The many Goji berry benefits for improved health are now just recently being discovered by people in the western half of the world where the nutrient rich fruit is commonly known as the wolfberry, but widely marketed as Goji berries.
The berries are perhaps the most nutrient-rich fruit in existence. They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins that grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia, and in the Himalayas in Tibet.
They are usually found dried, have a slight tangy taste, and belong to the nightshade (Solonaceae) family. Goji berries are very fragile and must be harvested by hand.
Goji berry benefits derive from their rich polysaccharides, chains of sugar molecules that may support the regulation of the immune system. In addition, polysaccharides are an excellent source of probiotic fiber, which is the fermentable soluble fiber that gets processed into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestinal tract, and provides food for beneficial intestinal flora (probiotics) that aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
They are also considered to be a tonic in that they help to keep vital organs and energies in balance.
In terms of the circulatory system, Goji berries play a rather important role and they also contain a large concentration of the mineral iron. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s natural treasures in China, Goji berries are now becoming increasingly popular in the western world.
Predominantly grown in the northwestern portions of Tibet and China, which boast some of the purest soil in all of the world, they come from the Lycium plant, an evergreen bush with vines that may reach as high as 10 to 15 feet. Truly a food to marvel at, Goji berries are relatively small, growing only as long as one to two centimeters, and having a taste that’s been described as both sweet and sour. Often used in teas, soups, and rice meals, they are also sold fresh throughout the temperate regions of China where they grow wild.
Goji berries are well entrenched in traditional Chinese medicine, and rightfully so. They are relatively low in calories and fat, yet rich in vitamins A (beta-carotene) and C. They are becoming extremely prized for their high antioxidant content.
Since Goji berry benefits are so plentiful, many regard it to be the healthiest single food you could ever consume, with some even saying the fruit has magical, mystical properties.
Recently classified as a “health food” thanks to recent research that’s proven their high concentration of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, Goji berries have been touted as a super fruit and demand is expected to reach an astonishing billion dollars in sales by the year 2011.
Since the delicate Goji berry must be harvested by hand and must then be turned into liquid form within the first one or two days following harvesting, the process of producing the juice is a time consuming one, however, Goji berry benefits are many and are well worth the wait.