Organic Goji Berries Have Many Benefits
Photo by miheco
Goji berries (Lycium Barbarum) are known by several common names – Gogi berries, Chinese wolfberries, Boxthorn, Tibetan goji, or Hymalayan goji. These small red berries are native to northwestern China, and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. In the United States, they are making quite an impact as a health food.
Opinions conflict regarding whether or not berries grown in Tibet are nutritionally superior. Only a small percentage of the world’s total annual yield is grown in Tibet; the bulk of goji berries are grown in China. Chances are, what you buy in the the health food store is from China, not Tibet, even if they are named “Tibetan goji berries.” The most important thing is that the goji berries you buy are organic, so that they are nutritionally sound and free of artificial pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc.
Nutritional Profile and Benefits
Goji berries contain an astounding array of compounds, from vitamins to antioxidants to protein. Here are a few of the constituents of goji berries and their potential benefits.
Iron
One ounce of goji berries contains 15% of the US RDA of iron. Iron helps correct anemia and its associated complications.
Antioxidants
Goji berries are high in many antioxidants, which probably account for their reputation as an anti-aging food and their number one position on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). One of the antioxidants found in goji berries is zeaxanthin, which protects eyesight. Among the other antioxidants found in this berry are:
- Betaine, a liver protector
- Beta-sitoserol, which is anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering
- Cyperone, which helps regulate blood pressure and has been used to treat cervical cancer
Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
In one ounce of goji berries, you will find 182% of the US RDA of this important vitamin. It is an important vitamin for eye health. Combined with the zeaxanthin mentioned above, goji berries would seem to be an excellent food for healthy eyes.
Essential fatty acids
Unusual in a fruit, goji berries contain “good” fats that are beneficial to the brain and heart.
Vitamin E
This fat-soluble vitamin has been implicated in blood clot prevention and muscular stamina.
Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin) and B6
Deficiencies in B-complex vitamins can cause a host of problems. B6 supplementation has been shown to help correct infertility and other reproduction difficulties. This may account for goji berries’ reputation as a fertility enhancer.
Amino acids
These are the building blocks of protein. In fact, goji berries are 13% protein, which is more than whole wheat. High protein foods help stabilize blood sugar by slowing digestion and absorption.
Polysaccharides
These are a type of sugar made up of long chains of monosaccharides, thought to enhance immunity by nourishing intestinal white blood cells. Also, a 1994 study indicated that goji berries’ polysaccharides enhance the tumor-reducing qualities of the standard cancer drug, LAK/IL-2.
What is the best way to use goji berries?
The best way to consume goji berries is to eat them whole. In the US, you are not likely to find fresh goji berries; dried is the standard way they are sold here. Use them as you would cranberries or raisins – in home-made granola, baking, salads, on oatmeal, etc.
The next choice is to consume goji berries as a juice or tea. Many of the same benefits are in the beverage form, but with less protein and fiber.
Another piece of good news is that there are no known side effects to consuming goji berries.
Ready to rip the benefits? Don’t wait, buy Organic Goji Berries right now.
