Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are classified as the most nutritionally packed fruit on earth. They are a member of the nightshade family (Solonaceae), which consists of many other common vegetables including potato, sweet potato, tomato, eggplant, as well as pepper, as well as some poisonous plants such as belladonna and deadly nightshade. Native to the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet and also Mongolia, they are now also grown in many other countries as well.
Although they have only been introduced in Western countries recently, gojis have been used for thousands of years in Tibet as well as China, both as a cooking element as well as medicinally.
Unique among fruits because they have all essential amino acids, goji berries also provide the greatest concentration of protein of any fruit. They're also packed with vitamin C, contain far more carotenoids than any other food, possess 21 minerals, and also are an excellent source of dietary fiber. Boasting fifteen times the amount of iron present in spinach, in addition to calcium, zinc, selenium and also many other vital minerals, no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritionary powerhouse. And in the event you haven't already guessed they can be somewhat high priced, but so is anything else that is actually worth consuming. If you want to try some goji berries for cheap however you could use these kroger grocery coupons.
This amazing little superfruit also has natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties as well as polysaccharides easily boost the immune system. It's no wonder then, that in traditional Chinese medication they're legendary for improving strength and also longevity.
In conventional Chinese medicine, the goji has been said to act on the Kidney and Liver meridians to aid with back discomfort, dizziness and also vision. They're generally eaten raw, converted into a tea or extract, or as an ingredient in soups.
Gojis are most commonly available in dried form, and make a great snack eaten as is, included in trail mix, muesli or oatmeal. They can be soaked for a couple of hours in enough water to cover them. Then the soak water is drained off and makes a delicious drink, or both water and berries included in smoothies.
Please note that there might be adverse interactions if you ingest goji berries while also taking medicine for diabetes, or blood pressure, or take the blood thinner warfarin. So be sure to seek advice from your health care provider if that is the situation.
Gojis can often be found in Asian food shops, but many of these are derived from the industrial growing regions of China and Tibet, and comprise high amounts of pesticides as well as fertilizers. Even some brand names which boast of being organic may not be, so make sure to get your goji berries from a reputable source and make the most of kroger grocery coupons to cost down on costs.
Filed under Popular diets by on Jul 14th, 2010.