NingXia Wolfberry: A Chinese National Treasure The wolfberry, a perennial plant (member of the solanacea family of plants), grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet. The fruit is very red, juicy, and oblong when ripe. Its health benefits have been known and used for thousands of years. The fruit contains 19 amino acids and over 20 trace minerals (including germanium, a mineral rarely found in food). The wolfberry has more protein than whole wheat. This alone sets the wolfberry apart as a major source of phytonutrients. Considered a national treasure, the NingXia wolfberry is grown near Inner Mongolia in China. This berry has been extolled in folk medicine for thousands of years. Translated from ancient texts, Shen Nung Ben Tsao (475 B.C.) stated, "Wolfberry benefits range from replenishing vital health to fortifying and restoring vital organs." A physician's handbook from the Ming Dynasty stated, "Taking in Chinese wolfberry may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, which can lead to longevity.'' 1 21 Reasons to Drink NingXia Red Daily! 1. The NingXia Wolfberry provides ample antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. Antioxidants permeate cell walls and attack free radicals before they damage the DNA of the cell nucleus. 2. Antioxidants of this berry fight arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis--aiding the circulatory system---including the heart. 3. The NingXia Wolfberry is powerful in helping the liver function properly. The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body--it's our cleansing machine. 4. Helps the eyes -- cataracts, glaucoma, and visual acuity. This berry contains a complete array of antioxidant carotenoids including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. In fact, the NingXia wolfberry has the highest source of carotenoids in all known foods. Beta-carotene is best known as a nutrient for the retina. 5. Cancer help: The main constituent of the wolfberry is Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP), and according to studies in China, LBP helps cancer patients rebuild their white blood cell count, enhancing phagocytes and the activity of natural killer cells which bind to cancerous cells, as well as improving major classes of T-cells. "...increase the antibody reaction to the T cell-antigen." 6. More cancer help: Acetone extract from the NingXia wolfberry inhibits gene mutation. Some scientists say the fruit is a good supplement to prevent liver cancer. Also, studies show objective regression of cancer in patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and others. Results also indicated LBP may be used as an adjuvant in the biotherapy of cancer. 7. Minerals and vitamins act as enzymes and co-factors in the digestion process. 8. Studies on seniors in China produced amazing results. Many people live beyond 100 years of age in NingXia where they grow these wolfberries. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found in serum in all participants. In other words wolfberry "...may help slow the aging process." 9. Protects against the free radical attack on mitochondrial DNA, our energy furnaces inside each cell. Antioxidants fight against mitochondrial destabilization. 10. Helps lower blood sugar--and in many tests, it at least stabilizes blood sugar. 11. It is important that cell walls maintain their malleability for nutrients to cross this membrane. The free radical scavengers found in the NingXia wolfberry strengthen the cell wall and support efficient transport of flavonoid nutrients into the cell and waste products out of the cell. 12. Strengthens the brain’s neurotransmitters against pervasive free radical activity, thus fighting against dementia and many forms of memory loss. 13. Promotes a sense of well-being, and has had noticeable results in tests and anxiety. The tissues of the body (including the brain) are assisted in avoiding oxidative stress. 14. Has a B vitamin complex essential to the body. In addition, these vitamins are vital for converting food to energy. 15. Cells need to communicate, especially those in the brain and nervous system. The synaptic responses are protected and fortified by the same polyphenols (flavonoids) that this berry uses to protect itself. 16. Provides powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial action because it contains solavetivone (an amino acid). Properties in this food fight viruses -- it's anti-viral. 17. Reduces pain caused by inflammation because the berry contains beta sitosterol, a remarkable anti-inflammatory. Beta sitosterol is in other formulas to assist the prostate. 18. The NingXia wolfberry is high in protein, an essential cellular building block. It has more protein than whole wheat. 19. The NingXia wolfberry, unlike most berries, contains natural vitamin E, a restorative antioxidant with too many health benefits to list here. 20. A healthier romantic life. The wolfberry increases overall health performance, including sexual response. One herbalist wrote, "Wolfberry can make a young wolf out of an old man." 21. This berry dubbed "a complete body health motivator" has many unique polysaccharides not found in any plant on the planet. References: 1. Ben cao Gang Mu; Physicians Handbook; Ming Dynasty 1368-1644 AD 2. Benzie, Dr. Iris F., MD; Hong Kong Polytechnic University; 2005; The British Journal of Medicine. 3. Guifan, Huang, et al; Immune Boosting Effects from Fu Fan Wu 2: Yang Zong Wan; (Chinese Herbs, 1990) 4. In-Vitro Anti-Mutation Effect of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP). (Chinese Herbs, 1991) 5. Journal of Chinses Herbal Medicine; 1994. Note: Japanese Research Scientists also stated the wolfberry could inhibit the growth of cancer cells.