Goji berries are small, orange berries that have enormous health benefits. Geoff Stebbings notes in his book, "Growing Your Own Fruit and Veg for Dummies," that the goji berry has a taste that is a cross between raisins and tea. Most goji berries are sold dried, like raisins, or in the form of juice. Adding either version to your diet may improve your health and protect you from certain illnesses.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important nutrient that protects your health and keeps your immune system working so you can fight off illnesses. Howard Murad reports in his book, "The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger," that goji fruit has 500 times more vitamin C by weight than one medium-sized orange. Adding goji berries to your diet will increase your vitamin C levels so your body works more efficiently at getting rid of germs and bacteria, which may keep you well. Adequate levels of vitamin C also keep your tissues and muscles healthy.
Minerals
You need several trace minerals to keep your body healthy and working the way it should. Murad reports that goji berries contain at least 20 essential trace minerals, including iron, copper and zinc. Iron is important for an adequate supply of oxygen and the formation of red blood cells. Copper promotes the production of red blood cells. Zinc helps keep your brain cells strong, your reproductive system healthy and your immune system in good working order. Although not a trace mineral, calcium is an important mineral in goji berries that keeps your bones and teeth in good health.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is found in dark orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and orange bell peppers. Your body needs plenty of beta-carotene to produce the vitamin A you need for healthy eyes. Vitamin A also keeps your skin healthy so it can protect you from germs and bacteria that can cause you to get sick. Murad notes that goji fruit has one of the highest concentrations of beta-carotene among all fruits and vegetables, including carrots.
Amino Acids
Goji fruit is a non-meat source of protein, which supplies a wide range of amino acids. Amino acids are the nutrients your body needs to complete all the functions it does, such as moving, digesting food, transporting blood and sending messages from the brain. Amino acids also work to keep your tissues and muscles healthy.
References
- "Growing Your Own Fruit and Veg for Dummies"; Geoff Stebbings; 2009
- "The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger"; Howard Murad; 2010
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