Goji berries originate in Tibet, China. They have been eaten and celebrated for their health properties for over a thousand years. Also known as wolfberries or "red diamonds," there is a festival every year in China dedicated to them. Tibetan medicine has used goji berries to treat many illnesses including diabetes, depression, and eye problems. The most famous consumer of goji berries was Li Ching-Yuen, a Chinese man who was rumored to live two hundred and fifty two years. While that number is hard to believe, it would be impressive if he lived to even half of that age.
It makes sense why goji berries would help humans live longer; they have so many health benefits! They have 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals. Goji berries also have one of the highest natural levels of vitamin C among all existing foods. Goji berries would also appear to be the food most beneficial to the eyes because of they contain higher levels of cartenoids than any other food, including very high levels of beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Goji berries facilitate Human Growth Hormone production, and contain the highest antioxidant levels in the world according to their ORAC score which cause them to boost the immune system and create an anti-aging effect. Also called the "happy berry," goji berries have been purported to increase one's sense of well being.
Goji berries have a unique taste that is a combination of tangy and sweet, but they are very pleasant to snack on. The texture is similar to a raisin, although goji berries are a bit smaller and harder. They work well in salads or smoothies, but I prefer to enjoy them alone or in Greek yogurt. They run on the expensive side, at about 20 dollars a pound for organic or twelve dollars a pound non-organic. If you have extra money for healthy snacks they are well worth a splurge, but if not then save up so you can enjoy all of the health benefits of the red diamond superfood!
"Goji Berries." Pure Healing Foods. Web. <http://www.purehealingfoods.com/gojiInfo.php>.
Kelly, Brenda. "The Power Of Goji: Secret Super-Berry Revealed." Bodybuilding.com. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. <http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/goji-berry-benefit-secrets.htm>.
Goji berries have a unique taste that is a combination of tangy and sweet, but they are very pleasant to snack on. The texture is similar to a raisin, although goji berries are a bit smaller and harder. They work well in salads or smoothies, but I prefer to enjoy them alone or in Greek yogurt. They run on the expensive side, at about 20 dollars a pound for organic or twelve dollars a pound non-organic. If you have extra money for healthy snacks they are well worth a splurge, but if not then save up so you can enjoy all of the health benefits of the red diamond superfood!
"Goji Berries." Pure Healing Foods. Web. <http://www.purehealingfoods.com/gojiInfo.php>.
Kelly, Brenda. "The Power Of Goji: Secret Super-Berry Revealed." Bodybuilding.com. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. <http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/goji-berry-benefit-secrets.htm>.
