Goji Berries: A boost to the Immune System - By: Rohit chhibber

A staple ingredient of the indigenous residents of the northern part of China Goji berries, or popularly referred to as ‘longevity fruits’, are touted as unique immunity boosters which can enhance the functioning of the body.
The immune system of the body is responsible for protecting the body against invasion by harmful foreign particles, like microbes or carcinogens. However, there may be certain cases when the immune system malfunctions, allowing the foreign particles to attack the body easily, or instances where the immune system mistakenly considers some cells of the body as foreign particles and attacks them, which results in auto immune disorders. Common auto-immune disorders are allergies, multiple sclerosis, cancer, skin rashes, thyroid malfunctioning, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, certain cases of joint pain, etc.
How Goji berries help in building immunity
The Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, which are present in Goji berries, are known to enhance the body’s capability to fight against diseases. These polysaccharides are chemically similar to chemicals found in Maitake mushrooms, which are popular for their immunity-boosting characteristics. Apart from this, Vitamin C and minerals like zinc are also present in abundance in Goji, which makes it an efficient immunity building agent. Zinc, according to researchers, can reduce the severity of colds. It also acts as an antioxidant, regulating appetite, taste and smell. It helps in controlling stress levels, and enhancing reproductive functions.
Vitamin C is necessary for tissue growth and repair, development of skin collagen, scar tissues, tendons and ligaments, healing of injuries as well as development of healthy bones and cartilage.
Goji berries have polysaccharides, which enhance building up a healthy immunity, and developing better inter-cellular communication.
Fiber and polysaccharides present in Goji promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, called probiotics. The numerous benefits of probiotics include enhancing the immune system, protecting against harmful bacteria, assisting in the digestive process and helping in recovering from infections of the respiratory tract.
Allergies, which are generally caused by some malfunctioning of the immune system, are usually triggered by certain foreign substances, especially in food. Goji berries have been traditional solutions to allergy problems, because they reduce the production of certain antibodies that are generated as a response to allergen.
Cancer is a unique condition when the immune system is no longer able to identify the mutated, abnormal body cells and eliminate them. Instead, it may attack the body cells, leading to total breakdown of the body’s defenses. Germanium, present in Goji berries>, has anti-cancer properties. Antioxidants and polysaccharides, important constituents of Goji, also protect against free radicals that promote cancerous growth. Some studies suggest that Goji berries prevent harmful gene mutations, and possess anti-tumor properties. The Goji juice is also helpful for patients undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

About the Author

The author is a nutrition specialist. He has been studying on Goji as a dietician for several years. He writes articles on nutrition in Goji Berries and diet in several websites. He would love to get your feedback.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Rohit-chhibber/63124

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