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!




 

Goji Berry News:

 

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 .

..


The importance of mindful eating - WTNH

The importance of mindful eating
WTNH
In a bowl, mix together the bulgur, goji berries, cucumber, parsley, sea salt and pepper, lemon juice, and oil. SERVING TIP: Serve with a side of creamy Greek yogurt, tender oak leaf lettuce, and some colorful olives. In a bowl, mix together the shrimp .

..


African mangoes: weight loss miracle or pulp fiction?
Obesity killer! Miracle in your medicine cabinet! Wonder fruit!..


The Adventures of Superfood Man - BusinessWeek

BusinessWeek

The Adventures of Superfood Man
BusinessWeek
Darin Olien is to maca root and goji berry what Indiana Jones is to lost arks. And the market for his exotic drink mixes is doublingEUR”even though there's scant science to show they work By Peter Heller On a good morning in Paradise Cove, Malibu, .

..


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...


Overheard in L.A.: Serial KillersEUR”They're Just Like Us!
Theres no predicting the shenanigans that can go down at L.A. after parties. One lucky lady has found a fail-proof method to stay safe at such events. This weeks Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on amateur astronomer night, Shiva and serial killers. [ more EUR ]..


Skinny Nutritional Corp. Retires $1255000 in Outstanding Debt - MarketWatch (press release)

Skinny Nutritional Corp. Retires $1255000 in Outstanding Debt
MarketWatch (press release)
Skinny Water comes in eight great-tasting flavors that include Acai Grape Blueberry, Raspberry Pomegranate, Orange Cranberry Tangerine and Lemonade Passionfruit, and as part of its 'Sport' line: Blue Raspberry, Pink Berry Citrus, Kiwi Lime and Goji .

and more »
..


Lose those post-break body blues
Feeling a little worse for wear after the break? Chances are you're not alone...


Angelina Jolie's tiny frame draws gasps across Red Carpet - Daily Mail

Daily Mail

Angelina Jolie's tiny frame draws gasps across Red Carpet
Daily Mail
During a recent photoshoot, the Tomb Raider star ate just a few almonds and picked on fruits including acai, goji, blueberries and chokeberries. The source said: 'She requested bowls of the berries, and that is all she ate during the day, .

and more »
..


Overhaul your health
Feeling a little worse for wear after the break? Chances are you're not alone. Tiredness, tight waistbands and illnesses that linger can all be signs your health is in need of an overhaul. The good news is setting yourself up for a year of feeling and looking good needn't be an overwhelming leap...


African mango mania
Obesity killer! Miracle in your medicine cabinet! Wonder fruit! How the experts rate the latest superfood craze...


Whey-infused Greek yogurt makes debut - Drug Store News

Whey-infused Greek yogurt makes debut
Drug Store News
The line currently contains six varieties, including blackberry pomegranate, strawberry goji berry, raspberry white grape, acai mixed berry, vanilla bean and plain. Better Whey of Life carries a suggested retail price range of $1.39 to $1.69 per 6-oz.

..


'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, EURśwhy don't you grab a squat over there, Phoebe will get you a Goji berry juice.EURť Beckett shuts holds out her shield, suggesting the crew take five. Reggie says, EURśKay doesn't have five to spare .

and more »
..


Focus on fiber to lower cholesterol
Recently, fiber has gained attention because of its role in helping to control cholesterol. Soluble fiber binds cholesterol and removes it from the body before it is absorbed into the blood stream...


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, .

..

Better Whey of Life Launches New Whey-Infused Greek Yogurt - Sacramento Bee

Better Whey of Life Launches New Whey-Infused Greek Yogurt
Sacramento Bee
Hitting regional shelves in Chicago, Denver and San Francisco are six "twist-on-the-familiar" varieties: blackberry pomegranate, strawberry goji berry, raspberry white grape, acai mixed berry, vanilla bean and plain.

and more »
..


Superfoods or superhype?
Berries EUR” Yes, noni, acai and goji berries are traditional, indigenous powerful sources of nutrients in certain regions throughout the world...


Growing goji berries in the Bay Area - San Francisco Chronicle

Growing goji berries in the Bay Area
San Francisco Chronicle
Dried goji berries, imported from Tibet or China, are currently selling for $20 per pound. One of the berry varieties will grow in some zones in the Bay Area, and the leaves of the plant can be used in soup. Q: I'd like to grow some goji berries.

..



Technorati Tags: , ,