What Are Goji Berries?

Goji berries are also commonly known in English as wolfberries, but have a number of other names as well, and is mostly marketed as the goji berry. They are brightly colored red, elliptical berries that grow on one to three meter high bushes. These bushes grow naturally in China and Mongolia, but most of those seen in the west come out of China.

Although gogi berries have been used in China since the seventh century or earlier, the goji berry has only been used in the west in recent years but is quickly becoming very popular as a health food. It holds status as a superfruit because of it's high mineral, vitamin, antioxidant, and protein content. These berries have many other macro and micronutrients and are very healthy.

Although it is true that the berries are undoubtedly good for you, they are sometimes marketed with the claim that they prevent breast cancer or other such diseases, when in fact, no conclusive studies have been done to determine the validity of this claim. There are many other health benefits claims made by marketers of the berries which have been held traditionally for hundreds of years in China, such as that they help eyesight, strengthen muscles, improve circulation, protect the liver and increase life expectancy.

These berries are about 1-2 centimeters in length. They have a sour-sweet taste and are used in China in rice dishes, soups and to make tea. In the regions of China where they grow, north-central and western, the berries might be sold as fresh berries. However, for export, the berries are usually sold dried, in which case they look like red raisins, and may have the same texture, or be hard, or in the form of juice, or powder.

The fruit goji became popularized as a juice. It is generally sold in 32 ounce bottles and it claims to have some major health benefits. For this reason, and the necessary import of the product, the juice is very expensive, about $50 per bottle (which should last 18 days). This juice was first sold in multi level marketing, and has since become available at many health food stores and is marketed on the Internet.

As a superfruit, there is not question that this berry is fascinating. It's health properties and nutritive value are certain, and in an age where everyone is looking for the key to a longer, healthier life, it definitely provides the answers many are looking for. However, this is mostly from a people's experience and testimonials, and therefore comes more from the marketing perspective. Many tests and experiments need to be conducted clinically in order to determine what exactly the effects of eating this berry are, both long term and short term.




 

Goji Berry News:

 

A Warm Bowl of Cereal? You Can Top That
Special to The Washington Post..


Dannijo iPhone Covers @Goji Boutique | The Side Talk Blog
Dannijo iPhone Covers @Goji Boutique. Posted on January 25, 2012 by Piscean. Check out these super stylish iPhone covers by Dannijo, available in Kuwait by @Goji Boutique. Can't help but love those prints and colors! My FAVORITE!..


Butter, portion control, tart cherries and stevia. Welcome to 2012
Forget goji berries and noni juice. Tart cherries, blueberries and other more familiar fruits are likely to trump their exotic cousins in 2012 as shoppers tire of Orac-tastic superfruits, according to trend watcher Hartman Group...


Nutritional Supplements : Health Benefits of Goji Juice | nutritional .
The main health benefit of goji juice is the high levels of antioxidants, which have been show to help prevent cancer. Include goji juice as part of a healthy diet, but do not expect it to fix all health problems, with advice from a licensed dietitian in ...


Growing goji berries in the Bay Area
Q: I'd like to grow some goji berries. Will they make fruit in San Francisco? A: Goji berry, also known as wolf berry, is the latest miracle food craze. If ads are to be believed, among its many benefits are cancer...


'Castle,' Season 4, Episode 13, 'An Embarrassment of EUR': TV Recap - Wall Street Journal (blog)

'Castle,' Season 4, Episode 13, 'An Embarrassment of EUR': TV Recap
Wall Street Journal (blog)
Beckett reveals that they're NYPD to which the Reggie says, EURwhy don't you grab a squat over there, Phoebe will get you a Goji berry juice.EUR Beckett shuts holds out her shield, suggesting the crew take five. Reggie says, EURKay doesn't have five to spare .

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Pangea Organics Award-Winning Anti-Aging Trilogy - Woman's Day

Pangea Organics Award-Winning Anti-Aging Trilogy
Woman's Day
This award winning Anti-Aging Trilogy includes Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask, Turkish Rose & White Tea Eye Cream, and Himalayan Geranium & Pomgeranate Balancing Oil. If you like what you see, you'll get 11 more .

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FAO commissions study on indigenous plants - The Zimbabwean

The Zimbabwean

FAO commissions study on indigenous plants
The Zimbabwean
Baobab fruit powder contains more calcium per mg than milk, more antioxidants than Goji berry. Gus Le Breton, BIZ Chief Executive Officer, says the study will focus on plants that can be used for medicines, food, bio-fuel, cosmetics, herbal teas, dyes, .

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New Year, New You: The Diet Secrets of Sexy Stars
New Year, New You: The Diet Secrets of Sexy Stars..


Photos: 12 accessible superfoods for 2012 - Vancouver Sun

Photos: 12 accessible superfoods for 2012
Vancouver Sun
Last year every food pundit and hack journalist in North America told you to run out and eat acai and goji berries and Jerusalem artichokes. Trouble is that most grocery stores don't carry any of those things. A year later you are no healthier and .

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Are detox diets healthful? Opinions vary - Medill Reports: Chicago

Medill Reports: Chicago

Are detox diets healthful? Opinions vary
Medill Reports: Chicago
by Christina Choi The Chicago-based organic juice bar, Peeled creates blended drinks with exotic ingredients such as goji berries, Brazilian nut milk and camu camu. Some experts recommend eating whole fruits and vegetables for more nutritional value .

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