6000 Year Old Goji Berries

Goji berries are as much a herb, as they are a fruit. Packed full of nutrients and phytochemicals they have a huge potential for nourishing and vitalizing the whole body.

The consumption of Goji berries is dated back as 6000 Years.

The name "Goji" was originally used mainly in English and is derived from the Chinese Níngxià gu Uqa from. The plant with the small, red super berries belongs to the genus Bocks thorns (Lycium) of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Tomato and chilli plants also belong to the family Solanaceae.

In China goji berries are believed to be an elixir for longevity and vitality, through their ability to build “chi” energy, they are traditionally used in times of weakness and old age to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the body and spirit.

Goji berries have a very impressive phytonutrient profile

Minerals (11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals), 6 vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids (including the essential fatty acids-linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid), beta-sitosterol, carotenoids (the highest known food source of beta carotene – a powerful anti-oxidant), zeaxanthin (goji one of the richest edible plant sources known for zeaxanthin content), lutein, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, xanthophyll, phenolic pigments, Betaine and Physalin.

Goji berries are a perfect food for adding to paleo breakfast cereals and paleo smoothies.

Each 100g serve of goji berries contain on average-

  • Protein- 14.4 g 18 amino acids – 8 of them essential.

  • Calcium – 112 mg, 10% DRI.

  • Potassium – 1,132 mg, 24% of DRI.

  • Iron – 9 mg, 100% DRI.

  • Zinc – 2 mg, 18% DRI.

  • Selenium – 50 micrograms, 91% DRI.

  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2)- 1.3 mg, 100% of DRI.

  • Vitamin C –92 mg 100% DRI.

  • Beta-carotene- 7 mg, more than any other known food.

Many of the Phytonutrients in goji berries are powerful anti-oxidants that also show a potential to target specific tissues in the body, though none of these effects have been verified by science (yet), taking into account this vast array of phytonutrients the potential for goji berries as a whole body tonic and rejuvenator is huge.

 

Note—this post is for informational use only, for any supplementary or dietary changes please contact your health care practitioner.

Disclaimer : The information on this website is not intended as medical advice or to be used for treatment of any disease or condition. It is for your information only and any decisions you make regarding your health should be made in partnership with a qualified health care professional.