What are Goji Berries?

Goji berries are a shrub of the Solanceae family that is a member of the Plantae Kingdom. It grows up to a height of one to three meters in the temperate regions and the subtropical belts of China, Mongolia, and the Himalayan regions of Tibet. It is a perennial woody deciduous plant that is quite hardy, able to withstand temperature extremes.

Goji berries are locally known as Lycium Barbarum, Gou Qi Zi, Fructus Lycii, or the Wolfberry.

It is an herbal plant that has been used in ancient China and India to protect the liver, aid eyesight from loss of vision, help to improve fertility, sex potentiality, blood circulation and boost the immune system. It is also said that it bestows longevity by potentially stimulating the pituitary gland to produce more HGH (human growth hormone). Age Related Muscular Degeneration (AMD) risk is believed to be controlled by the intake of this wonder herb as well.

Goji berries, when dried, are similar in size and shape of raisins, being dark red in color and are slightly elongated or oblong. These berries are shaken from the vine (plant) and collected into trays. Then, the berries are dried slowly in semi-shade or by using modern scientific methods like mechanical dehydration, etc. This is done so the fruits won’t spoil.

Goji berries are consumed in several ways. They can be eaten with cereals, porridge, smoothies, yogurt or as an herbal tea. They can even be consumed as a wine. They can also be eaten raw and have a mildly sweet taste.

Goji berries contain about 19 amino acids, and 21 minerals including important ones like Zinc, Copper, Calcium, and Potassium, Germanium and Selenium. Half a dozen essential vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, C and E), 8 polysaccharides, 6 mono saccharides, 5 unsaturated fatty acids and 5 carotenoids have been traced in Goji berries. They are also rich in anti-oxidants like carotenoids and zeaxanthin.

They also contain the healthy omegas that nourish the nervous system and promote hormonal growth; therefore, Goji berries are deservingly considered as a most "Nutritious Powerhouse". They are a cherished super-food although their cost is about $50 for just thirty two ounces.

Goji berries are believed to have properties for combating cancer cells as well as keeping the heart, lungs, liver and the kidney channels in a proper conditioning.

Needless to say, there is a great and ever growing global demand for this wonderful berry.