What are Goji Berries?
Goji Berries have been a mainstay in Asian nutrition for centuries. Nutritionally dense with high value vitamins & minerals, these berries have been a popular remedy for balancing energy levels & fighting against fatigue. Some have even referred to them as “the fountain of youth”, claiming they have powerful anti-ageing properties.
Let’s discuss them in more detail.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION & STUDIES LINKED IN THIS ARTICLE SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR AS SUGGESTED TREATMENT OF ANY ILLNESS. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR CLEAR DIRECTION ON TREATMENT FOR ANY ILLNESS OR HEALTH DISCOMFORT.
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So, what are Goji Berries?
They are often described as a Superfood. It’s common name in western societies has historically been known as “wolfberry”. Although most cultures collectively call it Goji Berry now.
It is a shrub that eventually grows bright red in colour, with an oval shape like a cherry tomato. These berries are considered very versatile. They are most commonly used to make delicious juices or they are dried & eaten, like raisins. In addition, they are also used to make other goods like wine, herbal teas and traditional Chinese soups.
Where are Goji Berries found?
They are traditionally grown in the North-Central provinces of Asia. Predominantly China, Korea & Japan. They grow on a tree known as the Lycium Barbarum in typically tropical climates.
In traditional medicine, it has been used as a potential remedy for ageing for centuries. Whilst scientific studies have been carried out to verify these claims, results remain inconclusive.
Goji berry is also grown throughout western countries like the UK, USA & Canada. They mostly grow it for commercial use. It’s common for people to grow them in their gardens at the right time of year.
The benefits of Goji Berries
As mentioned before, Goji Berries are nutrition dense, packed with high impact vitamins, minerals & powerful antioxidants. Studies have suggested that they have a wide range of health promoting properties & bioactive compounds.
Some of the most notable health associated benefits that are being studied include:
- Boosting energy
- Reduction of cancer cell growth
- Antiradiation
- Antiaging
- Supporting immune function
The various health claims of Goji Berries are primarily down to the fact that is packed with Amino Acids & healthy antioxidants. One of the dominant antioxidants is called zeaxanthin. This antioxidant has been commonly linked with benefits of supporting immune function, oxidation & even damage against UV light. have claimed that this had made Goji Berries an important asset for protection of eye health.
What are their nutritional properties?
Goji Berries are most notably packed with:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Fiber
- Iron
Vitamin C has crucial for the protection of important cells. It plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones, skin & blood vessels.
Vitamin A has vital value immune boosting properties that help battle harmful illnesses & diseases. Some studies have suggested that the correct consumption of Vitamin A may aid cancer prevention.
Fiber is common in most fruits & vegetables, including “superfoods”. It plays an essential role in providing healthy gut bacteria to aid digestion.
Iron is most known for its’ key role in enabling oxygen to pass between red blood cells & muscles. This is key for maintaining energy levels, cognitive function & preventing fatigue.
Adding Goji Berries to your daily routine
Popular uses of Goji Berries include adding them to:
- Yoghurts
- Salads
- Smoothies
- Deserts & baked dishes
- Sweet sauces
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