Image courtesy of Pixabay/Ska-te
Today I’d love to tell you about health secrets of Goji berries. Earlier I was taking a break from grading and wanted a sweet snack.
I opened my desk drawer and pulled out a large 3-pound bag. Mine’s probably bigger than what you typically find. It’s half empty by now, and contains long bright red berries in it. You’ve probably heard about them before.
They are called Goji berries (the Latin name or the plant is Lyceum barbarum or Lyceum chinensis). Any time I describe these to my friends or students, I call them my favorite red raisins.
These little berries have been part of the Asian diet for over 2,000 years. The plant that they grow on is a member of the Nightshade family.
You might be curious why I have these in my desk drawer, or why I buy them in such large quantities.
Last week I posted some information about superfoods and ways in which they can benefit your health and well-being especially during times of stress. Goji berries clearly belong on the list of superfoods.
I fell in love with goji berries when I discovered their amazing nutritional qualities – simply a powerhouse of medicine, all conveniently wrapped up in a super tasty, tiny package.
Are you wondering what some of the main health benefits of goji berries are?
1. Strong and healthy eyes
If you’re trying to correct poor night vision, tired eyes, excessive tearing, cloudy vision and other conditions, goji berries are your friends. I started eating them because macular degeneration runs in my family. My goji snacks are a way of adding more antioxidants and bright pigments to my diet.
2. Strong circulatory system
The same antioxidants are useful for supporting healthy capillaries, preventing varicose and spider veins, cold feet, and intermittent claudication.
3. Strong muscles and ligaments
I was taught that traditionally, goji berries are used for weak muscles, ligaments, lower back pain and knee pain.
Other benefits of goji berries include healthy skin, nervous system protection, weight loss and even a boost in immune system function.
If you typically experience gas, nausea, bloating, diarrhea or have a Nightshade sensitivity, avoiding goji berries is a wise decision.
I like to use goji berries in three different ways:
- As my snack – just as they are
- In my oatmeal
- In a tasty trail mix
Whether you are preparing for an important presentation, final exam week, or a stressful travel schedule, incorporating goji berries into your diet is a smart step.
Questions: Have you ever tried goji berries before? Were you aware of all of the health secrets? Where do you typically purchase your herbs?
4 Comments
Christina Wayne, PharmD
April 20, 2016 - 7:20 pmHi Lana, Thanks for reminding me how awesome goji berries are! Have you ever tried dark chocolate covered goji berries made by Himalania? They are so good that I could easily end up eating the entire bag in one sitting!
Lana Camiel
April 23, 2016 - 3:01 amHi Christina, Thank you for your comment! I never tried this product but goji berries and dark chocolate sound absolutely perfect! Can completely relate on struggling not to eat the entire bag 🙂
Minh Tu
April 21, 2016 - 2:30 amHi Dr. Camiel. In the chinese markets, they are usually market as “wolf berry”. It is so interesting that so many food items that were indigenous to people outside the US are making a big spark in the American Diet these days. Traditionally, my family have always made soups with the dried goji berry. We actually use the leaves of the plant and cook them with soups. It gives the soup nutrition as well as a herbal essense to it.
Lana Camiel
April 23, 2016 - 3:02 amHello Minh, Thank you for sharing this! I have heard the name of wolf berry before too, but am just too used to goji. You are correct, there are a lot of recommendations of using these in the soups. I never realized you can cook their leaves as well. Very good to know! Thank you!