Question Details	Asked By	Asked On
Goji Juice	Ccl471	12/10/03
I received an email from a company selling goji juice. They say that the famed Li Qing Yuen, who lived to the age of 252, ate Himilayan goji berries every day. They say he lived from 1678 to 1930. Have you heard of goji berries? Do you know if drinking goji juice can make me live much longer than the average person? Many thanks, C.L.
Clarification/Follow-up by Ccl471 on 12/13/03 12:54 pm: Dear CeeBee: Thank you for answering my question. You said you suspect Li Qing Yuen had a lot more going for him like diet, than most Westerners do. But even the best diet in the world can't help someone live to the age of 252, can it, unless, perhaps the diet included goji berries? If it's really true that Yuen lived that long, then obviously something had to radically slow down his aging process. I just want to know if it was the goji berries that did that. C.L. Clarification/Follow-up by CeeBee on 12/13/03 1:23 pm: C.L.: He might have come from a very healthy family whose members live a long time (past 100), the climate he lived in may have worked in his favor, lack of pollutants could have helped, and his diet in general (lack of "bad Western foods" full of fats and sugars) with lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains might have added to his longevity. I would think adding goji berries to that mix certainly helped. Was his age calculated on a 12-month, 365-day year? How accurate is the timekeeping? I am sure he lived a long time but 252 years sounds a bit too many. Remember, he lived within Asian, not Western, parameters. Clarification/Follow-up by Ccl471 on 12/13/03 1:47 pm: The website that sells the goji juice says he lived from 1678 to 1930. They say that is the most well known documented case of longevity in history. I don't know if their information is correct. C.L.
Answered By		Answered On
CeeBee		12/10/03
I suspect Li Qing Yuen had a lot more going for him (from his younger years and general diet) than Westerners do. One of my library volunteers (age 71) recently heard about goji berries and is now snacking on them at least once a day. I will be watching him... He shared a handful of berries with me; they are chewy and very pleasant tasting, sort of like cherry-flavored raisins. The best goji berries come from Tibet and are very expensive. Chinese goji berries, also expensive, can be purchased at a health food store or at an Asian market. There is only anecdotal information about goji berries and juice giving long life. There is no Western research on goji berries. If you wish to spend your money on goji berries and juice with the hope that you will live longer, that is your choice. They may make your step livelier, your eyes brighter, and give you more energy--so perhaps try them for a month and note any changes in how you feel. First though, if you have any major health problems such as diabetes, heart problems, circulation problems, kidney stones, or any chronic difficulties, please check with your medical doctor before you begin with goji berries. I wish you a long life :-).

Additional Options and ratings are only visible when you login!