Goji Berries A Super Food

in #health7 years ago

Goji berries are considered a supper food. According to Dr Axe "Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years". https://draxe.com/goji-berry-benefits/

Wolfberries_China_7-05.JPG
Picture of Goji berries from the Wikimedia Commons

Goji berries are available in most health food stores in dried form similar to raisins. According to Heathline "These berries contain all 8 essential amino acids. A single 4 ounce serving provides nearly 10 percent of your daily value for protein. For fruit, this is a surprising amount of protein". http://www.healthline.com/health/goji-berry-facts

Dr Mercola lists on his foodfacts website the following:

"• Optimal Weight Management

Goji berries contain high levels of fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. As a result, it reduces the feeling of hunger, leading to fewer calories consumed.

• Healthy Vision

A recent study has found that goji berries contain zeaxanthin, an antioxidant known for helping maintain healthy vision. It’s also the compound responsible for providing the berries with their distinctive bright red color. In the same study, the researchers found that those who consumed goji berries regularly had less hypopigmentation and less drusen in their eye.8

• Increased Testosterone Levels

Goji berries may help increase men’s testosterone levels. In an animal study, researchers discovered that goji berries improved sperm quantity, recovery of testosterone levels and improved sexual ability in mice. If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, these berries can be a potential natural alternative to pharmaceutical solutions.

• Diabetes Management

Researchers have discovered that goji berries contain hypoglycemic properties, which can benefit diabetics. In short, consuming these berries may help control your blood sugar levels safely.

• Cancer Prevention

Goji berries contain potential anticancer benefits, according to a recent study published in Life Sciences. Researchers tested goji berry extracts on cancer cells and found out that they induced apoptosis on the cancer, effectively stopping it from spreading further." http://foodfacts.mercola.com/goji-berry.html

Goji berries are expensive Amazon has Navitas Organics Goji Berries, 16 oz. Bag.
Price: $16.95 ($1.06 / Ounce). https://www.amazon.com/Navitas-Organics-Goji-Berries-oz/dp/B000FFLHSY

There is good news for those on a budget. There is a nursery in Florida where you can buy Goji berry plants.
And the following is from nurseries website.

"Lycium "Goji Berry" plant
$7.99
Add to Cart:

Plants for sale are Lycium "Goji Berry" plant plants Each plant I offer is Hybridized and grown from tissue cultures to be a disease free exact replica of the mother plant. Plants for sale are between 5-16" tall. Goji has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, Goji berries are extremely nutritionally dense and high in antioxidants. Claimed to enhance the immune system Goji berries are widley regaurded as a superfood. Bright red 1" long berries adorn these shrub like bushes. berries have a sweet, tangy flavor. Berries can be eaten fresh, made into juice, wine or herbal tea, or dried like raisins.
The Goji shrub will grow 8-10 ft. in full sun to partial shade, with emerald foliage on graceful, vine-like branches. Star-shaped blooms in shades of white, lilac and purple will appear in early summer, with fruit ripening in July. It will continue to fruit and flower until heavy frost. With no known pest or disease problems and high tolerance to drought, once established, the Goji shrub is an easy plant to grow. Zones 5-9. We recommend using only *Bio Spectrum organic fertilizer, located in our store. Ships to the continental United States only... Happy Gardening"
http://www.floridahillnursery.com/tropical-plants-and-trees-c-15/lycium-goji-berry-plant-p-409

So for $7.99 plus shipping you could have an endless supply of this super food if you live in Zones 5-9. To find what zone you live in you can go to http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/ and enter your zip code.

As with any food that has medicinal properties you should consult your doctor if you are on any medications.

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Greetings, @tombot.

Thanks for this interesting and educational article! I'll have to check out these berries! :D

😄😇😄

@creatr