Goji, goji berry or wolfberry is the fruit of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense, two closely related species of boxthorn in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. The same family with potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, chili peppers and tobacco. Goji berries are known for their amazing health benefits.
Let’s explore some facts and trivia about this mysterious fruit!
1.The goji berry is a leading member of an emerging class of fruits, known as “Superfruits.”
2.Also known as wolfberries, goji berries have long been enjoyed in China and the Himalayas for their sweet taste and bright color.
3.Their history as a medicinal plant has roots in ancient China, where goji berries still are used to treat eye, liver, and kidney ailments.
4.A host of additional nutritional and medical claims have made the fruit popular in the United States.
5.They thrive in the ground or are suitable for container gardening in colder climates.
6.Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are used in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines.
7.A raw goji berry is about the size of the tip of your pinky finger, if not smaller.
8.Goji berries are filled with vitamins and anti-oxidants. Their impressive nutritional profile includes beta-carotene, Vitamins C, B1 and B2, lutein and lycopene.
9.Some studies using goji berry juice found possible benefits that included a feeling of well being and calmness, better athletic performance and quality of sleep, and weight loss.
10.It’s not clear if goji berries are better than other types of berries, or if goji berry supplements have the same health benefits as the actual berries.
11.Goji berries have a natural tinge of sweetness with a very slight herb-like aftertaste. They also contain tiny seeds,which contain fibre.
12.You can eat them raw or soak them in hot water before munching. Others prefer adding goji berries to trail mixes, smoothies or as a garnish on cereals, salads or yogurts.
13.Goji berries can, also, be baked, cooked, steamed, and processed in any way after they are washed.
14.Even though, medical evidence is not consistent, some people with arthritis claim that goji berries help reduce their pain.
15.A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Optometry found evidence that goji berries can protect against macular degeneration, though exactly how is not clear.
16.Daily intake of Goji berries gives you a perfect glowing skin. The oil extracted from Goji berries with other components is a nice ingredient for skin care products.
17.They can be expensive. A 500-gram bag of dried goji berries costs about $15 to $20 at most natural food stores and online.
18.Goji berries could interact with some drugs. If you take warfarin (a blood thinner), you may want to avoid goji berries. Goji berries may also interact with diabetes drugs and blood pressure drugs.
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