30, January 2015: Goji berries or wolfberries (Lycium barbarum) are a member of the Solonaceae nightshade family. This family of fruit also include commonly known vegetables or fruits such as tomato, eggplant, pepper and potato. The goji berry is a native of Asia specifically in the western and north-central areas of China. The fruit may not be available all over the world but it has already become very popular because of its supposed health benefits. The goji berry has just recently been introduced to the Western countries and has already received a lot of positive remarks.
The now popular goji berries have already been used in China and Tibet for thousands of years both as a meal ingredient and as well as for its medicinal properties. Goji berries are distinct among any other fruits because of its high protein content. The fruit also contains essential amino acids and are also loaded with vitamins and minerals. The most prevalent vitamin that can be found in goji berries is Vitamin A which can help protect the skin, improve vision and also enhance the immune system to prevent certain ailments or diseases. The fruit is also full of Vitamin C and is known to contain more carotenoids than any other type of food.
Get Fit And Fabulous With Goji Berries
Celebrities and supermodels like Madonna and Miranda Kerr are big fans of this super fruit because of its nutritional benefits. In fact, many people swear by the goji berry benefits since the fruit is high in fiber which can be a great factor that can aid in weight loss or management. Wolfberries also contain high amounts of iron, calcium, selenium and as well as zinc. All these natural qualities of the goji berry makes the fruit a nutritional powerhouse which is bursting with all the nutrients that are really good for the body.
Goji berries are also known to be a powerful antioxidant and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote life longevity and as well as increase the strength of the person. These berries also possess anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can be very beneficial for anyone. The Chinese believed in the power of this super fruit because it contains components that can act on the liver and kidney meridians which can ease back pain, treat dizziness and improve eyesight. The fruit is traditionally consumed as is but it can also be used as a main ingredient for herbal tea or soups.
Goji berries are also available in dried and preserved form because the ripe fruit can be quite a challenge to harvest. The dried version of the fruit can be a great addition for the usual breakfast fare and can also be an ideal snack substitute. The fruit can also add more texture and taste to the usual cupcake or oatmeal breakfast or the powder form of the fruit can also be used to add flavor to the usual smoothies. Goji berries or any derivative of the fruit can be usually found in Asian stores.
