I recently wrote an article on Wheat Grass juice. After it was published a thoughtful reader asked me what I knew about Goji Juice. I had to admit that I really knew nothing about it.
I had heard the name a time or two. I thought that maybe it originated in Hawaii or the tropics. I also thought that it might be one of those wonder drinks that may help you loose weight. But I actually wasn’t certain about it.
I decided to do some research on it and share what I learnt with the world (or at least the readers here at AC). Here is what I have learned so far.
Goji juice is very popular. It can be pricey too. Some of the higher quality grades of this juice actually sells for $50 a bottle.
Some believe that the little tiny red berry called the goji which is of course the essential ingredient in the juice has the power to help us live longer. One such believer is nutritionist Earl Mindell who wrote the book, THE NEW VITAMIN BIBLE.
According to Mr. Mindell, he learned of the goji berry back in 1996 during a visit to the Himalayan Mountain. An Asian healer introduced him to it.
He also goes on to say that for more than 6,000 years herbalists in China, Tibet and India have been using this wonder berry. They believe that it has helped them to live longer by protecting their bodies from aging as quickly, as well as helping to lower their blood pressure, prevent cancer and balance their blood sugar.
He even believes that this is the main reason why people in that part of the world lives well into their 100’s.
Yet, if you are like some people you may still be reeling from that $50 price tag. But even if people are reeling from it, they are buying it. According to Mr. Peter Reilly, a spokesperson from Freelife International who teamed up with Mr. Mendell to make their own version of the juice, tens of thousands of people are buying this juice monthly. Most of these sells are also repeat sales.
There has only been one study done on humans concerning the benefits of the goji berry. This test was done in 1994 on 79 cancer patients. The patients added goji juice to their diet and they responded better to treatment.
Another study was done in 2005 that hasn’t been published yet that supposedly shows impressive numbers on patients that responded better to cancer treatment and even better improvements in their immune system by adding goji juice as part of their daily routine.
Some doctors also believe that this juice may interfere with some medications that cancer patients are taking.
As with all things natural, there can be side effects, for this reason, if you decide to try it, discuss it with your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you are taking this supplement in juice form if you are taking any type of medication (even those that are not related to treating cancer).
If the $50 price tag is a reason that is stopping you from trying it, you should also know that you do have other options. For instance, the popular tea maker Celestial Seasonings have added the goji fruit their popular pomegranate Green Tea. This tea is affordable and is sold in most supermarkets.
The question as to whether you give this juice a try it up to you and possibly the opinion of your doctor.
NOTE: The writer of this piece is not a health care professional. Do speak to your doctor or pharmacist about any and all substances you are taking, including natural health products.
