7 Impressive Reasons To Eat Goji Berries

Over the last couple of decades, the word “superfood” has become very common in the health and wellness circles and almost all exotic health foods have been assigned as one.

Goji berry is one of the unique fruits that was considered as superfood long before this term was coined throughout the western culture.

Also known as wolfberries, goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. They are considered to have been the favorite fruits of the ancient Himalayan monks who consumed them to achieve elevated levels of longevity, vitality and stamina.

The consumption of these red delicious fruits has dramatically increased over the past 20 years in the Western World. These are several good reasons to start adding goji berries to your diet:

1. Forever Young 

Goji berries contain high levels of antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals come from various sources and create DNA damage to your cells which contributes in the process of aging.

Due to amino acids and other minerals contained in goji berries, these fruits can also help your body in the process of repairing and regenerating cells. Some of the benefits of these compounds are reduced inflammation, reduced appearance of scared tissue, decreased visibility of wrinkles, firmer skin and healing of sun-damaged skin. A daily serving of goji berries will help you slow or even reverse the signs of aging.

2. Mind Defense 

The consumption of goji berries has proved as an amazing manner of supporting memory and mental clarity as well as protecting the mind against  Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological issues.  This is because of the high levels of calcium and B vitamins in goji berries.

3. Muscle Recovery 

Goji berries facilitate elevated oxygen and blood flow within the body , that assists in preventing excessive lactic acid production and build-up. They have been used for thousands of years for promoting physical strength and muscle recovery. The normal liver function is also supported by goji berries, which is closely related to muscle recovery.

4. Healthy Heart 

Goji berries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that improve blood and muscle function that directly impacts the health of your heart. Studies have shown that antioxidants in goji berries protects red blood cells against the process known as “lipid peroxidation” or in other words the degeneration of lipids within the cellular membrane. This process is the leading cause of various heart diseases.

5. Increased Energy 

Regular consumption of goji berries increases your energy levels. This is due to the abundance of minerals and vitamins contained in this fruit. They boost the metabolism and reduce the effects of chronic fatigue. These are some of the vitamins and minerals in goji berries:

• Iron – transports the oxygen in your blood to your organs, muscles and other tissues. Iron assists in creating energy and fueling enzymes.
• B vitamins – help to metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins and convert them into energy.
• Fiber – helps in more prouductive food digestion which helps in providing sustained energy levels.

6. Liver Detoxification 

Goji berries contain chemical compounds known as “betaines” that detoxify the liver by removing fatty deposits in it. According to various studies, betaine is also useful for protecting the liver against hepatotoxins, such as ethanol and carbon tetrachloride. These toxic components usually enter the body through certain medications or food that is not organically grown and can cause a severe damage to the liver.

7. Cancer Fighter 

This is perhaps the most promising benefit  – the goji’s potential to help in the recovery process of patients suffering from cancer. Many studies have been conducted and it is confirmed that the goji berry extract is effective in fighting tumorous cells. Some of the studies have shown that goji berries might actually be able to stop the growth of certain cancerous cells, while other studies have shown that they were a highly beneficial supplement to traditional cancer treatments; contributing to the reversal of cancerous growths on the skin, lungs, colon, kidneys and throat.

GOJI BERRY TEA 

• 1/4 cup dried goji berries
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 1 lemon wedge
• 3 cups hot water

Add all ingredients to a teapot and allow to steep for 20-30 minutes. Let it cool and sip on throughout the day. Enjoy its health benefits !

Source : http://www.foodmatters.com