Notes About Health

The wolfberry has caused a stir in the world of health foods. Also known as the goji berry, the red wolfberry is grown principally in the Ningxia region of China. It has been hailed as one of the new superfruits and seems set to take its place as one of the most remarkable of newly discovered health foods.

Two species of wolfberry are cultivated: Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. It is native to Tibet, Mongolia and China and the fruit is a staple in Chinese medicine. In the West it has long been grown as an ornamental garden plant.

A spectrum of health-giving compounds and substances has been found in the wolfberry or goji berry. Top of the list is its richness in phenols that function as age-slowing antioxidants, thought to fight cancer by mopping up free radicals. Wolfberries can contain four times as much antioxidant as their nearest rival, prunes.

Wolfberries are also high in vitamin C, with some measurements of dry goji berries putting vitamin C content as high at almost 150 mg per 100g, way ahead of fruits like oranges. However, lower levels have been measured in dried wolfberries. The berries are also rich in beta carotene, essential for healthy vision, and riboflavin (vitamin B2). They are packed with minerals, including zinc, selenium, calcium, potassium and iron.

Less well-known components of the wolfberry inlcude zeaxanthin (a carotenoid), plant sterols, polysaccharides and amino and fatty acids. Some unscrupulous merchants have made unsubstantiated claims for the health benefits of the wolfberry, touting it as protecting against breast cancer. These claims have been found wanting by European and American food and medicine regulatory bodies, and consumers should be wary of extravagant promises.

Chinese traditional healers use the wolfberry fruit and bark in a variety of medicines and tonics. The fruit is believed to enhance longevity and a Chinese man who ate it daily was supposed to have lived for two and a half centuries! It is prescribed to boost the complexion, promote kidney and liver health, aid male potency and enhance the eyesight. Scientific research suggests that some elements found in the wolfberry may indeed be effective in various diseases and conditions, including cervical cancer, hepatitis B and high blood pressure. Goji berries may lower cholesterol and seem to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects.

Ongoing research may confirm wolfberries as a wonder food. Consumers should be aware that juices labeled as wolfberry or goji juice are often juice blends, and that the quality of the fruit varies, depending on growing conditions, region of origin, and processing methods, amongst other factors.