Dried Goji Berries
The “longevity Fruit”
What are Goji berries?
Other Names: Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, gou qi zi, Fructus lycii
Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. They are in the nightshade (Solonaceae) family.
Goji berries are usually found dried. They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins.
Why do people use Goji berries?
Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:
- protect the liver
- help eyesight
- improve sexual function and fertility
- strengthen the legs
- boost immune function
- improve circulation
- increase stamina and endurance
- stimulates the secretion by the pituitary gland of hGH
- help improve memory
- promote longevity
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65. Goji is said to contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than steak.
What research has been done on Goji berries?
Goji has only been tested on humans in two published studies. A Chinese study published in the Chinese Journal of Oncology in 1994 found that 79 people with cancer responded better to treatment when Goji was added to their regimen.
There have been several test tube studies that show that Goji berry contains antioxidants and that Goji extracts may prevent the growth of cancer cells, reduce blood glucose, and lower cholesterol levels. However, that doesn’t necessary mean that Goji will have the same benefits when taken as a juice or tea.
What do Goji berries taste like?
Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. They have a similar shape and chewy texture as raisins.
Common forms
In traditional Chinese medicine, Goji berries are eaten raw, brewed into a tea, added to Chinese soups, or made into liquid extracts.
Goji berries have appeared in snack foods in North America. For example, the health food store Trader Joe’s sells a Goji berry trail mix.
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