Goji berries are enjoying a surge in popularity within the health food industry, but have been known as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for over 6,000 years. The herbalists of China and Tibet had used the berries to help eyesight, protect the liver, boost the immune system, increase circulation, and a host of other benefits. Research today has given insight into the goji berry's health properties. The berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin in particular protects the eye as an antioxidant and light-filtering entity. It may also decrease the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause blindness in people over the age of sixty-five. Studies have shown that goji berry extracts may also reduce blood glucose and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, a Chinese study in 1994 found that patients responded better to cancer treatments when goji was added to their drug regimen. From a dietary perspective, goji berries contain a good source of carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fiber. Goji berries also contain many essential nutrients and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, vitamin B2, selenium, and several amino acids. Not bad for such a delicate, small red berry.
If you have read all the hype about goji berries then you might just wonder if this berry is for real or not. The facts are the facts. Goji berries are a very nutritionally dense fruit, which is beneficial in many different ways. It contains many amino acids and minerals that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. It also is very high in antioxidants, which have been said to help reduce free radicals in the body that attack our immune systems. Plus add to that with the amount of vitamins and also essential fatty acids and this berry commands attention. Now some of the things that companies say about this berry may not be true, but don’t miss out on this unique fruit because of some bad apples. Be sure and at least try it once and see the results for your self.
There are many reasons to enjoy goji berries on a regular basis. After reading about the many benefits that goji berries process it is very hard not to start eating this little berry. Goji's are not only very high in antioxidants but they also contain many amino acids and minerals that are not found in many foods. That is not to mention the 4 unique Polysaccharides that can be found in only goji's.
