Have you have seen “Goji berry juice” in the store or advertised somewhere in your area and wondered what these “berries” are and why they are so good for you?
Goji berries are the # 1 Medicinal herb in Chinese medicine and have been used for over 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India. The health benefits from these small and nutrient dense berries are simply unmatched.
Goji berries have been shown to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, assist with vision, increase fertility, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, cleanse the blood, aid in psoriasis, diabetes, and improve liver function…and these are only SOME of the amazing benefits of these little red berries.
The reason this berry packs such a punch is because of what Mother Nature placed inside of it:
Goji berries are the # 1 Medicinal herb in Chinese medicine and have been used for over 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India. The health benefits from these small and nutrient dense berries are simply unmatched.
Goji berries have been shown to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, assist with vision, increase fertility, boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, cleanse the blood, aid in psoriasis, diabetes, and improve liver function…and these are only SOME of the amazing benefits of these little red berries.
The reason this berry packs such a punch is because of what Mother Nature placed inside of it:
- Lots of phytochemicals
- 18 amino acids including the 8 essential amino acids
- 21 trace minerals including zinc, calcium, selenium
- Tons of antioxidants
- Vitamin A, B1,B2,& B6, Vitamin E and tons of Vitamin C
- Anti-inflammatory agents, which also help to lower cholesterol
- Omega 6 and linoleic acid which promote body fat loss
The goji berry’s texture is similar to a raisin, with a flat sweetness and is a bit harder and smaller in size. My preferred source of the goji berry benefits is direct from the berry itself (vs. "goji-berry store products"). As many times there will be added ingredients to the juices and products found at supermarkets (always read your labels!) they can also be quite expensive. This is not to dissuade you if you find a pure source product that you enjoy!
If you don’t like the berries as a stand alone, you can add them into your smoothies or bake them into your sweet foods. You can soak the berries overnight (to soften, and puree them the next day) and then add them into soups, dressings and any recipe for an added burst of flavor (not to mention loads of health benefits).
Here is a quick and versatile recipe to make your own goji berry juice, jam, or frozen treat:
Ingredients:
- 18 amino acids including the 8 essential amino acids
- 21 trace minerals including zinc, calcium, selenium
- Tons of antioxidants
- Vitamin A, B1,B2,& B6, Vitamin E and tons of Vitamin C
- Anti-inflammatory agents, which also help to lower cholesterol
- Omega 6 and linoleic acid which promote body fat loss
The goji berry’s texture is similar to a raisin, with a flat sweetness and is a bit harder and smaller in size. My preferred source of the goji berry benefits is direct from the berry itself (vs. "goji-berry store products"). As many times there will be added ingredients to the juices and products found at supermarkets (always read your labels!) they can also be quite expensive. This is not to dissuade you if you find a pure source product that you enjoy!
If you don’t like the berries as a stand alone, you can add them into your smoothies or bake them into your sweet foods. You can soak the berries overnight (to soften, and puree them the next day) and then add them into soups, dressings and any recipe for an added burst of flavor (not to mention loads of health benefits).
Here is a quick and versatile recipe to make your own goji berry juice, jam, or frozen treat:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Tibetan Goji berries, soaked in purified water (tip: keep and use the soak water)
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 pitted date and/or 1 tsp raw honey or agave nectar
Blend ingredients until puréed
For a jam: store purée in a container and refrigerate to use as a nutritious spread on breads, muffins…
For an energizing juice: add 1 cup coconut water or purified water (you can use the soak water and add ice, if desired)
For a dessert: add coconut milk to the purée and freeze for a nutritious “icy” treat
You can find goji berries in any health food store in your area (also in traditional supermarkets, depending on where you live) and of course, online. Go out, get some, and enjoy!
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Jennifer is currently studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and can be contacted for Health Counseling Services via her website http://www.medicinalnutrition.com/
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