What are Goji Berries?
Popularly used in Chinese medicine, Goji berries or Wolfberry has claimed the status of ‘superfood’ It is a popular fruit in China and some regions in Eastern Asia. Goji berries are bright red in color, look like a plump almond and belong to the nightshade family of plants.
Dried Goji berries are commonly found and have red shriveled, raisin-like appearance. Goji berries taste sweet, sour and slightly nutty.
Goji Berries Nutrition Facts
The nutritional value of Goji berries per 100 g of the edible portion is
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Dietary fiber | 4 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
| Sugars (natural) | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Vitamin A | 7 mg |
| Vitamin C | 29 to 148 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 1.3 mg |
| Iron | 9 mg |
| Calcium | 112 mg |
Health Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries are rich in Vitamin C, B12, A, iron, selenium and many other polysaccharide antioxidants, goji berries health benefits include various functions such as enhancing body’s immunity, stimulating brain activity, offering protection against heart diseases and cancer and also aid in improving life expectancy. It has been rated to be the world’s most powerful anti-aging food.
Boost the Immune System: The natural chemicals present in Goji berries help in the formation of white blood cells, which aid in improving immunity. Owing to this, Goji berries also possess anti-cancer effect.
Improve Mental Health: Research studies have shown that drinking approximately 120 ml of goji berry extract everyday can improve the activity of the brain and also creates a feeling of general well-being.
Increase Strength and Longevity: The antioxidant levels found in goji berries extract have been proven to be the highest in all foods. It plays an important role in promoting longevity since the key factor which prevents cell damage by radicals are antioxidants.
The iron present in goji berries is also beneficial in building red blood cells in the body. Goji berries also enhance body strength, energy levels, athletic performance, quality of sleep, and focusing ability. Goji berries help protect the skin from sun damage.
Improve Eyesight: Goji berries are good for healthy eyes and alleviate blurred vision. The carotenoids present in the berries give it the ability to protect eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts. It also improves the time taken by the eyes in adapting to darkness.
Improve Lower Back Pain: Goji berries have been used in traditional medicine to offer relief from aching back and joints.
Help in Losing Weight: Goji berries contain 13% protein and are made up of almost 18 essential amino acids. Weight loss and the development of a lean and muscular body mass is an important benefit of Goji berries. Goji berries are ideally included in weight loss diet as they contain a larger concentration of nutrients present per calorie in comparison with other health foods and are also rich in fiber. This makes it essential to be included in the weight loss diet. Goji berries are also known to be cellulite busters. They reduce cholesterol levels.
Health Tips
Where to Buy?
Dried goji berries are found in packages or sold by weight at bulk food stores, specialty food stores or herbal stores or markets.
How to Eat Goji Berries?
Eating roughly 15 to 30 gm of Goji berries can improve your longevity. It is equal to 4 to 6 dried Goji berries. Dry Goji berries are also used as dry fruits. Raw Goji berries can be eaten by soaking them in water or fruit juice for 15 minutes or more and then used. Goji berries taste good and hence can be consumed easily. Goji berry tea is also used for maintaining good health.
Goji Berry Tea
Goji berry tea can be prepared by putting them in boiling cup of water. About 5 to 15 grams of the dried goji berry is boiled in water to make a tea and it is recommended that at least half a cup should be consumed daily. A tonic tea is also prepared from the leaves.
Goji Berry Recipes
Goji Berry and Orange Muffins
Ingredients
- Goji berries
- Orange juice
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Egg
- Oil
- Cream cheese
Preparation
Goji berries and orange juice are combined and kept for 15 minutes. In another bowl, flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda are mixed well. A well is made in the center of this mixture. Oil, orange rind, and egg are taken in another bowl and whisked well and added to the flour mixture. The juice and berry mixture is also added to this until just moist. Add walnuts and fold in walnuts. Take the mixture in muffin molds sprayed with cooking spray, add one t. of cream cheese in the center of each cup, fill with remaining batter, and sprinkle with liberal amounts of sugar. Bake them in the oven preheated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes and cool in pan.
