1. Goji Berries: One of China's Best Kept Secrets
Goji berries are native to temperate and subtropical regions of China, Mongolia and Tibet. Part of the nightshade family, goji berries grow on evergreen shrubs. They are oval shaped with a rich red color. When they are dried, they look like similar to a craisin (cranberry-cherry hybrid). Goji berries have played a large part in the nutrition and alternative medicine of China, India and Tibet for thousands of years. Only recently has the rest of the world begun to investigate the powerful properties of the Goji berry.
2. Goji Berries Dress up Lots of Foods
Goji berries are in a variety of foods, from tea to trail mix. Goji berry enthusiasts sprinkle them on salads, yogurt, cereal and even in soup. Goji juice is available in a 32 ounce bottles and can be mixed with tea or other juices.
3. Science is Still out on the Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries improve eyesight, protect the liver, boost immunity and improve circulation. There are even claims they can fight off cancer. While it is true that there are many antioxidants in goji berries, there is still no substantial study on humans that goji berries are indeed a nutritional magic bullet. Early test tube studies show promising links between goji berries and lowering cholesterol, blood glucose cells and cancer. However, more research is required before goji berries can join the ranks of other nutrition superstars like blueberries and kale.
4. Don't go Crazy With Goji Berries
Because there haven't been a lot of studies involving human consumption of goji berries, it is best to eat them in moderation. For example, Goji berries may interfere with certain medication, such as blood thinners. So for now, treat them as a tasty snack, not a mainstay of your daily diet.
5. Goji Berries are Becoming Easier to Find
Growing popularity in the United States has made it much easier to buy goji berries right in the local specialty shops. You can also find goji berries online through several vendors. In keeping with the laws of supply and demand, goji berries don't come cheap. A 32 ounce bottle of goji juice can run upwards of $50 and many in the medical field don't believe it merits such a high price. However, goji berry supporters are happy to pay the high price for what they believe is a healthy berry.
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