What are Goji Berries?

The wolfberry, also known as goji berry, is native to China and southeastern Europe. It goes by several names, including Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinese (two species of wolfberry), Tibetan goji berries, and Himalayan goji berries. This superfood bears oblong, bright orange-red berries that are dried and sold. In traditional Chinese medicine, the leaves and bark are brewed into a tea.

The import of goji berries from China, Tibet & other countries has increased dramatically over the last decade, as US demand for them has increased in proportion to their growing popularity as a health food. Chinese people have ingested them for generations in the hope of attaining a longer life.

We think Goji Berries are one of the best tasting berries on the planet! The Goji Berry is also known as the happy berry for its ability to engender a sense of well-being and optimism.* Incidentally this amazing berry is also one of natures most nutrient packed super-foods as well.

• strengthen the immune system*
• increase energy and reduce fatigue*
• reduce the effect of free radicals in the body – the anti-oxidant effect*
• engender a sense of well-being and optimism – the “happy berry”*
• helps curb appetite and over-eating*

What makes Goji Berries a SuperFood?

Much like blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, currants, raspberries, and strawberries, goji berries are high in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are important for overall health because they protect cells from harmful free radicals, i.e. molecules produced by environmental toxins and food that attack cells. Great antioxidants include vitamins A, B, and C; beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and selenium.

Goji berries are believed to have one of the highest amounts of vitamin C in plants. It also contains 11 essential minerals, 18 amino acids, 6 essential vitamins, 8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides, and phytochemicals.

Incredible Goji Berry Facts and Nutritional Profile

Usage And Benefits

Goji Berries are regarded in Tibet as the fruit of longevity and well being. They are very high in ion anti-oxidants and has health-giving properties. Peoples moods brighten, they sleep better and some even experience increased libido.

According to Legend, Goji berries (Lycium Eleganus) were discovered by a doctor during his study of an ancient society living in a remote region of the Himalayas in Tibet. He found that some members of this society lived long lives over 100 years old in great health and strength. They had no grey hair, and never lost their teeth.

Eventually he recognized that all of these centenarians lived near certain water well’s where the Goji berry vines grew over the top of the well!. As the ripe berries fell into the wells, their nutrients dissolved in the water and was subsequently drunk by the people living nearby. It became clear that the berries added something to the water that made those who drank it robustly healthy and live to a ripe old age.

Goji berries have been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order. In several study groups with elderly people the berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, many beneficial results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results showed 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 experienced improved sexual function.

Nutritional Profile of Goji Berries:

• Loaded with nutrients and powerful Antioxidants.
• 18 Amino Acids, (six times higher than bee pollen)
• More Beta Carotene than carrots!
• More Iron than spinach!
• 21 Trace Minerals
• 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges!
• 13 % protein ( more than whole wheat)
• Displays an insulin-like action that is effective in fat decomposition!
• Loaded with many other vitamins and minerals including Calcium,
• Magnesium, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E.

They are Healthy and Taste Great!

Goji Berries are truly an incredible food and the best part that they taste great! Sweet, delicious and nutritious!

Mature fruits contain about 11 mg of iron per 100 grams, beta-sisterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).

Goji berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland).

Quality

The Tibetan Goji berry (Lycium Eleganus) is considered to be the most potent of the many varieties of the botanical Lycium. It grows in the remote, unpolluted hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia in extremely nutrient-rich soil without chemicals or pesticides, and is recognized as having the highest nutrient content of all the 80 varieties of Lycium.

It is not to be confused with the Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) which, though distantly related to the Goji, has a different genetic make-up and grows in a different environment.

The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, then dried in the shade. These berries are wild-crafted in accord with the most stringent organic growing standards, hence contain, we believe, more nutrient energy than other cultivated varieties, such as the Wolfberry.

Where to buy

We recommend LiveSuperFoods.com

Their Goji Berries are rated as “supreme” grade, which is the highest classification given in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Visit LiveSuperFoods.com to find out more / buy Goji Berries

Serving Suggestions

Start your day with Goji Berries! Eat them as is, or add them to hot or cold cereal, a smoothie, your water bottle, to trail-mix, or anything else you can think of, and easily get your vitamin and nutrient needs taken care of with this delicious super-food.

To get the desired energy and health enhancement, it is recommended that you consume 2-3 grams of Tibetan Goji Berries berries daily, which is about 20 to 40 berries.

A good daily intake of Goji Berries is 10-30 grams (a small handful). Goji berries may be used as snacks or mixed with recipes or smoothies like other dried fruits.