Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) are said be very effective as an anti-aging product because of the amount of polysaccharide they contain. This is why Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) are a common plant cultivated by the Chinese who use the Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) berries to guard against premature aging, as a blood sugar control agent, to maintain strong immune systems and stable blood pressure, to sustain healthy liver function, and for better eyesight.
Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) are also believed to be quite potent as an anti-cancer food supplement because they contain very high amounts of Germanium which has anti-cancer properties. Actually, one source says Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) have the highest level of Germanium content compared to any other type of food. Another anti-cancer substance called Physalin is also a key ingredient of Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum). Natural Physalin can improve immune system function too. Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) may contain other substances that have other anti-disease or anti-aging properties that have yet to be discovered through adequate scientific or medical research though.
To make Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) sweet, you need to dry the berries carefully under soft temperatures because the Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) are quite sensitive. Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) contain the following nutrients in each berry: carotenoids; Solavetivone; Cyperone; Betaine; Lutine; Zeaxanthin; Beta Sitosterol; essential fatty acids (that are important for adequate functioning of the nervous system and the brain, and hormone production; very high levels of beta carotene (that surpass the beta carotene content of carrots); Phosphorus; Selenium; Calcium; Copper; Iron; Zinc; Vitamin E; Vitamin C; and Vitamin A; and Vitamins B1 and B6.
If you are up to a spot of gardening, then why not try planting Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) in your backyard? Fortunately, the Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) plant can grow well in both poor soil and in well-drained soil. This type of plant can survive weather temperatures ranging from 27 degrees Celsius to 39 degrees Celsius – beyond that, your plants might suffer too much already.
To make your Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) plants thrive better, it is advisable to trim them quite close to the ground so that new growth will be lush and fresh. You can expect your plants to be rather bushy and their vine should extend up to 15 feet at times. You know you can harvest the berries when they become a bright red color and tend to be rather juicy. You can also opt to just plant the seeds to propagate more Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) plants.
To consume your own Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum), you can dry them out then eat them like you would dried grapes or nuts; or you may pick the berries fresh to be placed in your marinades and salads. Other uses of the Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) are to make them part of soups, brew them into wine, make them into a tea, or even turn the leaves into vegetables. Both the Wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) and their leaves have anti-cancer properties so they are very beneficial for you either way health-wise.