This book objectively considers nutritional evidence that the Chinese wolfberry, Lycium barbarum L., is the world's most nutrient-rich food. 81 scientific publications are summarized and interpreted as a foundation for this evidence. Wolfberry's diverse phytochemicals, including its rich content of protein, 8 polysaccharides (dietary fermentable fiber) and 4 carotenoids (antioxidants), 6 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 11 essential minerals, and 5 omega fatty acids provide compelling definition for wolfberry's superlative nutrition. Data comparisons are made to more common 'superfoods', such as flax seeds, spinach and blueberries. A chapter is devoted to the 2000 year old legend of wolfberry as China's herbal treasure and 5000 year old applications of traditional Chinese medicine. Factors influencing nutrient density and quality, such as taxonomy, geography, Yellow River loess (silt from flooding), cultivation practices and processing, are given separate chapters. Using available research literature dated to 2005, the book fulfills the scientific credibility needed to benchmark wolfberry as a nutrient-rich food valuable for western diets and health.
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Objective public-friendly science on the goji berry (wolfberry):
Probably the main value of this book is the objective way the authors have presented information. Unlike other descriptions of goji berry found on the internet -- where there is so much hype that seems to come from the legendary Chinese myths about the health benefits of wolfberry -- this book zeroes in on the facts. First thing to state -- goji berry and wolfberry are the same botanical species, Lycium barbarum L. which, like all well-cultivated food crops, has cultivars, varietals or light species... more info
