We’ve heard about Vitamin C, beta-carotene, Vitamin B1 and B2, zinc, and other vitamins and nutrients found abundantly in goji berries. Another is that it got lots of antioxidant in combating aging and aiding cancer prevention. Scientific researchers say that there are still more nutrients that have yet to be discovered in goji berry which make it a very powerful fruit in terms of health benefits. We may leave that matter to the experts for now and perhaps focusing on the other identified components of goji berries will make our intake more meaningful and sensible.

Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are innate components of goji berries like the beta-carotene. Many synthetic drugs used in medicine are actually produced from plant nutrients like Paclitaxel, a known anti-cancer drug that’s extracted from Pacific yew tree. On the other hand, goji berries still possess another plant nutrient called bioflavanoids, which are collectively called Vitamin P and Citrin. They’re basically natural pigments in fruits and vegetables and carry out potential health benefits on cancer, diarrhea, and capillary stabilization.

So, with this short introduction about other nutrients, let’s take a look on these certain phytonutrients and bioflavanoids that goji berries have:

Betaine – It’s a nutrient that’s known as a methyl donor; meaning, it carries and donates methyl molecules in the body to make chemical processes work. The process of methyl donation is involved in the proper function of the liver and cellular reproduction. Betaine also helps our body to make carnitine, an important compound in fatty acid metabolism. In the liver, betaine is used to produce choline, a compound that alleviates nervousness, enhances memory, promote muscle growth, and protect against fatty liver disease.

Physalin – an active compound that’s used against all major types of leukemia. It’s also been used a treatment for hepatitis B.

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

Beta-sitosterol – is one of several phytosterols (plant sterols) that can reduce blood levels of cholesterol and is sometimes used in treating hypercholesterolemia. It inhibits cholesterol absorption in the intestine. In Europe, it’s used as a herbal therapy for benign prostatic hypertrophy, while in medicine, it’s used to treat prostatic carcinoma and breast cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cyperone – a sesquiterpene that benefits that heart and helps in maintaining normal blood pressure. It’s also been used in treating cervical cancer.