A Miracle Health Drink? From Dr.Weil (goji berries)

[Luna]

A Miracle Health Drink?

Are you familiar with Himalayan Goji Juice? I have heard many health claims, including strong anti-aging effects for goji berries.

-- Bruce


Answer (Published 07/01/2005)


Goji berries and the juice made from them seem to be the latest rage among those who think a single food can accomplish nutritional miracles. Goji berries are being promoted as the most nutritionally dense food on earth, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The health claims being made for them and their juice are wide-ranging: anti-aging effects; implied benefits in the prevention and treatment of cancer, diabetes, arthritis, digestive problems; and, of course, they’re being touted as a means of weight loss and weight control, always a sure-fire way to attract customers. Although promoters mention “studies” that supposedly support these effects, no specific scientific studies were cited on any of the several websites I visited to learn more about goji berries. In a search of peer-reviewed medical literature, I found no studies at all on goji advertisement

berries.

I’ve heard similar health claims, many times before, for other products, none of which has proved over the years to be the great secret to good health and longevity. Goji juice is expensive – about $30 per half liter (18 ounces). If you follow recommendations to drink four ounces a day, a month’s supply will cost you about $200, a high price to pay for an unproven product.

In addition to my doubts about the unsupported health claims, I am prejudiced against the multi-level marketing through which goji juice and goji berries are sold – you can buy them only through distributors who make money not only through their own sales but those of the people they recruit. My advice? Save your money and bank on proven nutritional strategies to optimize your health.

Andrew Weil, M.D.


Thoughts?

[chilove]

I've read that you can find goji berries for cheap at asian markets.

[Smileen]

I don't think the ones at Asian markets are organic, hence the cheaper price.

[Revvell]

First of all, if it's in a bottle it's most likely pasteurized. I have nothing against multi-level marketing. It's a way for many folk who otherwise can't earn income to do so.

Thing is, same thing was said about Noni juice. Greatest thing since sliced bread. I sold it, became sensitive to it, stopped selling it.

Personally, just eating what's here ~ mostly at the farmers' markets or, if necessary at a "health" food store is good for me. I stopped looking for the "miracle" products quite some time ago. I've found my miracle products in organic, raw fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts. KISS from now on.

Revvell

[Texicalian]

I have respect Dr. Weil and his opinions and agree that any company that touts its product as a "miracle cure" is suspect. That doesn't mean that goji berries (also known as wolfberries) don't have any benefits. Historically, they have been used to promote health and I just did a PubMed search and found 121 studies on Lyceum barbarum (the botanical name), so it is being researched - looks like mostly animal and in vitro.

[city]

there's no such thing as a miracle product. I agree with Dr. Weil. I eat the dried Goji berries myself but that's only because I have never met a fruit or vegetable I didn't like and include as many of them as I can in my diet. I'm not a picky eater. Fruit and vegetables are miracle foods - full stop.

[Texicalian]

I remember now why I even bothered to put the goji/wolf/lychii berries on my shopping list at all - according to Gabriel Cousens, they are low on the glycemic index. And yes, even on raw, I do find that I have to watch my fruit intake - I'm still very sensitive and in the process of healing. Any thoughts on this? If anyone has had experience following Cousens protocol for a low glycemic way of eating, I'd love to hear your experiences.

Also, I researched my company's website and found that goji berries have been found to be high in melatonin and have been used by pracitioners to help with the liver - so, like all other herbs/natural supplements, they aren't miracle cures but do have specific uses that are beneficial.