Ningxia Wolfberry Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Ningxia Wolfberry
The Ninxia Wolfberry is much discussed and, while much maligned in some quarters, is revered in others. So what is the truth and does it really exist?
As a natural skeptic when it comes to “alternative health” products, I was intrigued to find out more.
First of all, I would like to take a look at the confusion between the Ningxian Chinese goji berry and the Tibetan goji berry.
Let’s start with an example. How about that familiar fruit/vegetable? Lycopersicon esculentum: confused? Well, it’s just a tomato! But is it Cherry, Black, Beefsteak, Striped, Plum? It doesn’t matter, it’s still a family tomato. nightshade. the genesis Lycopersicon and the species esculentum. The other names above are just varieties.
It seems that many of the arguments about Ninxia Wolfberry stem from confusion between species and variety.
The Gogi berry is found in large areas of China and Tibet. Over the years different varieties have been formed as an adaptation to climatic and soil conditions. But, they are still Gogi/Wolfberry: barbarian lycium or sometimes Lycium barbarum. It is often claimed that there is a specific difference between barbarian lycium and Lycium chinensis. I think it is more likely that there is a Lycium barbarus species and the Ningxia Wolfberry aka Licium chinensisit is, in fact, a variety.
Having said all this, it must be recognized that the previous differences in climate and soil have a tremendous influence on the resulting fruit. Again as a documented example, the soil in the UK has been depleted in selenium over the years. consequently, the levels of this essential trace element found in vegetables vary depending on where they are grown. So it is with Gogi/Ninxia Wolfberry, the best conditions and management provide the greatest benefits.
The Chinese have been consuming Ninxia Wolfberry to prevent macular degeneration and blurred vision for over a thousand years. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have also used wolfberry in herbal formulas. Modern science has now discovered that the goji berry fruit contained substantial amounts of provitamin A: beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin.
Ningxia Wolfberry contains 18 out of 20 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. The 20 standard amino acids also serve as raw materials for the manufacture of many other cellular products, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies in the immune system. Several of these amino acids are key intermediates in cellular metabolism.
In a study conducted by Ning Xia Medical University, thirty healthy people between the ages of 60 and 80 consumed 50 g of goji a day. After 10 days, blood samples were drawn to measure the SCE (sister chromatid exchange) level. This is a frequently used marker for genetic toxicity related to aging and the cancer process. SCE levels are lower in the young than in the elderly) and proliferation of lymphatic cells. It was found that after taking Ningxia Wolfberry, SCE decreased and lymphatic cell proliferation was improved.
Ningxia Wolfberry vs. Tibetan Goji Berry Both Goji Berry and Wolfberry contain very high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, but the amounts and taste can vary. Gogi berries and their liquid form: gogi juice is freely available. There is some controversy as to whether the altitude of the region of Tibet where gogi berries are said to come from can support such a flora. However, it appears that the health benefits of Ninxia Wolfberry, based on its known nutritional value, hold the most promise.
They are also a rich source of selenium and germanium and have therefore aroused considerable interest among oncologists, leading to their use in a number of clinical trials with cancer patients. When given to patients undergoing chemotherapy, the berries appear to offer significant protection for the patient’s liver.
To cut through the hype and confusion, the best advice is to start with the best, whole, organic Ningxia goji berries grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Good quality soil and cultivation will ensure optimum nutritional value. Only Ningxia goji berries seem to possess a legendary reputation and scientific validation, combined with delicious flavor.