Tag Archives: Protein Content

Goji juice: Essence of the Himalayas

During the last few decades the health industry has boomed and supposed wonder drugs are getting explored every now and then. We have explored genetically modified crops, wholly organic cultivation and ever improved health supplements. But there are a few incredibly beneficial and completely natural ways of health enhancement waiting to be explored.

Goji juice is one of the most notable among them. Offering the unbelievable benefits of Lycium Barbarum berries, Goji juice is one of the best kept secrets of the Himalayas. Though unknown to the outside world, Goji has been held in esteem in the ancient wisdom of China, India and Tibet. The natives had benefited from the alkaline berry for over 3,000 years before its fame drew researchers and medical practitioners from outside.

Goji juice is made from Goji berry which is also known as Chinese Wolfberry or Tibetan Goji berry. Goji vines are grown in valleys of Himalaya, Tibet, parts of China and Mongolia. The alkaline berry is very tender and is locally known as “happy berry” because of the positive state it induces. The berry has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries now.

In China the berries are eaten raw, drunk as tea and is cooked too. The natives consider Goji as a miracle drug but that depends on what one means by miracle. However, scientific research has proved that Goji is incredibly rich in vital elements that the human body requires. Goji supplies the body with 19 amino acids including eight essential ones, 21 trace minerals, Betaine, Physlin and high amounts of vitamin B and E and fatty acids. Vitamin B is essential for converting food into energy.

The berry is remarkable for providing elements that are normally not found in fruits and berries. Vitamin E is one such element. Even if they are the quantities are never so high. There is 11 mg of iron per 100 gm of Goji berry. It also has a protein content which is higher that of many cereals. Goji contains complex phytonutrients and bio flavinoids. A full range of antioxidant carotenoids are present in the berry. Antioxidants are instrumental in neutralizing the free radical with the body and are thus essential to keeping the body young and revitalized. The berry is also rich in polysaccharides which are necessary for fortification of the immune system.

The immense benefits of Goji berries are made widely available in the form of Goji juice. While dried or dehydrated berries are also available in the market, the benefits of Goji are best availed in the form of juice. Goji juice is available either in pure form which can be mixed with other natural juices according to taste or it comes pr-mixed with other fruit juices to neutralize the mildly bitter taste. However, post mixing it tastes great.

Goji juice is a completely natural way of enhancing health and ensuring a continued sense of well being. However, one has to be careful while selecting a brand of Goji juice as it is being extensively marketed across the world as a miracle drug and that has given rise to many fraudulent marketers. That is why you will have to source it only from a well established and reputed company.

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Dried Goji Berries

489358037 646e5aa407 m Dried Goji Berries

Ever heard of Li Qing Yuen? He’s the person who lived up to a ripe old age of 252 years. No kidding. The life (and longevity) of Prof. Li Qing Yuen, who lived between 1678-1930, is one of the best documented. And you know what? He’s reported to have consumed Goji berries daily!

Goji berry is a member of the wolfberry family and is known by the scientific name of Lycium barbarum. It’s credited with increasing the life span and having several health improving properties. It is one of the richest natural nutrients available on earth. It is said that the Chinese have been using Goji berry, as a food and a medicine, for more than five thousand years.

Nutritional value of Goji Berries

Goji berry is a rich source of nutrients and amino acids. It contains 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals and several vitamins and minerals. It has six times more amino acids than bee pollen, 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges, more iron than spinach, and more Beta carotene than carrots. Goji berry contains minerals like Calcium and Magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, normally found in grains and seeds and rarely in fruits. In addition, these berries contain many complex compounds and phytonutrients. High levels of protein content (13% of these berries are protein – higher than whole wheat), and antioxidants are other nutrient highlights. In addition, Goji berries contain Beta-sitosterol, Betaine, and essential fatty acids. With all this nutrition packed into it, it is small wonder that these berries have a great medicinal and health value.

Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries have been used in traditional systems of medicine to treat various conditions like anemia, cough and inflammation. It has also been used for improving the immune system, protection of the liver, and improving eyesight. Apart from the curative properties, Goji berry is believed to have a positive effect on the health and wellness of those consuming it, and benefits the user with longevity, increased vitality and sexual prowess.

Elderly patients, who were given Goji berries thrice a week, reported several benefits, including improved sleep, better appetite and recovery of sexual function in some cases.

Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and aiding the ageing process. The high level of antioxidants in Goji berries ensures that the ageing process is slowed down. It is believed that Goji berries have contributed to the freedom from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease in the people of Asia who have been consuming this fruit.

About the plant

Goji berry grows in protected valleys with vines reaching up to heights of 4 m. The plant grows in sandy or clay soil conditions under semi shade or no shade. The fruits are never plucked by hand since they are very sensitive and can be spoilt if they are touched by hand at this stage. Instead the fruits are shaken on to a mat and then dried in the shade.

Dosage and consumption details

Goji berries taste somewhat like raisins. They can be taken alone or mixed with other ingredients. Daily dosage could be about 10-30 grams.

The best way to take dried Goji berries is to wash them in water and soak them for a short while, before consuming. You can at reasonable prices at most Chinese stores.

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