promote longevity

Goji berries are also rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin's key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.

In recent years, goji juice has become popular as a health beverage. Companies marketing goji juice often mention the unsupported claim that a man named Li Qing Yuen consumed goji berries daily and lived to be 252 years old. Marketers also list extensive health benefits of goji juice, even though there are few published clinical trials in humans.

In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are eaten raw, brewed into a tea, added to Chinese soups, or made into liquid extracts. Goji berries have appeared in snack foods in North America. For example, the health food store Trader Joe's sells a goji berry trail mix. Whole goji berries are available at Chinese herbal shops. Goji juice can be found in some health food stores, online stores, and through network marketers.

Mary-Anne is a featured member and regular contributor at ifood.tv, a global food network, featuring recipes from all over the world. Other popular healthy recipes videos on ifood.tv include splenda recipes and smoothie recipes.

Is Your Immune System Ready to See Some Action?

As winter approaches, it's the time of year when you don't want to have your immune system caught with it's pants down. So here's 6 simple steps will show you how to build up some immune system protection.

Step 1 � There�s Some Foods You Need to Avoid:
Foods such as fried foods, preservatives, margarine, burned meat and most vegetable oils are high in free radicals - chemicals formed when this food is ingested and exposed to the oxygen we breathe. When this occurs there is an additional demand on our immune system to neutralize these free radicals, making us more susceptible to disease. Vegetable oils are also high in omega 6 fatty acids and these tend to �switch off� or immune system. Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates tend to suppress the immune system and should also be avoided. Excessive alcohol consumption and absolutely no smoking!

Step 2 - Healthy Diet:
Consume more green leafy vegetables and colourful fruit. These tend to have a higher level of natural antioxidants (Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc) and phyto-nutriuents (carotenoids and bioflavenoids) that nourish the immune system and stimulate the production of immune system cells and enhance it's protective capacity in defending against free radical pollutants. Drink plenty of water - this helps to detoxify the body allowing it to run more efficiently. An increased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seed oil, tuna, salmon, ocean trout and mackerel boosts the immune system by stimulating production of certain hormones associated with the immune system.

Step 3 - Moderate Exercise:
The emphasis is on moderate exercise which stimulates the immune system, possibly by increasing the circulation of cells associated with the immune system functions. By contrast, overtraining can have the opposite effect and drag the immune system down. I'm sure we've all heard about athletes coming down with 'mystery viruses' and chronic fatigue.

Step 4 - A Good Night's Sleep:
Improved sleep and sleep patterns have consistently proven be a factor in boosting and improving the immune system. If you work night shift, the best advice is to make some time to sleep or rest quietly during the day and avoid the foods we mentioned.

Step 5 - Immune System Supplements:
The most important supplements that boost the immune system are the minerals Selenium and zinc and vitamins A (as beta-carotene), C & E. Numerous studies on all of these nutrients conclusively show improved function of the immune system in terms of the production in the presence of these nutrients. A specific supplement should contain all of these nutrients and be especially high in Selenium.

Step 6 - Essential Oils:
Often overlooked because we don't understand enough about them. Essential oils contain literally thousands of antiviral compounds that will kill and prevent the disease and also compounds that boost and stimulate the immune system. Best oils are Lavender, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemon and Helichrysum.

Summary
In this article we�ve outlined a common sense approach of how to build up immune system protection. The main factors are:

1. Healthy diet - avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, sugar, refined carbohydrates fried food and margarine and increasing your intake of fresh water, fruit, green leafy vegetables and essential fatty acids.
2. Healthy lifestyle - plenty of rest and moderate exercise.
3. Supplement with an immune boosting supplement containing Selenium, Zinc and vitamins A, C and E.

Paul Newland is a health writer, sports training consultant and martial arts instructor and runs the Global-Longevity.com website. He is the author of numerous health information books and guides, including the Wellness Report and the Bird Flu Report - available Free through Global-Longevity.com.

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Baby Journal 2nd Entry...Research & Supplements!!

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EDT
Liquid L-Carnitine, Liquid Vitamin E, Male Reproductive Factors, Goji Berry and Garden of Life Mens Multivitamin. ... Oh, I also found some lubricant today for him to use when cathing that is healthy for the sperm. It's called Pre-Seed....

Gotta food for gota frias - Rundtownnews.co.uk

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:41:05 GMT

Gotta food for gota frias Rundtownnews.co.uk, Spain - Nov 13, 2008 We continue to be amazed that so called health experts keep plugging expensive newly found imported fruit such as the Goji berry when there are many vitamin ...

Amazing Grass Launches New Organic Energy Bars and Amazing Meal Blends - Go Dairy Free

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:59:02 GMT

Amazing Grass Launches New Organic Energy Bars and Amazing Meal Blends Go Dairy Free, NV - Nov 17, 2008 The Whole Food Bars, Amazing Meal Blends, and a new Berry Green SuperFood (goji and acai infused) are being produced in cahoots with Whole Foods, ...

Customized Granola - Broward New Times

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:42:26 GMT

Customized Granola Broward New Times, FL - Nov 20, 2008 ... dried blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, goji berries, almonds, raisins, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, wasabi peas, gummy bears, and so forth. ...