Goji Berries

The goji berry, a sweet red fruit native to Asia, serves as both a botanical medicine and a food, and has a very pleasant taste, somewhere between a cherry and a cranberry. It has been used as a medicinal food for thousands of years, and has been studied extensively in modern times to substantiate its health benefits. In ancient times, people in China used goji berries to make tea, soup, stew, and wine, and chewed the dried fruit like raisins. These delicious fruits are still a main diet staple of many of the longest-living people on earth, including the Hunza of the Himalayas, who have regularly lived beyond 100 years of age. They are also used in many herbal formulas to maintain overall health during a wide variety of chronic conditions.

Goji berry is also widely used to reduce the craving for sugar. It is especially useful for hypoglycemic people and for hyperactive children. In addition, goji berry exhibits potent antioxidant activity and contains one of the highest concentrations of beta-carotene of any known food. In Asia, it has been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order, widely believed to increase sexual fluids and enhance fertility.

According to the principles of Chinese medicine, goji berry is a tonic, to be used to nourish and support the body whenever it suffers from illness or weakness. It can, however, be taken on a daily basis for general health. And with over 15% protein, 21 essential minerals, and 18 amino acids, it is a nutrient-dense superfood in a class all its own.

How to Use Goji Berries

  • Delicious by the handful—eat as little as half an ounce a day and experience goji berry’s many wonderful benefits
  • Add to smoothies, salads, desserts, yogurt, and granola
  • Make your own goji juice by soaking the berries and blending or running them through a juicer, or just drink the soaking juice
  • Brew goji tea in boiling water
  • Pair with dark chocolate for an antioxidant-rich and satisfying dessert

Nutritional Properties

  • Contains 18 amino acids – the building blocks for protein
  • Extremely high antioxidant content
  • Contains over 12 times more protein than apples, oranges, or strawberries
  • Better source of beta-carotene than carrots themselves
  • Higher levels of vitamin C than oranges
  • 21 trace minerals, including germanium, an anti-cancer substance rarely found in foods
  • Vitamins B1, B2, and B6, and vitamin E
  • Contains polysaccharides, which can help prevent cancer, neutralize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, normalize blood pressure, balance blood sugar, combat autoimmune disease, act as an anti-inflammatory, lower cholesterol, and increase calcium absorption.

Health Benefits

  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Increases longevity and protects from premature aging
  • Helps prevent cancer and aids remission
  • Protects the liver
  • Builds strong blood and promotes cardiovascular health
  • Supports eye health and improves vision
  • Maintains healthy blood pressure and blood sugar
  • Stimulates secretion of human growth hormone
  • Strengthens muscles and bones
  • Supports normal kidney function
  • Improves fertility and treats sexual dysfunction
  • Helps reduce obesity