The history of Goji berries

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small red berries native to Asia.

Goji berries were used in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a number of ailments ranging from liver and kidney problems to issues with the skin, eyes, immune system and digestive tract.

The long-term consumption of Goji berries has traditionally been linked to improved immunity and longevity. Communities eating them were thought to live longer (even reportedly up to 250 years old!) and were said to enjoy relatively ailment-free lives.

In modern times, these bright little berries have been subject to lots of attention and, in recent years, have been awarded the prestigious superfood label.

Goji berries are still primarily grown in places such as China or Tibet (they do well in warm climates) and are shipped over to western countries to meet the high demand. As they are distributed far and wide, the berries are often dried or made into juice as the fresh berries don’t cope so well with the journey.

It must be noted that nutrients are lost as the berries are processed and the vitamin Ccontent, for example, is diminished as the berries are dried. Traditionally, the fresh berries would have been used and these are still readily available in some parts of the world. Fresh is always best! This is a value we adopt in our own products.

Goji berries nutrition facts

Nutritional Information for organic berries.

10 Amazing Goji Berries Health Benefits

10. For strengthening Liver

There is no better and ancient natural product like Goji berries for the supporting of better health of the liver. With impartial chemical compounds “betaines” Goji hold a special position for liver health. The Betaine cures liver diseases by increasing secretion of an enzyme choline in the liver. Consuming Goji berries can prevent liver cancer and fight against chronic liver-related diseases. They diminish the fats, that are stocked in the liver, and also eliminate the chances of fatty liver disorders. By using Goji in our diet we can get a component known as“physalin”, which secures the liver and makes it strong and healthy. The liver is one of the most imperative organs of the human body as it enhances the elimination of toxic materials that discover their way into the body.

9. Preserve Your Eyesight

Goji berries contain high concentrations of the carotenoid zeaxanthin which have been recognized for its capability to protect eyes from damage caused by oxidation. Vitamin A is good for eye health and Goji berries contain vitamin A so it nourishes the eyes in a better way. Goji berries provide zeaxanthin and carotenoids, which help in increasing eyesight. It not only protect the retina but also eradicates the peril of age-related eye diseases (ARED). The carotenoids like beta and alpha carotenes in Goji berries are good for keeping eyesight healthy giving you a good strong vision. A proper consumption of Goji berries wonderfully lessens the cases of blindness. The carotenoids color in them is known to support the excellent vision.

8. Boost energy levels

Goji berries are so rich in vitamins and minerals that help to increase the metabolism rate and convert food into energy instead of storing them into calories like fat. A number of energy increasing secrets are hidden in Goji in the form of vitamins A & B, Fiber, Zinc, Calcium, Amino acids and much more. Enjoy Goji berries health benefits and boost your energy level.

7. Help Stabilize Blood Sugar

A very suitable and amazing healthy fruit for a diabetes patient is Goji berries. Because this fruit help in controlling the release of sugar into the bloodstream, which prevents spikes and dips due to problems balancing glucose levels. Goji berry exhibit significant hypoglycemic effects and insulin-sensitizing activity by increasing glucose responsiveness. For natural healthy treatment, you can be attempting to consume fruits Goji berry as one of the fruits that are useful to prevent and treat diabetes.

6. Easeful Sleep

Due to stress people mostly suffer from the sleeping disorder and take a lot of sleeping pills for sleep. But it is not good for health, physicians suggest some natural ways like eating Goji berries for peaceful sleep For those suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia, the use of berries provide them a quality of sleep day by day. Due to the presence of two nutrients, Thiamine and Magnesium Goji berries are the best options for getting quality sleep, because Thiamin improves your mood and energy levels, and magnesium improves the quality of sleep.

Mostly old people face the problem of sleepless nights, so these berries are very helpful for them. There are many stressful situations we faced on regular basis as it’s a part of life. Then it’s our duty to do some good against stressful life and by taking a balanced diet with the addition of Goji berries is a superb idea. After knowing this fact you definitely love this fruit. During emotional or physical tension a stress hormone Cortisol produces, and by using Goji berries our body regulates the release of the stress hormone to lower levels, hence keeping you fresh and energetic.

5. Antifungal Properties

You can make the juice of this berry, it contain many healthy components, the most important one is a powerful antibacterial compound called solavetivone. This powerful provide great support in reducing antibodies associated with allergic reactions. The presence of most powerful anti-inflammatory agent beta-sitosterol, which prevents gout and other inflammatory disorders.The Goji berry juice is the superb drink for strong and healthy immune system. You know guys it contains lyceum labarum polysaccharides which are the powerhouse of the strong immunity system.

4. Goji berries helping in Weight loss

It’s a quite interesting fact, losing weight is something that everyone has tried at some point in their lives. There are many products available in a market that claims they are very helpful in weight loss. But we are here introducing a natural trick which helps you in weight loss. Goji berries are rich in fiber, and do you know, almost 21 percent of this fruit is consist of fiber. The importance of high fiber food is that they easily control blood sugar level and yeah appetite also.

As I mention above that Goji berries are rich in fiber that’s why they help us to feel full energetic for longer periods and also reduces demand of food intake. Chromium in berries supports to control blood sugar, maintain lean muscle mass when we lose weight and help the body burn fat faster. The Goji berries are rich in nutrients like beta-carotene, calcium, amino acids, trace minerals and vitamin B1. All these nutrients are very helpful in the function of muscle, and reduction of toxins in the body.

3. Cholesterol

The biggest enmity of cardiovascular disorders is mostly related to Cholesterol. Cholesterol can be caused by fatty deposits that narrow the blood flow, hence blood supply to other organs is reduced and this would be very dangerous for health. An anti-inflammatory agent Beta-sitosterol in Goji berries lower the cholesterol level and provide protection against heart disease. This anti-inflammatory agent has also been used in the treatment of asthma, allergies, hair loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.

2. Source of Iron

When we think about the foods, best sources of iron, then the name of spinach quickly comes in mind. One of the most surprising Goji berries health benefits, is just understood by this example as an ounce of spinach provides 4% of your daily requirement for iron, whereas an ounce of Goji berries provides 14%. Sor for fulfilling the need of iron in body Goji berries are a wonderful source.

1. Reducing the risk of cancer

Goji Berries are enriched with strong antioxidants which eliminate cancer-causing free radicals from the blood. Cancer is a malignant human disease that has posed a lot of challenges in the modern era. A quality amount of regular consumption of Goji berries has proved to be imperative in preventing cases of cell mutation. Berries contain large amounts of antioxidants called polyphenols that are an incredible contender against cancer. By the natural way you can save yourself from this hurtful disease, Goji berries break down the tumor cells, and its inimitable polysaccharides prevent genetic mutations, as a result averting the risk of cancer. Goji berries are superb in keeping the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation under control.

How Do You Use Goji Berries?

1. Raw: First and foremost, eat them raw! A small handful a day will do.
2. Juice: Goji berries are also available in juice form. Down to Earth carries 100% Goji Juice without any added sugar, or color.
3. Tea: Goji berries can be used to brew in a tea. You can add a handful of Goji berries to a big glass of hot or cold water (or herb tea) and let sit and hydrate for 5 to 10 minutes. They become plump and juicy. You can drink the tea and eat the hydrated berries which are loaded with antioxidants.
4. Smoothies: Soak a handful of Goji berries in water for 10 minutes. Once they are plump and juicy, add them to your favorite smoothie. It won’t make much of a change to the taste or consistency of your smoothie.
5. Trail Mix: You can also add Goji berries to your favorite trail mix. Or, make your own by mixing your favorite nuts and dried fruit with some Goji berries. Kids like it when you add some chocolate or peanut butter chips to the Goji trail mix.
6. Cereal: Just like raisins, add some Goji berries to your hot or cold cereals in the morning.
7. Muffins and Scones: Add Goji berries to muffins or scones just as you would raisins.
8. Goji Energy Bars: Blend a handful of Goji berries together with cup of walnuts, ½ cup almonds, and 5-6 dates in a food processor. Roll the mix into balls or spread in a deep pan to make bars.
9. Add to Soups: This has been a common use of Goji berries in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years.

Side effects:

1. Interaction With Warfarin:

Goji berries can possibly cause drug-herb interactions, especially in patients who regularly take medications for blood thinning, such as warfarin. Warfarin is used to treat blood clots that are formed because of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus condition. That is why if you are taking warfarin, you must avoid eating Goji berries as it can adversely affect your health.

• Interaction With Diabetes Medications

Diabetic patients have to take a daily dose of medication for keeping their blood sugar level under control. Goji berries have been found to affect the functioning of the pancreas and the production of insulin. This reaction is exactly opposite to that caused by the medication. That is why diabetic patients must avoid taking these berries.

• Causes Hypertension

Goji berries, if eaten in excess, can disturb the blood pressure levels of the body and lead to hypertension.