What are goji berries and why are they so good for you?
by: SarahJacobs |
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Goji berries are a deep-red, dried fruit roughly the same size as a current or raisin. The goji berry has a sweet taste, with a slight tartness, similar to a cranberry or raisin.
Goji berries are grown commercially in China and Tibet as some of the purest soil on Earth is found in these regions. Goji berries are from the Lycium plant which grows like a vine to over 15 feet.
The Goji berry grows to approximately the same size as a grape before it is shaken onto mats and dried out of full sun. Gojis are shaken from the bush and never handled before they're dry as they oxidize and turn black.
Goji berries have a 2000 year plus history and are a traditional food used widely in Tibet and Mongolia, a population generally free of arthritis, diabetes, obesity and cancer.
Goji berries are regarded as an anti-aging, strength building superfood in China and Tibet. They are also used widely in tradtional Chinese medicine.
In Tibet, monks revere goji berries so much so that every year they hold a 2 week celebration in honour of the goji berry due to them being considered essential to longevity.
Over 18 amino acids and more protein than whole wheat can be found in goji berries. 8 of the essential amino acids are also found in gojis.
Goji berries are contain one of the highest source of carotenoids of all known foods! They also contain the complete spectrum of food antioxidant carotenoids, including betacarotene and lutine which are valued for their role in preventing disease to the eyes.
Goji berries contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C than oranges by weight making them one of the greatest natural sources of vitamin C. They are also abundant with vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E.
Gojis contain large amounts of polysaccharides which help to fortify and support healthy immune systems. Polysaccharides are long-chain sugar molecules that provide nourishment for large white blood cells known as macrophages in the gut wall. The macrophages are transported to other immune cells which sets off a chain reaction of defensive events in our bodies.
One polysaccharide In particular which can be found in goji berries has been, according to scientific research, is proven to be a powerful secretagogue which aids in the stimulation of rejuvenative human growth hormone.
The goji berry has been rated with the highest antioxidant ability on the ORAC scale measuring at an incredible 3,472 ORAC units. (The ORAC scale is a test used by the USDA to measure the total antioxidant level in foods). The measurement is expressed as "ORAC units per 100 grams" of a given food.
The Goji berry is amazingly high in essential fatty acids which includes linoleic acid in particular. Omegas are essential for the body and is used in the production of hormones and smooth functioning of the brain and nervous systems.
To recap, goji berries are absolutely packed with proteins, antioxidants, minerals and omegas which are all essential for perfect health which makes them ideal for:
* Reducing blood glucose
* Improving eyesight and blurred vision
* Defending and fighting against many cancers
* Promoting happiness
* Lowering cholesterol
* Enhancing fertility
Like other dried fruits, Goji berries can be eaten by adding them to breakfast cereals, smoothies and yoghurts but our preferred method is to simply eat them as they are!
Although they are best eaten in their raw state to maintain potency, they can also be used as an ingredient in many sweet and savoury recipes or made into a delicious tea.
A 10-30g serving (a small handful) is recommended as a good daily intake, although you can eat as many as you like!
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About the Author
Before you buy goji berries online, we strongly recommend that you visit Naturally Green for more information on Goji Berries or even to buy goji berries online.
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