Grown on evergreen shrubs native to China, Mongolia and the Tibet region, goji berries are a product of nightshade plants called Lycium Barbarum and have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The red berries are almost always consumed dried. While they look somewhat like dried cranberries, they have a taste reminiscent of a bitter strawberry.
The goji berries are so delicate that they are not picked by hand. Instead they are shaken from their vines during the harvest time of late summer to the first frost of winter.
In China, goji berries are viewed as a superfood that has the power to not only increase longevity, but improve circulation, eye sight, sexual desire, fertility, immunity and liver function.
What to Look for
Due to the growing knowledge of their nutritional value in the United States, goji berries are becoming increasingly available beyond the health food store arena.
The Ningxia region in China is said to produce the highest quality goji berries. People in this region are known for exceptional longevity. In his book, "Longevity Secrets," Dr. Gary Young found that their mineral and antioxidant rich diet was the most likely contributor to their large population of vital inhabitants over the age of 100. Using an antioxidant test developed by Tufts University, know as ORAC or oxygen radical absorbant capacity, Ningxia goji berries and other goji berry types were found to have incredible levels of immune enhancing polysaccharides and over 100 times the antioxidant potential of blueberries. The little goji berries were also found to be rich sources of calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, amino acids, and B vitamins. They possess 500 times the amount of vitamin C when compared by weight to oranges.
With all the unbelievable benefits to eating goji berries, should we abandon all other food sources? There is a cap on how much of available antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that our bodies can actually absorb. The recommended daily serving of goji berries is 10 to 30 grams per day. A small handful goji berries can be a low-glycemic, energy enhancing snack.
Common Pitfalls
Goji berries are expensive. Currently, an eight ounce bag of organic goji berries starts at around $12 in price. You will save money buying in bulk online. Just make sure the distributor is reputable before purchasing.
According to the FDA, be wary of any companies claiming that their goji berry products can cure certain illnesses. At this point, goji berry cures have not been proven by research in the US. Claims about curing diabetes, glaucoma, erectile dysfunction and so forth are viewed as false advertising by the government.
In addition, purchase certified organic goji berries when possible. Heavy use of pesticides is now common in most parts of the developing world.
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