Why Are Goji Berries Good for Your Health?
Perhaps you’ve heard of the newest addition to the team of superfoods we’re only beginning to discover – Goji Berries. Actually, Goji berries aren’t new to people in Tibet, the Himalayas and China; however, they’re fairly new to western civilization and boy are we glad they’re finally here!
Goji Berries, The Newest Superfood
Goji berries, also called wolfberries, are rich in antioxidants including carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is known to protect the retina of the eye and may protect against developing macular degeneration. Goji berries are also known to:
* protect liver and enhance liver function
* improve eyesight
* improve sexual function and fertility
* boost your immune function
* improve your circulation
Wolfberries contain many nutrients including:
* 11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals
* 18 amino acids
* 6 essential vitamins
* 8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides
* Essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid
* beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols
* Beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll
* Phenols
* Calcium
* Potassium
* Iron
* Zinc
* Selenium
* Riboflavin
* Vitamin C
* Beta-carotene
* Polysaccharides
Now that’s a superfood!
How Goji Berries Taste And How To Eat Them
Said to taste both sweet and sour, Goji berries are red and have a chewy texture. They can be eaten raw, brewed into a tea, made into a juice or added to foods like soups or stews. They’re also good with nuts and other dried fruits as a trail mix.
To add Goji berries to your diet you can eat them by the handful or add them to granola and cereal. Combine them with other fruits and veggies in a smoothie for a tasty and healthy treat. Mix with nuts and berries for an afternoon snack or add them to cookies.
Originally only found in obscure health food stores, you can now find Goji berries in many mainstream super markets and certainly at your local whole foods store or market. Add them to your diet and start reaping this superfood’s amazing benefits.
8.11.09 at 11:40 pm
Zoltan and his himalayan goji juice comments:
Pretty much everything is in here about the benefits of goji berries. It helped me to get rid of my plantar fasciitis – pulling the tendon on the bottom of my feet – in about 6 days. Experts say that usually within 3-4 weeks you should feel the benefits of the goji – now the more advanced gochi – berries.
8.13.09 at 12:14 am
Dentists Long Beach comments:
Very informative post. May we know, where can we find Goji Berries? And where it came from?
8.17.09 at 8:01 pm
Casual Friday Every Day comments:
I’ve heard a lot about these berries. I pretty much assume I’ll need to go to an organic market/store to find them. I know they don’t carry them in the store we presently shop in. Although, admittedly, that shop sucks for organic items and good produce. Small town living.
Nell
8.30.09 at 10:14 am
Eco Mama comments:
Love Goji Berries!! Yum.
9.3.09 at 8:02 am
debra comments:
I have read many wonderful articles about Goji Berries yours included. I have only found them in powdered form so far at the organic farm stores, and hesitate to purchase them. Being powdered would mean their was some form of processing. Ot am I work in saying that. I have found them on line also but again they are either powdered or in a package. Would love to find the fresh. Keep writing your informative articles.
10.6.09 at 2:10 am
Dominiq Li comments:
Gosh, in the 3 months of summer I spent in the US, I did not realize how much of a scarce produce goji berries are. Back home in Jakarta, Indonesia, where I am located now have them available at a fraction of the price. Going to make the best of it while I’m here.