What are Goji Berries? – Part 5

Goji berries are a shrub of the Solanceae family. It is a member of the Plantae kingdom. It grows up to a height of one to three meters in length, in the temperate regions and the subtropical belts of China, Mongolia, and the Himalayan regions of Tibet. It is a perennial woody deciduous plant.
Goji berries are locally known as Lycium Barbarum, Gou Qi Zi, Fructus Lycii, or the Wolfberry.
It is an herbal plant that was used in ancient China and India to protect the liver and the eye from loss of vision, it helped to improve fertility, sex potentiality, blood circulation and the immune system. It is also said that it bestows longevity. Age Related Muscular Degeneration (AMD) risk is believed to be controlled by the intake of this wonder herb.
Goji berries are dry fruits, similar in size and shape of raisins, that look dark red in color and are slightly elongated or oblong. These berries are shaken from the vine (plant) and collected into trays. This is done so that the fruits do not spoil. Then, the seeds are dried slowly in semi-shade or by using modern scientific methods like mechanical dehydration, etc. It is rich in anti-oxidants like carotenoids and zeaxanthin.
Goji berries are consumed in several ways. They can be eaten with cereals, porridge, smoothies, and yogurt or as herbal tea. They can even be consumed as a wine. They can also be eaten raw. They have a mildly sweet taste.
Goji berries contain about 19 amino acids, and 21 minerals including important ones like Zinc, Copper, Calcium, and Potassium. Half a dozen essential vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, C and E), 8 polysaccharides, 6 mono saccharides, 5 unsaturated fatty acids and 5 carotenoids have been traced in Goji berries.
They also contain the healthy omegas that nourish the nervous system and promote hormonal growth. Therefore, Goji berries are deservingly considered as a “Nutritious Powerhouse”. They are a cherished super-food although it costs about $52 for just thirty two ounces.
Goji berries are believed to have the properties for combating cancer cells. It keeps the heart, lungs, liver and the kidney channels in a proper conditioning.
Needless to say, there is a great and ever growing global demand for this wonderful berry.
December 30, 2010 



