Goji berry – miracle fruit from Asia

Its bright red color also gives it the name “red diamond”: the goji berry. Among the superfoods it is considered the queen.

The small berry has an exceptionally high amount of antioxidants and other important nutrients and vital substances.

The people of Asia have been convinced of the health potential of the goji berry for thousands of years.

The small miracle fruit has always been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy and for the prevention of diseases.

The goji berry and its high-quality ingredients

In Goji berries are found almost all vital nutrients and vital substances. The small berries are rich in:

• vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, E),
• Minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus),
• Trace elements (chromium, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc),
• secondary plant substances,
• essential fatty acids (z. B. α-linolenic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid)
• Polysaccharides,
• and amino acids (z. B. arginine, leucine).

Among these substances there are many antioxidants (z. B. vitamin C, E), which have an effect against free radicals and thus can prevent cell damage.

The goji berry and its use in traditional Chinese medicine

Goji berry is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine.

TCM believes that the Goji berry can prolong life. In addition to the fruits, leaves, seeds, bark and roots are also used here.

For many centuries, the Goji berry has been used in the Asian region to strengthen the immune system as well as the heart, liver and kidneys, to improve vision, to treat high blood pressure and heart disease as well as headaches and dizziness.

A manual for doctors of the Ming dynasty says the following about the miracle berry: “Regular consumption of goji berries regulates the vital flow of energy, strengthens the entire organism and gives a long life.”

The life energy Qi plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. The whole body is supplied with vitality from it.

The Goji berry is said to strengthen the Yin and thus increase the vitality.

Goiji berry is considered highly digestible, which is why it is used in TCM to treat kidney dysfunction as well as to strengthen liver function. Other areas of application in TCM are:

• immune system,
• Skin,
• Fertility, birth, breastfeeding, menopause
• and potency.

In China, preparations with goji berries are also used to support chemotherapy.

Studies could prove meanwhile even that the small miracle fruit can cause a support of the cell protection and the immune defense.

The Goji berry is said to have the following effects:

• immune-boosting,
• antioxidant,
• anti-inflammatory,
• digestive,
• cholesterol-lowering,
• skin rejuvenating,
• detoxifying,
• and eye-protective.

Some of these effects have already been scientifically demonstrated.

Goji berries easy to integrate into everyday life

Goji berry has a mild spicy taste and a slight hint of sweetness.

In its dried form it resembles a raisin, inside there are tiny seeds with very high fiber content.

Due to its spicy-sweet taste, the goji berry can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Dried berries can be combined in many ways with fresh fruit, baked, mixed in yogurt and muesli or added to stews and soups.

So it is quite easy to incorporate goji berries into your daily diet.

Are side effects to be expected with the use of goji berries??

Goji berries are said to be able to influence the flow of blood.

So those who need to take blood thinning medications should avoid goji berries or consume them only under medical supervision.

Caution is also advised when taking blood pressure or diabetes medications.

Eating large amounts of goji berries can cause diarrhea due to the high content of vitamin C. Exactly therefore it is also recommended to increase slowly the consumption quantity.