Goji and Anti-Aging Most people are fortunate to spend the first part of life with seemingly limitless reserves of energy and good health. Once you reach age 25, however, you must be sure to take care of yourself, or you may begin to look and feel older than your years. Old age may be inevitable, but it doesn't have to be accompanied by a loss of health and vigor. With a little motivation, you can control, delay and even reverse many of the degenerative processes of aging. Why Do We Age? There are many theories on aging, but the most prominent one asserts that our modern lifestyle is to blame. Chronic exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants and carcinogens causes damage to DNA, the body chemical responsible for the exact duplication of healthy cells. Damaged DNA may produce mutant cells that, as they accumulate, can impair the function of the body's tissues and vital organs. Goji Repairs Damaged DNA DNA is the most important chemical in your body, carrying the blueprint of your entire genetic history. Goji's betaine and master molecule polysaccharides can restore and repair damaged DNA, protecting your body's ten trillion cells. Aging and Disease One cannot die merely of old age. Your ultimate demise is caused, not by advancing age itself, but by the diseases and degenerative conditions that accompany it. The good news is that many of these diseases can be prevented or controlled by the daily use of the goji berry. Dozens of modern scientific studies have confirmed goji's reputation in Asia as the “longevity fruit.” Its unique master molecule polysaccharides, powerful antioxidants and unsurpassed nutrient density help your body to initiate and sustain a strong and multi-faceted defense against aging. Aging Affects Your Body — Goji Helps Cardiovascular System The heart muscle does not pump as efficiently. Blood vessels become less elastic and may clog with cholesterol and fatty plaques. These changes may increase blood pressure, increasing the work of the heart to maintain blood flow. Take Heart With Goji Goji contains compounds — cyperone and anthocyanins — that benefit the strength and integrity of the heart and its arteries. A 1998 research study showed that increased blood pressure could be prevented significantly by goji's master molecule polysaccharides. Digestive System Use of prescription medicines interferes with digestion and absorption. The body's digestive enzyme production may decrease with age. Atrophic gastritis results in a weakening of digestion caused by reduced activity of stomach cells. Goji Eases Digestion Goji has long been used in Asia in the treatment of weakened digestion caused by atrophic gastritis. Brain and Central Nervous System The American Academy for the Advancement of Science estimates that you lose 190,000 brain and nerve cells (neurons) every day. Lipid peroxidation causes neurons to lose their protective insulation (myelin). Myelin loss slows down nerve function and ultimately causes multiple sclerosis (MS). Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deficiency, which cause deficits in cognition, memory, recall ability and other brain function. Free radical activity and low levels of choline are major factors in Alzheimer's disease. Extensive nerve damage and pain (neuropathy) arise as complications of adult-onset diabetes. Goji Supports Nerve and Brain Function Goji increases the body's production of an enzyme that inhibits lipid peroxidation, the cause of myelin loss. Goji's flavonoids protect against narrowing of the arteries, keeping them open so they can deliver oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. Goji's unique master molecule polysaccharides and powerful antioxidants and choline precursors fight the free radical damage associated with Alzheimer's disease. Causes of Aging Cancer Natural radioactivity (from the Earth and from cosmic rays) and daily exposure to toxic chemicals do not contribute directly to aging, but they increase the incidence of cancer, which can shorten your healthy, active life. Goji Fights Cancer Goji is one of the only plant species on earth that contains the anti-cancer mineral germanium. Its antioxidants and unique polysaccharides can halt the genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. Goji also has the ability to cause the death of tumor cells. Immune Disorders The immune system protects against diseases. It seeks out and destroys viruses, bacteria, fungi and cancerous cells before they can damage the body. Age decreases immune function, making it easier for disease to take hold. A compromised immune system may even turn the body against itself, resulting in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease and fibromyalgia. Balance Immunity With Goji More than 40 years of research have revealed goji's ability to regulate immunity by commanding and controlling many of the body's important defense functions. Goji polysaccharides enhance and balance the activity of all classes of immune cells, including T-cells, cytotoxic T-cells, NK cells, lysozyme, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and the immunoglobulins IgG and IgA. Stress and Chronic Disease Chronic stress is a deadly side effect of modern life and can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, insufficient sleep and insufficient intake of fluids. Prolonged stress suppresses your ability to produce the antioxidants you need to keep your cells from prematurely aging and dying. Stress causes fatty deposits to stick to artery walls. It robs you of energy, makes you gain weight and worsens symptoms of diabetes, arthritis and other chronic diseases. Stress-induced inflammation can trigger a sudden heart attack or stroke. And stress decreases the body's production of human growth hormone (hGH), which is essential for maintaining youthful vigor. Goji Reduces Stress, Increases hGH As an adaptogen, goji helps the body to adapt and to cope with stress. It provides the energy reserves to help you handle just about any difficulty. Goji's unique polysaccharide complex has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland). Usual Dosage Level To fight aging, research suggests a usage of 2 ounces of high-quality standardized goji juice, taken twice daily at mealtime for a total daily intake of 4 ounces.