Health Benefits Of Goji Berries

Lycium barbarum or goji berries are among the most nutritious fruits known to man. A native of the Himalayas, present day Tibet and parts of China, goji berry is now commercially grown in parts of Europe and in North America. But the most abundant source of goji berries is still China and other Asian countries. Goji berries have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. That obviously hints at some health benefits of the fruit. However, not all claims or theories in ancient Chinese medicine have been scientifically proven.

Goji berry is rich in protein. It actually contains every essential amino acid, which the human body needs. The fruit is also rich in vitamin C, carotenoids and is loaded with as many as twenty one trace minerals, including iron, calcium, selenium and zinc. Just to establish some reference, goji berry contains as much as fifteen times the quantity of iron you get from spinach. Goji berries are also a great source for fiber and antioxidants.

Health Benefits Of Goji Berries

Goji berry is a nutritious fruit. With all its essential amino acids, trace minerals and vitamin C, it can attend to many nutritional deficiencies. Owing to the many nutrients, Chinese medicine states that the fruit can increase lifespan or longevity and can also increase strength. While increased lifespan is yet to be looked at scientifically and studies have to establish that, yet the increase in strength is obvious.

One of the most important health benefits of goji berry is its impact on the immune system and general health. Goji berry contains antioxidants which fight free radicals in the human body. The antioxidants along with the antifungal and antibacterial compounds in the fruit also strengthen the immune system.

Whether goji berry can prevent premature ageing or can fight the signs of ageing has to be investigated but it is certainly good for the skin. Vitamin C is the building block of skin and along with beta-carotene the fruit helps in providing the much needed nutrients to the skin.

Goji berry can have a positive impact on common cold. It can help against hypertension and dizziness. The fascinatingly high oxygen radical absorbance capacity in goji berry makes it a strong counter to the free radicals in the human body that can help avert fever and general feeling of unwell. In one way, using goji berries in soups or a smoothie makes a great health drink that also doubles up as an energy booster.

Goji berries are rich in fiber and they don’t bring in the load of carbohydrates. They fill you up and provide nutrients instead of additional calories. That makes goji berry an effective weight loss supplement, but one that is completely natural.

Ready To Try Goji Berries?
If you're new to this super food, I would suggest buying a small pack of organic berries. This will give you an idea of their taste, which sort of tastes like tea to me. If you don't like the taste or want an easier route, buy Goji Berry Extract that comes in pill form. For more on this topic, read up on superfoods.