raw in copenhagen

Plant Source: Lycium barbarum L. and L. chinense Mill. (Family Solanaceae).

Other names: Chinese Wolfberry, Lycium Fruit. Tibetan Goji Berry

Background information: The name Tibetan Goji Berry is in common use in the natural health food market. Berries from the Goji plant that are claimed to have been grown in the Himalaya region form the basis of a very large health food market. The etymological origin of "Goji" is unclear but it is likely a simplified spelling of gǒuqǐ.

Both species of Goji (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense) are deciduous woody perennial plants, growing 1-3 m high. L. chinense is grown in the south of China and tends to be somewhat shorter, whileL. barbarum is grown in the north and tends to be somewhat taller.

In addition to being cultivated in China, Goji also grows on extensive vines in the sheltered valleys of the Himalayas in Tibet, and in Mongolia. The round, red Goji berries are very tender and must be shaken from the vine rather than picked in order to avoid spoiling. The Goji fruits are preserved by slowly drying them in the shade. The berry has been eaten locally in the Himalayan and Tibetan regions for centuries and is celebrated in festivals. The Goji fruit is nicknamed the "happy berry" because of the sense of well being it is said to induce.

Goji berries and lycium bark play important roles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where they are believed to enhance immune system function, help eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other effects. In TCM terms, Goji berries are sweet in taste and neutral in nature; they act on the liver, lung, and kidney channels and enrich yin. Goji berries can be eaten raw, brewed into a tea, or prepared as a tincture.


Goji berries are nutritionally rich, containing beta-carotene, Vitamins C, B1, B2 and other vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Companies marketing the berries also claim the berries contain such nutrients as isoleucine, tryptophan, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, B6, and vitamin E.

Culinary uses: As a food, dried Goji Berries may be eaten raw or cooked. Their taste is somewhat similar to that of raisins. Dried Goji Berry is an ingredient often used in Chinese soups. Young shoots and leaves of the Lycium bush are also grown commercially as a leaf vegetable. A wine containing Goji Berries (called gǒuqǐ jiǔ; 枸杞酒) is also produced.[1]

Part Used: Ripe fruit.

Goji Health Properties: Yin tonic, improves vision, boost sperm production, benefits complexion, nourishes Liver and Kidney, replenishes vital essence (semen), powerful antioxidant, antimutagenic, improves circulation, anti cancer properties.

Goji Berries contain complex phyto-nutrients and bio flavinoids: 
Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.


Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.


Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.


Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also has a cholesterol lowering effect.


Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and helps maintain normal blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.


The Goji Berry is being called the world's most powerful anti-aging food. Goji is rated #1 on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures the antioxidant level in foods. It is a test developed by USDA researchers out of Tufts University in Boston. Foods that score high in an antioxidant analysis called ORAC may protect cells and their components from oxidative damage, according to ORAC studies of animals and human blood at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. ARS is the chief scientific agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb99/aging0299.htm

Most Common Traditional Uses of Goji: General weakness, lack of energy, aching back and joints, tinnitus, dizziness, diabetes, blurred vision, cough, wet dreams, sexual inadequacies. 

Modern/Recent Uses:

Internal: - Toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

External: - Burns, ulcers, bedsores, frostbite, furuncles.

One of the most well-known traditional properties of Goji fruit is its ability to improve vision. This has been documented for over fifteen centuries. Modern scientific studies have finally supplied some substantiation to this property. It turns out Goji fruit not only contains high amounts of b -carotene (~ 8 mg/100g) but this b -carotene is in a highly biologically active form which is readily utilized by the body.[6]

However, b -carotene is not the only nutrient in Goji fruit. Goji is also reported to be very rich in amino acids (half in free form), other vitamins (B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, etc.), and polysaccharides that have antioxidant and immuno-modulating effects in experimental animals as well as other nutrients. Since oral administration of Goji fruit to humans in various studies have also improved their immune functions, raised the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and haemoglobin but lowered the level of lipid peroxides as well as reduced senility symptoms, the polysaccharides obviously are an important active component of lycium fruit.[6] Yet only about 25 years ago, scientists in America were still viewing polysaccharides only as carbohydrates (like starch and sugars) that supply our body with energy and that they had no other functions. They were so used to looking for instant response in their search for fast-acting drugs from nature that they either didn't know how to deal with anything slow-acting or did not have the patience that is normally a characteristic of the Old World. It was only when more and more evidence of these other properties of polysaccharides kept emerging from Japan, China and Europe that American scientists started to pay attention. Now, they have finally acknowledged that certain carbohydrates (polysaccharides) play important roles in our health other than simply supplying energy.[6]

Another well-known and long-documented traditional property of Goji fruit is its ability to "benefit complexion and maintain one's beauty"; Goji is also considered to have anti-aging properties. To drug-oriented American scientists, this certainly sounds ridiculous. But various studies have shown Goji fruit to have numerous beneficial effects, including, antioxidant, immuno-potentiating, antimutagenic, hypoglycaemic, hypolipemic, hypotensive, etc., all of which contribute to the slowing down of the aging process or help us live longer. 

The beautifying property of Goji fruit may have some scientific basis after all which may justify its use in skin-care cosmetics, as recent laboratory studies not only demonstrated its antioxidant effect but also its ability to increase dermal hydroxyproline level in mice, indicating increased collagen synthesis. All these effects are good for the skin.[6]

Medicinal Use Research: - A sweet tonic decoction made from the Goji fruit has traditionally been used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels[5]. Goji acts mainly on the liver and kidneys[1, 2, 5]. Goji fruit has traditionally been taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints[5]. Goji fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use[5]. The Goji root bark is a bitter, cooling, antibacterial herb that controls coughs and lowers fevers, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels[1, 3, 5]. It is taken internally in the treatment of chronic fevers, internal haemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs, asthma etc[5]. It is applied externally to treat genital itching[5]. The bark is harvested in the winter and dried for later use[5]. Diuretic, purgative, [1, 2]. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, both as a general, energy restoring tonic and also to cure a wide range of ailments from skin rashes and eyesight problems to diabetes[3]. A tonic tea is made from the leaves[3]. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. Goji is also a good source of essential fatty acids, which is very unusual for a fruit. Goji is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[4].

  What is the most powerful antioxidant?

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After the recipe from yesterday, had a lot left decided to make a second version. This time a dish rich in antioxidants and many other nutraceutical properties.


I had some sprouted quinoa and added 2 tablespoons, cut an  iceberg lettuce thinly, also joined another tablespoon of coconut milk into cream and garnish with tomato, saffron and 1 tablespoon of oregano.






Oregano


A powerful anti-bacterial agent and anti-fungal, oregano also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-parasitic properties.


Oregano contains rosmarinic acid, thymol and works on the body to minimize the destructive effects of free radicals. Besides the ability to destroy free free radicals can help repair damage to the body at the cellular level and combat cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, macular degeneration and help slow the geriatric muscle deterioration.


Anti-fungal properties of oregano
Historically used as a food preservative, oregano has some impressive capabilities as anti-fungal. Fungal infections can be very unpleasant and even fatal in some circumstances. The oregano has been used as both an internal and external preparation in the treatment of fungal infections and has been successfully tested in inhibiting the growth of yeasts such as Candida albicans.


Antibiotic properties of oregano
A phenol existent in the oregano, carvacrol is generating interest for its powerful ability to kill bacteria. Preliminary tests conducted at Georgetown University suggest that the antibacterial  muscle of oregano may rival penicillin and streptomycin.


Other medicinal uses of oregano
If you plan on keeping oregano in your medicine cabinet, there are some other uses for this herb you should know. Oregano can be used as a digestive aid because it encourages salivation. He can relieve and treat bee stings and spider poisonous and snake bites. Oregano is also an effective analgesic.


Care when using oregano
Although herbs and spices may seem benign because they are used in cooking, concentrated doses can lead to problems. The oregano has many medical applications that can help you stay well, but consult your doctor before making any changes or additions to the medication you are taking. The oregano may cause skin irritations in some people, and should be avoided if pregnant or nursing.




Quick Facts about the Oregano

• Oregano contains iron, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin and riboflavin.
• Native to the Mediterranean, the Oregano is a perennial plant of the mint family. It is widely used as seasoning in Italian dishes, including pizza sauce.
• Place two tablespoons of fresh Oregano in 25cl of water for five minutes to create a refreshing antioxidant tea.
• Oregano is sometimes taken as a supplement to help prevent colds and flu.
• Oregano can be used to treat lice.
• Oregano is a welcome addition to a long list of antioxidant-rich herbs such as garlic, thyme, peppermint and sage.

To get the maximum benefit of these supplements, use them in the first six months of purchase or less. Store in a cool, dark place, and keep them away from moisture.




Coconut milk


Some say it can replace the nutritional properties of human milk.


Rich in protein, carbohydrates (carbs), lipids, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B5, C and E) and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur and even silicon, selenium and folic acid .


No cholesterol, while saturated fat. It has iron that prevents anemia and vitamin E is yet another powerful anti-oxidant. It's a great energy and mineralizing source and anti-aging action of cells.


It is used in ayurvedic for over 4000 years for abscesses, respiratory problems, angina, asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, cystitis, high cholesterol, abdominal cramps, malnutrition, diarrhea, joint pains, poor appetite, fever, jaundice, inflammation of the canal the urethra, gastrointestinal irritation, dry and damaged skin, cough, gastric ulcers and several other medicinal uses.
It also has lauric acid, a substance that gives the coconut milk properties against fungi, viruses and bacteria. It's great to fight infections.


Against asthma attacks, it is recommended to take two or three tablespoons of coconut milk morning and night. Experiments in the U.S. showed that coconuts contain the same properties of breast milk.


Coconut, as we all know, contains sufficient elements to sustain human life.Is a very good addition for those who want to gain weight. Thanks to its content of potassium and sodium salts, coconut is an adequate food in atherosclerosis, and is excellent for promoting the development of the thorax as well as for nerves, brain and lungs. It is also a very good food for diabetics.


To expel intestinal worms, take it every morning, a spoonful of shredded coconut, fresh. The shredded coconut, dried, is also useful for healing purposes.


The coconut, very reputed for its therapeutic applications of stomach ulcer, sickness of sea, with its glycero - phosphates and lecithins, is also anti - arthritic. People who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease should eat the gelatinous mass of green coconut.


A very good syrup to combat more rebellious coughs, is prepared as follows: Make a hole in a coconut,introduce honey or molasses, cover up, put it on a slow fire, until the pulp dissolves. Take a spoonful every three hours.


The coconut pulp acts as an astringent in piles, and the oil which is extracted from the coconut is very good for relieving hemorrhoidal pain. The flowers of the coconut tree, enjoy pectoral properties. They are used, with honey, in the upper respiratory tract.

References on oregano and coconut milk:


http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Medicinal_Uses_of_Oregano
http://www.ednatureza.com.br/coco.htm
http://www.plantasmedicinaisefitoterapia.com/plantas-medicinais-coco.html