SuperFoods: Goji Berries

General Info

Goji berries are bright orange-red, oval fruits of between 1-2 cm size of the seeds. The number of seeds of each fruit may vary by variety or size between 10-60 tiny yellow seeds. The fruits ripen from July to October in the northern hemisphere.

Latin name of the goji berry (Lycium) comes from the ancient southern Anatolian region Lycia, and in pharmacology is marked as Lycii fructus. In the English-speaking world the name "goji berries" is used from the beginning of the XXI century.

Advertised as a superfood, fruits of Lycium barbarum are also known as the wolfberry and grapes wolf. You will meet goji berries in any organic shop and anywhere you will read how useful these fruits are, also known as the "Miracle of the Himalayas", the secret of longevity and magic fruit of youth

Health Benefits of Goji Berries

They are high in antioxidants, specifically the carotenoids (like beta-carotene) and zeaxanthin (compound that absorbs blue light and helps protect the eyes).

The antioxidants in the berries are thought to help fight off free radicals in the body.

Goji Berries have about 20 different vitamins and minerals, making it one of the most nutritionally beneficial foods available.

They have 18 different amino acids (the building blocks to protein).

They have been used for many years in teas, juices and tinctures to treat ailments (although these are just assumptions and not based on clinical trials - at least not yet!)  The FDA has NOT approved the consumption of these berries to treat any disease or ailment.

Goji Berries have been used in Tibet for at least 1,700 years. Tibetan Medicine includes these berries in the treatment of kidney problems, liver problems, to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, cleanse the blood, eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, depression, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are also used by the people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a general health strengthening tonic. Many people that now eat Goji berries on a daily basis notice improved eyesight, restoration of hair color, mood enhancement, noticeable improvement in energy levels, better sleeping habits, stronger immune function, and more zest for life.

The Goji Berry is also being called the world's most powerful anti-aging food.

Nutritional properties and content of nutrients in goji berries

It is believed that goji berries contain the following nutrients :

• 6 essential vitamins ;

• 11 basic elements ;

• 22 minerals ;

• 18 amino acids ;

• 8 polysaccharides ;

• 6 monosaccharides ;

• 5 unsaturated fatty acids ( alpha -linolenic acid , beta -sitosterol and other phytosterols ) ;

• 5 carotenoids , including beta carotene , lutein and more. ;

• many phenolic pigments ( antioxidants ) .

Has also been found that fruits contain :

• Calcium - 112 mg/100 g ;

• Potassium - 1130 mg/100 g ;

• Iron - 9 mg/100 g ;

• Zn 2 mg/100 g ;

• Selenium - 50 mkg/100 g;

• Riboflavin - 1.3 mg/100 g ;

• Vitamin C - Between 29 and 148 mg/100 on

In goji berries contain many phytochemicals , such as:

• Beta Carotene 7 mg per 100 g dried fruit ;

• zeaxanthin - up to 200 mg per 100 g of dried fruit ;

• polysaccharides : up to 31% by weight of the pulp.

How to consume Goji Berries

You can eat a small handful of them plain.

Add them to yogurt or Greek yogurt for an added boost of nutrition.

Add them as a nutritional boost in your smoothies.

Mix them with your homemade granola and/or trailmix.

Sprinkle on your oatmeal for breakfast.

Add to muffins, baked goods, pancake batter, waffle batter, cookies or anything that would have the addition of something like a raisin.

Try not to consume an awful lot of these.  Just because something is thought to be "good" for you doesn't mean you want to eat a ton of it.  Just like any food, moderation is key.

Possible Side Effects

Reactions are possible with the use of goji berries along with certain herbs or substances designed to thin the blood. It is also likely that goji berries can affect the action of drugs for diabetes and blood pressure. Avoid them also for diarrhea, gas and bloating.

 Sources

http://www.bb-team.org/

http://www.chefcathythenutritionist.com

http://www.purehealingfoods.com