Discover Goji Berry Benefits For Better Health
Goji berry benefits are derived from a wide variety of antioxidants and nutrients and the much sought after subtropical fruit is also known by names such as the wolfberry, among a few others.
Growing on evergreen shrubs within warm, temperate climates such as Tibet's Himalayan Mountains and in portions of Mongolia and China, Goji berries resemble shriveled, red raisins and are quite possibly the fruit with the most nutrient-rich content in all the world.
Usually found dried, they have a distinct and slightly tangy taste and are members of the Solonaceae or nightshade family. As they are rather fragile fruits, so the berries must be carefully harvested by hand.
The benefits that have garnered the most attention derive from the fruit's complex chains of sugars known as polysaccharides, which are said to support the immune system. And, the polysaccharides found within Goji berries are also known to be an excellent source of probiotic fiber. Probiotic fibers are the fermented portions of soluble fibers that have been processed in the intestines into what are called short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs. These acids then provide nutrients to the probiotics within the intestinal tract, helping the body with functions such as digestion and the absorption of vital nutrients.
Also considered to be a tonic that keeps the body's vital organs and energy sources in tune, Goji berries continue to offer plentiful health benefits years after their discovery.
In terms of the circulatory system, Goji berries play a rather important role and they also contain a large concentration of the mineral iron. Widely regarded as one of the nation's natural treasures in China, Goji berries are now becoming increasingly popular in the western world.
Goji berries are grown predominantly in the hills of northwest China and Tibet in some of the purest soils on Earth. They come from Lycium plants which grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. Goji berries are a truly remarkable food. They are about 1-2 centimeters in length, and have a sour-sweet taste and are used in China in rice dishes, soups and to make tea. In the regions of China where they grow, north-central and western, they might be sold as fresh berries.
Goji berries are well entrenched in traditional Chinese medicine, and rightfully so. They are relatively low in calories and fat, yet rich in vitamins A (beta-carotene) and C. They are becoming extremely prized for their high antioxidant content.
Goji berry benefits are numerous and this is why they are regarded by many to be the single most healthful product in the world that has magical properties associated with it.
Because of their super fruit status, high antioxidant concentration, and reports of research that's uncovered the multiple health benefits to be had from consuming the berry, their demand is expected to grow by leaps and bounds, possibly reaching the billion dollar mark in just a few short years by 2011.
Since the delicate Goji berry must be harvested by hand and must then be turned into liquid form within the first one or two days following harvesting, the process of producing the juice is a time consuming one, however, Goji berry benefits are many and are well worth the wait.