Goji berries, or wolfberries, are an intriguing mix of sweet and tart flavors with a subtle earthy aftertaste. They resemble a slender mini-tomato when fresh, and a bright red raisin when dried.
2. Snackable Nutrition
Loaded with vitamin C, fiber, iron and vitamin A, one serving of goji berries (about 4 ounces) offers nearly 10% of the recommended amount of dietary protein. The complex carbohydrates in goji also raise blood sugars slowly, so you'll avoid a post-snacking sugar crash.
Goji berries are a great by the handful or tossed into trail mix, oatmeal, yogurt, or baked goods.
3. Antioxidants for Eyesight
Goji berries contain zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant linked to eye health. Studies suggest it may protect the eyes from UV rays and decrease the likelihood of developing cataracts, especially when combined with lutein.
4. Superberry Powder & Extracts
Delicious goji berry powder can be added to smoothies or enjoyed by the glass! You can also re-hydrate goji’s in spring water and blend at a high speed. If juice isn't your thing, the same benefits can be found in extracts.
Liquid goji doesn't require much digestive effort, thus promoting rapid absorption of all the nutrient goodness!
5. A TCM Staple
Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine since the first century, goji berries are still employed today for eye, liver, and kidney ailments. Most commercially-produced goji's come from north-central and western China, with plantations totaling 200,000 acres.
Bonus!
Considered the "fountain of youth" by many, folklore suggests a man named Li Qing Yuen ate goji berries daily and lived to be 252 years old!
References:
altmedicine.about.com “Goji Berries - Health Benefits, Common Uses & More” found here.
healthline.com “8 Healthy Facts About Goji Berries” found here.
