100% Goji: Does it Matter? By Zachary Thompson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The Goji berry has become the health craze of this new millennium. Health-conscious peoples across the world are wanting products derived from it. The extraordinary growth of demand for Goji berries have led to the proliferation of the number of products that are on the market.

Like all commercial products, however, the quality is never the same with all various brands of products. Essential variations can be found. So how can the consumer distinguish a high-quality product from a measly imitation? There are many factors to look at in determining the true 100% Goji juice from those fake formulas that do not give anything concrete in terms of health benefits.

There are four aspects of 100% Goji juice that the consumer has to bear in mind:

(i) The source of the ingredients—Goji plants are grown all over the world. However, the Goji plants grown in the Himalayan region and in Northwestern China are the ones that have the most beneficial constituents. Thus, the consumer should look for 100% Goji drinks which say that they bring their berries from China or Tibet.

(ii) The nature of the harvest—Goji berries are very tender and cannot handle mechanized harvesting. They easily get damaged and their contents oxidized. Look for 100% Goji companies that say that they hand-pick their fruits.

(iii) Organic farming—Goji berries like all crops can be grown intensively using modern production methods. Pesticides and herbicides will certainly result in greater yields but also produce lower quality fruits. Look for juice with the organic label.

(iv) Presence of additional ingredients—look for substances such as artificial color agents or sweeteners. These are often only to improve the taste and are sometimes unhealthy. Avoid these color enhancers, sweeteners and pesticides.

A reputable 100% Goji company usually has full control over its production process from farming until it reaches supermarket shelves. 100% Goji juice implies no addition of any artificial substances and the absence of exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides and agrochemicals. It is only then that the it shall produce its best health effects. It has the following nutrient profile:

• Essential amino acids
• B-Complex vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Over 20 minerals including trace minerals that would normally not be in the human diet.
• Natural Vitamin E
• Beta-carotene and carotenoids (more than in carrots).
• Linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid)

100% Goji is often a tasteful product requiring no additional sweetening effect, unlike poor imitations. In the West, it is popular as tonics and energy drinks. It is also used to enhance overall health and longevity. The ancient Asian healers used Goji along with other herbs to keep their tribes healthy.

Goji is also used in smoothies and cocktails for a novel and different taste. It is also a potent anti-oxidant super fruit. Diluted and adulterated products do not have the same anti-oxidant properties as 100% Goji when properly harvested an stabilized. Since there are no preservatives as such, 100% Goji has a low shelf life and should be used promptly after opening the bottle--about two weeks. However, if stored unopened it can be kept for longer.

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