What are goji berries? – Part 2
You have probably heard something about Goji Berries considering they are currently been hailed as a Super food’ in health magazines and television advertising. So what exactly are these super berries?
Goji (pronounced go-jee) berries stormed the marketplace in 2006. They are far from a new fad or trend though. In Asia they have been considered a nutritious food and used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. By next decade it is believed they will be a billion dollar industry.
Goji berries are also known as Chinese Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum (the latin name), Fructus Lycii and Gou Qi Zi. The discovery of Goji Berries is rumored to have occurred when a doctor investigating an ancient society in an isolated part of the Tibetan Himalayas found that the villagers lived to 100 years or more. In addition they seemed to be robust and healthy with little signs of the usual degenerative aging process such as grey hair. After some investigation he discovered that the common factor was that these people lived near water sources that were surrounded by Goji Berries.
WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?
Goji berries are small, deep red berries that resemble the shape and texture of a raisin. They grow on a tall evergreen shrub on long vines. They first sprout as purple and white flowers which then turn into the berries which grow to around 1-1.5cm in diameter.
WHAT DO THEY TASTE LIKE?
When you bite into a Goji berry you will find that it has a similar chewy texture to a sultana. However they are not quite so sweet, with a slightly tarter taste something like a cherry or cranberry.They can be eaten straight, come in a juice form, a tea, bars, chocolate coated, added to trail mixes or smoothies.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOJI BERRIES?
Goji berries are called a super food because of the abundant nutrients they contain. In fact they are said to include the most nutrients found in any food product in the world. This includes:
-Approximately 500 times more vitamin C then oranges
-More beta carotene then carrots
-Good source of vitamin A
-Contains vitamin E
-Rich in antioxidants
-Contains B group vitamins- B1, B2 and B6
-Contains 18 amino acids
-Contains 21 minerals including; selenium, zinc and calcium
-Contains essential fatty acids
-Contains approximately 13 percent protein
Both Asian and now some western studies have shown that Goji berries help with health in numerous ways:
-Help liver and kidney function
-Protect eyesight
-Strengthen the immune system
-They combat free radicals reducing the affects of aging
-Increase sexual function and fertility, for example boost sperm production
-Prevents the growth of cancer cells
-Lowers blood pressure
-Improves circulation
-Lowers cholesterol levels
-Balances blood sugar levels
-Can assist with skin problems
-Can help reduce the severity of an anxiety disorder
-Helps with insomnia
-Protects against heart disease
It is recommended that a person consume a small handful of Goji berries daily to gain health benefits.
WHERE TO FIND GOJI BERRIES?
Goji Berries are now widely available at health food stores, Chinese herbal shops, online stores, organic stores and some supermarkets.
CAUTIONS
Although not thoroughly investigated Goji berries may cause reactions with other medications such as blood thinners like Warfarin. If you are taking any medications you should research any possible drug interactions.
June 3, 2010 




