The Goji Wolfberry: Is It Really Something New?
Currently goji berries are making a debut as the latest and greatest superfruit. But what are goji berries? Where do they come from and why are we just hearing about them now?
Goji berries is the modern name for wolfberries. This bright red berry has been grown in China for thousands of years and has been revered for its healing properties for about as long. However, it has only recently been put under the spotlight in western health food circles.
Wolfberries have grown in Britain for hundreds of years. It was first introduced into the United Kingdom in the 1730's by Archibald Campbell, the third Duke of Argyll. There it goes by the name of Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree. It has been used as an ornamental plant as well as growing wild. The berries eaten fresh and the leaves are used in tea.
However, in the Americas the goji wolfberry has only been popular starting in this century! Because the berries are grown mostly in China, they are shipped to the west only after they have been dried, juiced or powdered. These products are then sold in health food stores or on Internet marketing venues.
So the answer is yes, you could say that wolfberries are fairly new in the west. However, they are becoming more popular as more people become interested in superfruits whose high nutrient density promise to provide great health benefits. In terms of a superfruit, the goji berry really is about as nutritious as it gets. They contain many essential and trace minerals, essential vitamins and fatty acids, antioxidants (more than any other food), amino acids and many other important nutrients.
Because these fruits are so nutritionally valuable, there are many health benefits said to come from eating them every day. Even ancient Chinese herbalists hailed the fruit, as well as it's leaves, as a healing plant with the power to prevent eye diseases and improve eyesight, help neurological and cardiovascular function and many others. Today it is also known to boost the immune system, improve sexual function, increase energy levels, protect the liver and many, many other things. It is also said to have anti-aging properties!
While the goji or wolfberry has been around for thousands of years, it is only recently being marketed in the west as a healthfood product. Although you typically can only find the berries processed, it is also possible to buy seeds or seedling plants and grow your own! This is a fantastic way to keep all the benefits that mother nature has to offer in these little nutritional powerhouses!
If you are looking to give your health a boost, and enjoy trying exotic fruits, get your hands on some goji berries and enjoy the benefits! While the research has not yet been done to back up the claims scientifically, many people who eat the berries every day can attest to some serious and wonderful benefits to their health and well being!
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