Did you know that goji berries have been popular in the western part of the world for quite some time now?
As of the moment, there is a sprawling health industry around them found in the online world, with a lot of material published about it already.
It is very easy to incorporate the goji berry into the diet, and there are many different ways in which you can do so.
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for their numerous health benefits. These small red berries are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that can help improve overall health and well-being.
Goji Berries—What Are They?
The goji berry is a native berry of several parts of Asia that include China, Tibet, the northern parts of India, and Japan.
Goji is actually not a single berry, but a common name given to several closely resembling berries. Mainly, the two varieties of boxthorn, Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense are commonly referred to when goji berry is mentioned.
Unlike the acai and maqui, the goji berry is a harder species and hence is found in more parts of the world than the acai. Based on the region from which they are originated, goji can be called as Himalayan goji or Tibetan goji.
These are the names by which the health industry has made the goji berry popular in the western world. Its popular English name is wolfberry, though there is no connection between it and wolves in any way.
The goji berry is known for its highly luscious red colored fruit, which enhances its visual appeal. It has a number of tiny seeds in it, which can number up to 60 in a single berry.
It can be preserved in dried form for long periods. When the goji berry is dried, it acquires a taste and flavor that resemble that of a nut.
Even the leaves and shoots of the goji berry aren’t a waste. They are consumed by the local people in their usual diet, as a leaf vegetable. Currently, methods are on to produce better varieties of wines from the goji berry; some varieties are already existent.
And if you want to know more in growing goji berry plant, you can learn more in this article: https://happydiyhome.com/goji-berry-plant/
Goji Berries—Traditional Roots
The most native region of the goji berry lies deep in the Himalayas, where it was used by local people.
The people of the Himalayas, which mostly make up the Tibetan region at present, passed on this knowledge to people from China and India, who then cultivated the prized berry in their own lands.
Acclimatization of the berry gave rise to variations, and the goji berry became a more diverse fruit.
In ancient times, the goji berry was a prime ingredient of native medicine, especially Chinese medicine. It wended its way into other herbal medicinal streams of Asia as time passed on.
Today, after around 2,000 years of native popularity, the goji berries have spread out all over the world and are acclaimed for their various medicinal properties.
By 2011, goji berries had notched up a multibillion-dollar market all over the world.
The main spurt in the worldwide publicity of the goji berries came through the endorsement of one Li Qing Yuen, a Chinese man who lived for 256 years, eventually dying in 1933.
This person was a herbalist, and he cited goji berries as one of the reasons for his longevity, apart from exercise and a very healthy diet.
It is important to note that Li Qing Yuen was energetic and at the peak of his health almost throughout his extraordinarily long life.
A traditional Chinese medicine consists of preparing a tea using the leaves of the goji berry. This tea, which is still a popular home remedy in China for bacterial and fungal infections, is now marketed all over the world.
Goji Berries—Health Benefits
Goji berries are sometimes referred to as an antioxidant superfood, due to their rich antioxidant content.
Goji berries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
In addition, the goji berries have a high amount of polysaccharides in them, which are known for their positive health advantages.
Traditionally, goji berries have been respected for their capabilities in improving the immune system of the human body.
They are known to keep several kinds of infections at bay. Hence, a person who has a regular level of goji berries in their diet does not fall sick too often.
Goji berries are high in vitamin C and other essential nutrients that can help boost the immune system. Regular consumption of goji berries can help strengthen the body’s defenses against infections and illnesses.
Goji berries have significance in weight loss as well.
This is due to the antioxidant action of the free radical mechanisms, which destroys the latter. As a result, the digestive functions of the body are removed.
One remarkable benefit of the goji berries is their effect on vision enhancement.
Goji berries are also rich in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision. Studies have shown that goji berries can help improve eyesight, protect against age-related macular degeneration, and reduce the risk of cataracts.
People who have problems with eyesight find a lot of improvement after switching over to regular consumption of goji berries. This is because of the high beta-carotene content in these berries. Beta-carotene is a precursor for vitamin A.
Goji berries promote longevity in people who consume them.
By thwarting detrimental free radical mechanisms, they ensure that the skin remains more youthful and energetic for longer. They also reduce any damage that might occur on the body.
In several study groups with elderly people, Goji was given once a day for 3 weeks, with many beneficial results being experienced. 67% of the patients ‘T cell transformation functions tripled, and the activity of the patients’ white cell interleukin-2 doubled.
In addition, the results revealed that all the patients’ spirit and optimism increased significantly, appetite improved in 95% of the patients, 95% of the patients slept better, and 35% of the patients partially recovered their sexual function.
The famed Li Qing Yuen, who apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678–1930), consumed Goji berries daily, a most well-documented case of extreme longevity known.
Regular consumption of goji berries can enhance your energy level.
You feel less tired, find that you have more stamina, and can work longer hours and in a more productive manner.
Some people report feeling more energized and in a better mood after consuming goji berries. They are believed to help improve energy levels and mental clarity.
Goji berries are also great for boosting energy levels and supporting overall wellness. These nutrient-dense berries are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and protect against illness. They also contain high levels of iron, which is important for women, as iron deficiency is common and can lead to fatigue and other health issues.
They can also help in improving sexual function.
They improve the libido in people so that they can perform better. By improving the circulation of blood in the reproductive area, they help in correcting certain sexual anomalies as well.
The Goji berry is among the most revered of sexual tonic herbs in Asian Herbalist Forums and has been recognized to increase sexual fluids and enhance fertility.
In Mongolia, it is commonly used by first trimester mothers to prevent morning sickness. It is a gentle and soothing fruit that is loaded with available vitality.
One of the key benefits of goji berries for men is their ability to improve overall sexual health. These tiny berries are known to enhance libido and improve erectile function, making them a natural alternative to pharmaceutical options. The antioxidants found in goji berries help to increase blood flow to the genital area, leading to stronger and longer-lasting erections.
In addition to their sexual health benefits, goji berries are also great for supporting overall male vitality. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can increase energy levels, boost muscle strength, and improve athletic performance. This makes them a great addition to the diets of men who are looking to stay active and in peak physical condition.
Goji berries cleanse the body.
They have been venerated for their detoxifying body since millennia. In fact, the effect of goji berries in cleansing the body is so considerable that they can even remove the toxins introduced into the body through radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
A recent claim is that goji berries can help in the prevention of cancer.
This is attributed to its polysaccharide content. The theory is that the polysaccharides can curb mutations of genes that might be a causative factor in cancer. Research on this aspect is still going on.
Cholesterol level balanceÂ
Goji juice may also help manage your cholesterol level because it contains beta-sitosterol, which can help in your cholesterol level balance.
It will also help avoid cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels; thus, heart problems may be eliminated.
Normal Kidney Function
Your kidney is the vital organ that may possibly control the brain and other organs in the body.
It is thus essential for better health that you keep your kidneys functioning properly. Goji juice is believed to be helpful in keeping this essential organ functioning properly.
Enhances Brain Function
Goji berries are believed to have neuroprotective properties that can help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They can also improve cognitive function, memory, and mood.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Goji berries have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes them a suitable snack for people with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in goji berries can help improve heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels, and promoting healthy blood pressure.
Enhance Muscle Recovery
For men who are active and enjoy working out, goji berries can be a great addition to your post-workout routine. These berries contain amino acids and antioxidants that can help to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, allowing for faster recovery after exercise.
Support Prostate Health
Prostate health is a major concern for many men, especially as they get older. Goji berries contain compounds that have been shown to support prostate health and reduce the risk of conditions such as prostate cancer. Including goji berries in your diet can help to keep your prostate healthy and functioning properly.
Improve Fertility
Goji berries have long been known for their positive effects on reproductive health. They contain high levels of antioxidants that can help to protect sperm cells from damage and improve overall sperm quality. In addition, goji berries are packed with nutrients such as zinc, which is essential for healthy sperm production.
Support Hormonal Balance
Goji berries are also known to support hormonal balance in women. The phytoestrogens found in goji berries can help to regulate estrogen levels in the body, which can be particularly beneficial for women going through menopause or experiencing hormonal imbalances. This can help to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods.
Supports Skin Health
The antioxidants and vitamins in goji berries can help promote healthy skin by reducing inflammation, preventing premature aging, and improving the skin’s overall appearance. Some skincare products even contain goji berry extracts for their beneficial properties.
The high levels of vitamin C in goji berries help to promote collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the antioxidants in goji berries help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, helping to maintain a youthful and glowing complexion.
Supports General Health
As mentioned earlier, free radicals harm our body in many ways. Thus, eliminating this natural enemy will help keep our body strong and avoid illnesses. Goji juice is a potent antioxidant that may keep our body healthy.
In the treatment of diabetes, prepare 8–10 grams of fruit, steamed and eaten each time, three times daily. Steaming softens the fruits.
The daily dosage range of 8–30 grams is typical of medical applications being done at this time in several countries.
The berry has also been used in a number of recent clinical trials for the treatment of bone marrow deficiency conditions (low production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).
The Mongolian Institute of Traditional Medicine reported that Goji has been used in the treatment of atrophic gastritis, weakened digestion due to reduced stomach activity.
Patients consumed 10 grams of the whole fruits each time, three times daily before meals for two months and longer, with excellent results.
Goji berries contain potent vitamins and minerals like no other berry. It also contains 18 amino acids, 8 of which are essential for our bodies, but having all 18 adds to the beneficial characteristic of this wonderful red juice.
Based on studies by numerous health professionals, including Dr. Earl Mindell, the author of The Vitamin Bible, goji juice made from goji berries can give your body all the nutrients it needs to help keep a healthy and happy life.
Goji berry, aside from the 18 amino acids, also has 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E. All of these can help give you a healthy and active life.
Goji berries contain more beta-carotene even compared to a carrot. The vitamin C contents of goji juice, which is 500 times more in weight than orange, will help keep the immune system functioning properly to avoid illness.
The Goji berry has absolutely no toxicity.
However, like most fruits, it should not be used if you are suffering from Spleen deficiency with dampness and diarrhea.
Goji Berries—Where to Get Them
The goji berry is so popular worldwide that it is quite easy to obtain it in several forms.
The goji berry tea is a delicacy and is easily available in reputed supermarkets and online stores. Its juice is also a common product, though quite expensive.
Other forms in which this berry is available include its dried form, pulp, and even grounds.
Local people have these berries in different forms during their meals, as snacks, as beverages, and for their many curative benefits.
If you are looking for easiest way to get goji berry supplements, look for Tibetan goji or Himalayan goji on the Internet. You are sure to find several online stores dealing with these products.
Conduct your research on them to find the best products that are genuine and have a worthy name in the online world.
Goji Berries—How to Prepare Them
If drinking this sweet and tasty juice excites you well enough, you can also eat goji berries with your food.
You can eat them fresh or the dried goji berries are also available.
You may use your imagination as to how you can enjoy these wonderful and amazing berries.
There are goji berry recipes which are more complicated, such as goji berry, blueberry, and peach pie or goji berry compote.
However, cooking with goji need not be difficult. You can use goji the way you use raisins and other dried fruits in cooking.
Try putting goji berries into your chicken or duck marinade, or add goji juice. Many people use raisins and dried cranberries in rice dishes, so why not add goji berries instead?
Goji fruit and juice can be frozen to make an excellent goji sorbet. There are great goji berry recipes for kids, including simple goji icicles.
Just pour goji juice into an ice cube tray, and stick toothpicks in to serve as Popsicle sticks.
You can also make chewy goji bars. Take your usual recipe for fruit and nut bars and add goji berries to the mixture. You might want to blend your own goji smoothies from berries and juice.
Goji is such a versatile fruit that it can be adapted and incorporated into your favorite recipes. You might want to create your own goji berry recipe collection on index cards and swap your favorites with friends.
Goji Drink
Add one handful of Goji Berries in a big glass of hot or cold water juice or herb tea , and let them sit and hydrate for a few minutes (they become plump and juicy) or put several handfuls in a pitcher and enjoy all day as you drink your own delicious Goji Berry elixir.
Chewing the Gojis as you drink is a great experience and with 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than Oranges. It’s a great pick-me-up between meals and the most delightful way to enjoy a glass of water.
Goji Fruit Smoothie
For a unique experience in phytonutrient energy that you feel throughout your body as a buoyant lift that fills you with joy and feeds you right down to a cellular level.
Blend together equal amounts of Goji Berries, blueberries, cherries, apples, raspberries and blackberries.
Put in a blender for a few seconds. Add a cup of water, rice milk, or orange juice for easier blending.
To add a special touch, dust the top of juice with cinnamon or cocoa powder and a light sprinkle of chopped pine nuts and serve.
Goji Trail Mix
This is also one of our favorites. We mix up our combinations and play with the recipe almost every time we make a new batch. Our young ones like it when we add dark chocolate chips to the blend.
Use the Tibetan Goji Berries with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, pecans, a small amount of pine nuts, walnut pieces, dried blueberries, apple slices, cherries, peaches, pineapple, and a small amount of coconut shreds.
Incorporating goji berries into your diet is easy – you can eat them dried, add them to smoothies, sprinkle them on top of yogurt or oatmeal, or even drink goji berry tea. With their impressive health benefits and delicious taste, goji berries are definitely worth adding to your diet.
Find out the goodness of other berries in this link.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
- The goji berry is a native berry of several parts of Asia that include China, Tibet, the northern parts of India and Japan.
- The goji berry is known for its highly luscious, red colored fruit.
- By 2011, goji berries have notched up a multibillion-dollar market all over the world.
Health Benefits of Goji Berries
- an antioxidant superfood
- have capabilities in improving the immune system
- significance in weight loss
- effect in vision enhancement
- promote longevity in people
- can enhance energy level
- help in improving sexual function
- cleanse the body
- can help in the prevention of cancer
- enhances brain function
- regulates blood sugar levels
- supports cardiovascular health
- supports skin health
TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS
– Are there goji berry products available in your area?
– Do you eat goji berries?
– Are there other berries you can gobble up instead?
– Are there alternative antioxidant sources you can eat?
– Are there alternative sources of this similar health food that you can eat?
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