Recently I have been sharing about some potentially negative foods in our diet, guar gum and xanthum gum. In this post, I am going to share about goji berries which is considered a superfood.

So what is a superfood? A superfood is defined as a food that contains a high level of essential nutrients and additional compounds that may benefit your health. An additional component is they are low in calories. Some may feel this is important, but I am more about the nutrients. You can check out this post about counting calories if you would like to learn more. Anyway, think of superfoods as nutrient dense and calorie sparse.

Superfoods are true health foods as they actively work to “pre-load” the immune system with the tools to maintain a healthy immune system and to mount any immune attack when necessary.

So let’s look at the goji berry, which is also known as the wolfberry, Barbary matrimony vine, mede berry, red medlar, bocksdorn, and murali. Whew, that is a lot of names!

The Chinese have been growing this hardy bush for over 5,000 years, and they believe the berry can extend your life. It was also important to Native Americans in the desert southwest. When doing some research, I discovered that it can actually be grown here in parts of Minnesota but may struggle if we have a really cold winter.

The berry can range in color from pale yellow to dark orange to deep red. Once dried it is similar in size to a raisin.

Goji berries are considered an adaptogen, which means it is a substance that can produce therapeutic actions in the human body to strengthen and invigorate. So let’s now look at some of the benefits of goji berries.

Benefits:

Nutrient content includes zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E. Antioxidants to protect our DNA from damage which opens the door to many illnesses and pre-mature aging.

In Chinese medicine, these berries are known to harmonize and increase the energy of the adrenals and kidneys which can enhance stamina, strength, longevity, and sexual energy. They can boost overall immune function, increase alkalinity and vitality, provide liver protection, improve eyesight, and blood quality. Goji berries may deliver anti-aging compounds, too.

It has been nicknamed the “longevity fruit” since it can help stimulate the body to make Human Growth Hormone (HGH).

Eyesight: Goji berries contain two key antioxidants for healthy vision which are zeaxanthin and lutein.

Immune System: There are three major components of goji berries that improve the immune system which include polysaccharides, beta-carotene, and germanium. These components provide the tools for the immune systems to protect our cells from genetic mutation.

Brain and Neurological: Goji berries assist our bodies in the ability to produce choline. Choline is an essential nutrient that combats free radical damage linked to neurological degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.

Cardiovascular Health: Goji berries can fight narrowing of the arteries that delivery oxygen and nutrients to all our cells.

Additionally, goji berries have been recommended for liver and kidney disorders, weak joint and legs, lower back problems, dizziness and tinnitus, headaches, insomnia, hypertension, tuberculosis, and impotence. But the main health benefit is to nourish the body, and support the body in healing itself by providing an extraordinary amount of nutrients.

As in all foods, purchasing organic would be best and additionally looking for fair-trade or small farms is a bonus. Goji berries are most often purchased in the dried form, but can be purchased as a powder, juice, tincture, extract, and fresh.

With superfoods, you don’t need to consume a lot, about a handful per day of goji berries. I like to soak 2 to 3 tablespoons in clean water overnight and add to my morning juice blend. You can add to trail mix or granola, make a tea, or add to your salads. It is super easy to add to your diet. Goji berries can be found in most healthy food stores or purchased online. Here is the ones that I purchase.

Have you tried goji berries? If so, what is your favorite ways to eat them?

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing (and of course eat you goji berries),

Heather

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