Tibetan Goji Berries - What's Real? What's Hype?

Tibetan Goji berries, often also hyped as Himalayan, are more accurately referred to as Chinese-grown; that is, it is grown throughout China in general, but in other places around the world as well. The hardy Goji (Lycium barbarum) may also be grown in the West, where it is more commonly known as the wolfberry.

When grocers say that the Goji they sell comes from Tibet or the Himalayas, should you believe them? Maybe not. Some wholesalers who carry Chinese-grown Goji admit that they have retail clients who market the berries over the Internet as Tibetan.

If they say the berries are Mongolian-grown it is more likely to be the truth. But in all of China, there are, on the minimum, half a dozen types of Lycium plants that bear reddish berries. Whether they are ALL Lycium barbarum or not is yet to be confirmed.

Although they are indeed grown in Tibet, Goji is more commonly harvested in the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Ningxia, Sichuan, and Xinjiang, aside from Mongolia.

Tibetan Goji Berries - History 101

The use of Goji for its health benefits did originate in China, where the berries are known as “Gou Qi Zi”. It was first introduced to the West via the ancient Chinese pharmacopoeia compiled by famous 16th century herbalist Li Shizhen.

Known for its medicinal properties, the Chinese consume Goji berries either fresh or dried (similar to raisins, but not as sweet) and added to certain dishes.

Fresh, organically grown Goji is moderately sweet and packed with nutrients.

Real Benefits Sans Hype

Although some studies have shown that Goji contains less beta-carotene compared to carrots, for Beta-cryptoxanthin and the carotenoid Zeaxanthin it is unmatched.

Beta-cryptoxanthin is a great source of Vitamin A, which is good for the eyes. So is Zeaxanthin, which recent studies have shown to be even more active than the popular eye health supplement, Luteine.

Goji also contains polysaccharides, which have been proven to boost the body's immune system against viruses and environmental pollutants.

Moreover, although research continues in some areas, such as cancer prevention, polysaccharides have been shown by certain studies to:

• relieve inflammation;
• lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels; and
• boost absorption of minerals, particularly calcium.

The main advantage of the Goji plant, unlike other polysaccharide sources, is that it pretty tough and is not susceptible to diseases or pests. It is also great at withstanding extreme weather conditions, thriving in temperatures below 10?F or even in hot climates, which can be a problem for other plants that are rich sources of polysaccharides.

Moreover, traditional Chinese medicine uses so-called Tibetan Goji berries as sources of flavonoids. But whether they are from Tibet or not, Goji is a great energy booster and a good source of antioxidants.

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