The health benefits of Goji Berries

by: DavidLoyd (Print View)
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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.

Gojis are commercially grown in China and Tibet in some of the purest soil on Earth. Gojis come from the Lycium plant which has vines that grow 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 used widely in tradtional Chinese medicine as they are regarded as an anti-aging superfood wich promote longevity, strength building and sexual potency.

Tibetan monks cherish this sacred berry so much that every year they hold a two-week traditional celebration to honour the berries. Here they are considered fundamental to a long and happy life.

Goji berries contain 18 amino acids which is six times higher than bee pollen and they contain more protein than whole wheat. The amino acids found in goji berries include all 8 essential amino acids such isoleucine and tryptophan.

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 are abundant with vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E and contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C than oranges which rates them as one of the greatest natural sources of vitamin C.

Goji berries also contain polysaccharides which fortify and support a healthy immune system. Polysaccharides are very large, long-chain sugar molecules that are nourishment for macrophages (large white blood cells) in the gut wall. The macrophages are then transported to other immune cells, setting off a chain of defensive events in our bodies.

One particular polysaccharide found in gojis has been proven to be an incredibly powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland).

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 abundant in essential fatty acids including linoleic acid. Omegas are used in the production of hormones and smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system and is essential for the body.

To summarise, the goji berry is packed with minerals, proteins, antioxidants and omegas which are essential for optimum health. This makes them perfect for:

* Preventing morning sickness

* Reducing cellulite

* Defending and fighting against many cancers

* Promoting happiness

* Improve sex drive / libido

* Maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels

Gojis, like other dried fruits can be added to smoothies, nuts and seeds, trail mix, muesli, breakfast cereals, porridge and yoghurt but our favourite way is to simply eat them by the handful as a wonderful and healthy snack!

Gojis are best eaten in their raw state to maintain the high levels of vitamins, minerals and enzymes but they can also be used as an ingredient in many sweet and savoury recipes or made into a delicious tea.

The reccommended dose is a 10-30g serving, but its up to you how many you eat and how you eat them!

About the Author

Before you purchase goji berries online, we strongly recommend that you pop over to Naturally Green for more information on Goji Berries or even to purchase goji berries online.

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