Have you heard of this magical fruit before? Originating from Asia, the nutritional benefits of Goji berries (called Gou Qi Zi in Chinese) were first documented in the book Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing written by a Chinese emperor named Shen Nong in the year 250 BCE. This book is believed to be the oldest one on Chinese herbs and medicine. Since then, it has become a popular herb used by the culture to maintain health. Today it is referred to in the medicine as one that strengthens blood—a vital substance in the Chinese medical canon. While back then they didn’t know the science behind its benefits, they did notice that it, for one, helped with libido. In fact, there is an ancient Chinese proverb that states: “He who travels one thousand kilometers from home should not eat goji.”
Today we know of a plethora of benefits of this superfood: it contains 500 times more vitamin C by weight than oranges and are one of the most abundant sources of carotenoids (an antioxidant that helps to improve our immune system and benefit eyesight) on Earth. It is made up of 18 amino acids and loaded with many vitamins such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and various B vitamins. Goji berries are also known to stimulate the pituitary gland, an organ that releases human growth hormone (Hgh), which aids in reducing fat body and benefits sleep, memory, and the facial complexion. They also help to prevent certain cardiovascular diseases and enhance and balance the activity of our immune systems. (Is there anything they can’t do? ;))
Goji berries are available in most health food stores and usually found in dried or powdered form. They have a mild cherry-cranberry flavor that takes a little getting used to. Many people like to add it to smoothies, but it’s best consumed in its original form. To extract its full benefits, have a full serving a day which is roughly 12 berries. I suggest putting them in warm nourishing foods such as oatmeal. My favorite way to eat them is to put them in an herbal tea and let them reconstitute in the warm water so that when you finish your tea, they are nice and plump and a wonderful way to finish off your drink.
