What is the Ningxia Wolfberry? Ningxia is a provence on the West Elbow Plateau of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia where people live to be over 100 years old-10-20 years longer than the average person in the region. Some 17 different varieties of wolfberry have been identified. However, the Ningxia wolfberry has been shown to possess the extraordinary nutrient and anti-oxidant content to support greater longevity. The Chinese have claimed it protects liver function, replenishes vital essences, improves visual acuity, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also known to work as an aid to treat diabetes and impotence.
According to the ORAC test the Ningxia Wolfberry (lycium barbarum, also known as Goji Berry) is the highest known antioxidant food, possessing an unmatched ability to absorb free radicals that attack the body and contribute to cancer and aging.
The Ningxia wolfberry has an ORAC of 25,300.
The ORAC test is a test to measure the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It was developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University. It is known as one of the most sensitive and reliable methods for measuring the ability of antioxidants to absorb oxygen radicals.
What is a free radical? Well, without going into a total chemistry lesson, let’s remember atoms…Atoms have protons, electrons and a nucleus. These atoms make up the molecules in the cells of our bodies. Electrons are usually paired. When they are not, they are attracted to other unpaired electrons. Are you with me so far? And sometimes, the unpaired electron can “steal” other electrons from other molecules causing a chain reaction. The unpaired electron is known as the free radical. It is free (unpaired) and it is acting radically, by pairing up and stealing from other stable molecules. This action can cause a cascade of free radical activity causing damage to our cells and tissues.
Okay, what is an antioxidant? The antioxidants are the heros. They act by donating one of their electrons to bond with the free radical. The antioxidants are able to do this because they are stable either way. They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage caused by the free radicals “stealing” action.
The ORAC test is measuring the ability of substances (fruits, vegetables, essential oils, spices, etc.) to save the day and bond with the free radicals.
The strongest known antioxidant foods are:
Ningxia wolfberry 25,300 ORAC*
Prunes 5,770
Blueberries 2,400
Kale 1,770
Strawberries 1,540
Spinach 1,260
Raspberries 1,220
Beets 840
Oranges 750
*ORAC of 3.5 oz.
So, although there are different high ORAC foods and beverages out there, the Ningxia Wolfberry stands alone in its amazing ability to destroy free radicals. It also has so many other benefits that are worth exploring.
