Goji Berries, The Himalayan Superfood
A couple of readers asked me about Goji berries. I'd assumed that Goji berries were fairly common, hmm...guess I was wrong, my bad.
So here's a couple of facts about this awesome bright red colored berry.
Goji berries (also known as wolfberries) are a bright orange-red berry that comes from an Himalayan tree.
In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations.
In fact, goji berries have been used for over 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to: Protect the liver, help eyesight, improve sexual function and fertility, boost immune function, improve circulation and promote longevity.
Goji berries can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. They taste like a vibrant blend of berries, they have mild tangy taste with a mild sweet and sour aftertaste.
Hidden within its ruby pigment is the magic that makes it nature’s perfect energy fruit. Goji berries are actually packed with antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
So here's a couple of facts about this awesome bright red colored berry.
In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations.
In fact, goji berries have been used for over 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to: Protect the liver, help eyesight, improve sexual function and fertility, boost immune function, improve circulation and promote longevity.
Goji berries can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. They taste like a vibrant blend of berries, they have mild tangy taste with a mild sweet and sour aftertaste.
Hidden within its ruby pigment is the magic that makes it nature’s perfect energy fruit. Goji berries are actually packed with antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Health Benefits
Goji berris are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds that may help prevent cancer and other illnesses, including heart disease.
Furthermore, antioxidants may boost the immune system and lower cholesterol.
Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A and, in particular, carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.
Zeaxanthin's key role is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant.
In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.
The berries are also packed with lutein which is a crucial component for the health of the retina.
Some researches suggest that goji berry extract may boost brain health and may protect against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Other studies found benefits of goji berry juice in mental well-being, and calmness, athletic performance, happiness, quality of sleep, and feelings of good health.
Goji berries are known in Asia as a strong sexual tonic. They may increase testosterone levels, which stimulates libido in both men and women.
Furthermore, they may improve overall stamina, mood and wellbeing, all of which are vital for an optimum sex life.
An ancient Chinese proverb states "He who travels one thousand kilometres from home should not eat Goji!"
Published studies
As of today, there are only two known studies published on goji berries.
The first one - a Chinese research published in the Chinese Journal of Oncology in 1994 - found that 79 people with cancer responded better to treatment when goji was added to their regimen.
The other one was conducted in 1988 by the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute and focused on the chemical analysis and nutritional composition studies of the Goji Berry.
It was discovered that goji berries are packed with an incredible range of vitamins, minerals, protein, amino acids, essential fats, and health enhancing phytonutrients.
Considerations
I love goji berries, they're delicious. I like to sprinkle dried goji berries on my yogurt or just eating them one after the other. They're so good and I love the fact that make my tongue red, bright red.
Goji berry juice is also pretty, a tad too tangy for my own taste. But in smoothies it works perfectly!
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