Goji Juice Cures

Many people have become fans of the goji berry and its alleged abilities to cure various illnesses. But as of late 2009, the science is still out on whether the claims are scientifically true or whether the goji berry's juice is just another Hollywood diet fad. This guide will breakdown details about this supposedly potent fruit and its ability to cure various illnesses.

Goji Berry Basics

• The goji berry, also known as the wolfberry, is native to southeastern Europe and Asia. The plant is closely related to the boxthorn. It is a leaved and flowering plant, sprouting egg- and spear-shaped leaves along its shoot. Most plants possess one to three flowers. The berries of the plant often come to ripeness between August and October. They are less than one inch in length and sport a bright orange- or red-hued skin. Each fruit contains a number of tiny seeds.

Goji Berry Nutrional Content

• The goji berry is jam-packed with nutrients. In fact, one berry contains 19 amino acids and 21 trace minerals, including zinc, calcium and phosphorous. The little fruit also has a number of B vitamins as well as beta-carotene and vitamin E. The berry also contains antioxidants and 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges. If that's not enough, these berries also posses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well as omega-6 fatty acids.

Goji Berry Cures

• With all this nutrition packed inside, the goji berry and its juice has been touted as a cure for many diseases. Two of the most controversial claims are that goji berries can help prevent aging and that it can cure hepatitis B. It should be noted, before reading further, that the Food and Drug Administration has clamped down on false claims made by goji berry distributors, though many of these false, non-scientifically backed claims still exist.

  Because goji berries contain a substance known as polysaccharides, they are claimed by many distributors to have anti-aging benefits. Specifically, one of these polysaccharides in goji berries is said to be a secretagogue, meaning it stimulates the pituitary gland to release human growth hormone. It is said that as people age, the body produces less human growth hormone, causing many of the symptoms of old age, including a slower metabolism and a weaker immune system. However, no scientific studies have been able to prove this quality of the fruit, and in fact the FDA has cracked down on distributors who make such claims.

  Because goji berries are thought to have potent liver-cleansing properties, it is claimed once again by many distributors that they can help fight, if not cure, hepatitis B, a disease that affects the liver. Specifically, goji berries contain phytonutrients, such as beta-carotene, that are believed to have disease-treating qualities. However, there is no scientific evidence to conclusively back the claim that goji berries can prevent or cure hepatitis B.

  Other alleged goji berry cures include heart care (via strengthening the muscle and alleviating palpitations), insomnia and morning sickness in pregnant women. It's also used by some to aid in sexual functioning in the elderly, weight loss, cancer prevention, to boost the immune system and detox the body.