Goji Berries
Goji Berries are one of the most potent sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C. These are both fantastic antioxidants. The Goji Berry was found to have the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of all fruits. The ORAC scale is a method of measuring the antioxidant capacity of different foods and supplements. It is believed that foods higher on the ORAC scale will more effectively neutralize free radicals.
While fortifying the immune system and helping to stimulate the body to produce more natural Human Growth Hormone, studies with elderly people have shown that these powerful berries can decrease the signs of aging, increase the function of T cells and white cell interleukin-2 while uplifting mood, increasing optimism, improving appetite and encouraging better sleep patterns.
On a nutritional level, Goji Berries are unmatched by any other food. They are loaded with 18 kinds of amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen) and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). Plus, Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the most powerful ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus). Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth. They contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges making them second only to camu camu berries as the richest vitamin C source on earth. Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.
Our exclusive Goji Berries are from a pristine area within the Ningxia Province in China. This is where people have grown Goji Berries for centuries. Goji Berries are very high in anti-oxidants and are noted to be one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can be prescribed for dozens for different ailments. More than anything, they are believed to increase the "chi" or life energy in those that eat them. The physician's handbook, Ben Cao Gang Mu, recorded during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) writes, "taking in Goji Berry regularly may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, which can lead to longevity."
Chinese herbalists have prescribed Goji Berries to restore energy and strength, increase stamina and longevity, boost sexual libido and enhance fertility (explaining its name - matrimony vine), strengthen the immune system, treat insomnia, improve eyesight (it's the world's richest food source of carotenoids), and aid in digestion. The polysaccharides in Goji Berries have been found to stimulate interleukin-2 and gamma interferon, which are anti-inflammatory and induce immune enhancing responses.
As far as taste goes, it is somewhat difficult to describe. Some say Goji Berries' taste is between a cranberry and a cherry, and others say they taste like raspberry and plum. Either way, savor each Goji individually. They can be eaten by the handful or added to hot and cold cereals, blender drinks or salads. Add a handful to your water bottle and eat them as you drink, or use in trail mix, soups, whole fruit and nut bars, baked goods, tea, etc. Goji Berries are tasty, fun and energizing.
Recommended Usage:
Goji berries are an excellent health-boosting food! Enjoy a handful a day or create tasty snacks, trail mixes, smoothies and more! For a simple and delicious trail mix, combine Goji Berries with cacao nibs, your favorite raw nuts, such as cashews, almonds, walnuts, or pistachios and your choice of other dried fruits for a superfood mix you can enjoy on the go.
Recipes:
Try blending into your favorite smoothies, juice and elixirs or soak in water to rehydrate. The goji soak water makes for a wonderfully hydrating beverage and can be used as the base for smoothies.
Goji berries can also be used as a delicious tea additive. Mix 10-15 goji berries into your teas and enjoy the accentuated flavor of all the tea ingredients.
