Eating Healthy with Goji Berries

The health benefits of goji berries have been recognized for centuries among the Tibetan and Himalayan monks. This alkaline berry has been consumed in China and the Himalayan regions for close to 3000 years.

Individuals who consume these fruits have reported higher energy levels along with an increased sense of well-being. Goji which is known as (Lycium Barbarum) in Latin is also referred to as the wolf berry and has been used to treat a wide range of health problems such as diabetes, fever, high blood pressure, and age-related eye problems throughout the ages.

Some research shows that eating berries such as the goji berry is beneficial because of the antioxidants they contain. The antioxidants found in these fruits may help prevent cancer and other illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants also have other beneficial effects such as boosting the immune system and lowering cholesterol. In addition, eating foods such as goji that are high in antioxidants can help slow the aging process. This is because it minimizes DNA damage from free radical molecules which can cause cells to grow abnormally.

These fruits are also rich in nutrients such as Vitamin A. Vitamin A is thought to enhance eye health. Other research suggests that goji berry extracts can boost brain health and may even be helpful in combating age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

Yet other studies have shown that consuming goji berries results in an increased feeling of mental well-being, calmness, improves athletic performance, increases happiness, improves quality of sleep and results in an overall feeling of good health.

One of the chemical components that gives these fruits their positive effect is beta-sitosterol which is also referred to as cinchol. This chemical can decrease the size of overgrown cancer cells and induce aptoptosis (cell suicide) of tumor cells.

The key nutritional ingredients of Goji  are the glyconutrients that provide eight essential sugars required by the human body for growth. The 22 phytonutrient compounds present in Goji  facilitate intercellular communication.

Here the list benefits of Goji  are enumerated below:

·         Goji  is a powerful antioxidant that counters premature ageing.

·         Increases resistance to disease.

·         Helps to regulate blood pressure.

·         Minimizes the risk of cancer by preventing DNA mutation, inhibiting growth of     tumors, and by controlling the peroxidation of lipids.

·         Regulates blood-sugar during the early stages of diabetes.

·         Has a positive effect on vision, heart, relieves headaches and insomnia.

·         Regulates weight.

·         Promotes sexual health and improves fertility.

·         Helps digestion and memory functions.

·         Alleviates dry cough.

The tremendous health-giving properties of Goji can be attributed to its composition;

·         Is rich in carotenoids such as beta carotene and vitamin C.

·         Contains germanium, no other fruit is known to contain this mineral.

·         Has four important polysaccharides, LBP1, LBP2, LBP3, and LBP4, which offer significant health benefits.

·         Provides nineteen amino acids including the eight essential amino acids as well as up to 21 trace minerals including zinc, copper, selenium, phosphorous, etc.

·         Has a protein content higher than wheat.

·         Contains zeaxanthin, which is good for the eyes.

·         Has B-complex vitamins as well as fatty acids.

·         Provides Vitamin E, which is not found in many fruits, it is limited to nuts and seeds.

·         Contains Cyperone, Beta-Sitosterol, Solavetivone, Physalin, linoleic acid, and Betaine; Beta-Sitosterol has anti-inflammatory properties, linoleic acid aids weight loss, betaine improves the health of the cardiovascular system.

·         Has 11 mg of iron per 100 gm of fruit.

You might consider adding these fruits to your diet on a daily basis to ensure good health. This is relatively easy to do and is commonly done in Asia by eating these berries raw or drinking goji berry teas. You may be interested to know that these fruits are natural vasodilators that’s why can benefit to heart health  and good for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in both males and females. Studies also show that the beta-sitosterols in goji berries help reduce the absorption of LDL cholesterol.

Goji  is available with several health stores and a lot of these have online shops. The recommended dosage is 2-4 ounces per day; however, there are no known side effects of exceeding the dosage. Most people are able to see and feel the positive effects of adding Goji to their diet within one month of regular consumption.  You should certainly consider adding this food to your diet because they are a low calorie snack that have a wide range of health benefits and certainly taste better than many types of fruit!  Visit Sunfood.com for information about Goji products.

Goji Berries

 

 Raw Goji Cacao Energy Bars recipe :

With antioxidants, omega–3’s and protein to keep you going, the Goji Cacao Energy Bars are chewy, fruity and have everything you need to keep yourself going throughout your day

(makes 6 bars )




Ingredients :

·         1 cup almonds soaked

·         1 cup pumpkin seeds soaked

·         1 cup flax seeds, soaked in 1 1/2 cups water

·         1/3 cup agave nectar

·         1 tbsp. cinnamon

·         1/2 cup goji berries

·         1/2 cup cacao nibs

Preparation :

Soak almonds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds for at least 6 hours. Drain the almonds and pumpkin seeds. Place almonds and pumpkin seeds in food processor and process until well ground but still chunky. Add agave and cinnamon, pulse until combined. Remove from food processor and place into large bowl. Add flax seeds, cacao nibs and goji berries then stir. Press into a 1/2″ thick rectangle on a dehydrator sheet. Dehydrate at 115 degrees for 3–4 hours. At this point, remove them from the dehydrator, cut into bars, separate them so there is space between each bar. Return them to the dehydrator for 2–3 more hours. They should be dry but soft. Enjoy!