Dried Goji Berries: Are dried Goji Berries Healthy?
Dried Goji Berries
Dried Goji Berries
Ever heard of Li Qing Yuen? He’s the person who lived up to a ripe old age of 252 years. No kidding. The life (and longevity) of Prof. Li Qing Yuen, who lived between 1678-1930, is one of the best documented. And you know what? He’s reported to have consumed Goji berries daily!
Goji berry is a member of the wolfberry family and is known by the scientific name of Lycium barbarum. It’s credited with increasing the life span and having several health improving properties. It is one of the richest natural nutrients available on earth. It is said that the Chinese have been using Goji berry, as a food and a medicine, for more than five thousand years.
Nutritional value of Goji Berries
Goji berry is a rich source of nutrients and amino acids. It contains 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals and several vitamins and minerals. It has six times more amino acids than bee pollen, 500 times more Vitamin C by weight than oranges, more iron than spinach, and more Beta carotene than carrots. Goji berry contains minerals like Calcium and Magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and Vitamin E, normally found in grains and seeds and rarely in fruits. In addition, these berries contain many complex compounds and phytonutrients. High levels of protein content (13% of these berries are protein – higher than whole wheat), and antioxidants are other nutrient highlights. In addition, Goji berries contain Beta-sitosterol, Betaine, and essential fatty acids. With all this nutrition packed into it, it is small wonder that these berries have a great medicinal and health value.
Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries have been used in traditional systems of medicine to treat various conditions like anemia, cough and inflammation. It has also been used for improving the immune system, protection of the liver, and improving eyesight. Apart from the curative properties, Goji berry is believed to have a positive effect on the health and wellness of those consuming it, and benefits the user with longevity, increased vitality and sexual prowess.
Elderly patients, who were given Goji berries thrice a week, reported several benefits, including improved sleep, better appetite and recovery of sexual function in some cases.
Antioxidants combat free radicals, which are responsible for damaging cells and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and aiding the ageing process. The high level of antioxidants in Goji berries ensures that the ageing process is slowed down. It is believed that Goji berries have contributed to the freedom from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease in the people of Asia who have been consuming this fruit.
About the plant
Goji berry grows in protected valleys with vines reaching up to heights of 4 m. The plant grows in sandy or clay soil conditions under semi shade or no shade. The fruits are never plucked by hand since they are very sensitive and can be spoilt if they are touched by hand at this stage. Instead the fruits are shaken on to a mat and then dried in the shade.
Dosage and consumption details
Goji berries taste somewhat like raisins. They can be taken alone or mixed with other ingredients. Daily dosage could be about 10-30 grams.
The best way to take dried Goji berries is to wash them in water and soak them for a short while, before consuming. You can at reasonable prices at most Chinese stores.
Goji Berries
In this modern life we live in, where gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops and other high technology equipments in combination with lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking and stress may subject our body to free radicals. Free radicals oxidation is the reason why apples get rancid. If it can do this to an apple, what do you think it can do to your body?
You, however, do not have to worry much. Life is very beautiful.
Because if experts can recognized what can harm us; science can learn what could save us. Antioxidants are one possible answer. Antioxidants properties may be found overflowing in small berries grown in the pristine valleys of Tibet and Mongolia.
Introducing Goji Berries! Goji berries are miraculous because this small bright red fruit may contain all the nutrients our body needs to keep it healthy and happy.
These small goji berries are packed with nutrients your body needs such as the 8 essential amino acids plus 10 more different kinds of amino acid, which are hard to find in other fruits. Goji berries likewise contain 21 trace minerals including the essential ones such as zinc, iron, copper, calcium, selenium and phosphorous.
Carotenoid such as beta-carotene more potent than that of a carrot are in goji berries. If these facts are not enough to excite you to the beneficial factors found in goji berries, consider this these amazing berries contain 500 times Vitamin C by weight compared to oranges. They also contain Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E.
Where can you find such a small fruit packed with all these beneficial nutrients? Only in goji berries.
Here is a list of few of the many benefits you will get from eating goji berries:
Fight Aging – Because goji berries may save your cells, you might be able to fight aging because aside from eliminating free radicals, goji berries stimulate the growth hormone in your body. It will thus help keep you fresh and young looking.
Energy and Vitality – these berries can help increase your stress tolerance, stamina and endurance.
Blood Sugar Balance – Goji berries has the necessary polysaccharides to regulate blood sugar levels. It also has betaine to support normal liver function and cardiovascular health.
Sleep Well – goji berries can give you normal health balance, you may experience better sleep quality that will prepare your body for the day to come.
Better Immune System – goji berries contain polysaccharides that support and balance the activity of your immune cells such as T-cells, NK cells, lysozyme and the immunoglobins.
In addition to all these, goji berries may also enhance your sexual function. You may also use goji berries as memory tonic. This small but wonderful fruit may also help control your cholesterol levels. Digestion may also not be a problem for those eating this wonderful fruit.
These are only a few of the benefits one can get from goji berries. However, you will agree with me that having none of these problems will help you keep a healthy and long life. As a result, you will be happy and ready for life’s challenges.
You can get all these benefits in various ways:
Eat fresh goji berries. They are very sweet and tasty.
Eat dried goji berries. The taste does not change at all, sweet and tastes like a cranberry and cherry.
Drink goji berry juice. This is another best way to take this sweet and tasty berry.
You can mix goji berries to your food, use your imagination on how you can enjoy this miraculous berry.
So indulge
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