Goji Berries

Goji berries are incredibly beautiful. They have a firey red color and an oval shape. To me, they almost resemble cherry tomatoes. They've been used in nutritional and medicinal diets for centuries, but I hadn't even heard of goji berries until I took a serious interest in the natural benefits of foods.
(Image taken from sacredmedicinesanctuary.com)



Goji berries are grown on a shrub native to China, and has been eaten in Asia for centuries with the hope of living longer. But that was before we had the ability to enhance our research, so those who ate it had no idea what kind of benefits they were recieving! So, what's in a goji berry and what does it do to the body?

Polysaccharides: This seems to be the main component of the berry that allows it to benefit the body. It has four unique polysaccharides which all help strengthen the immune system. These four also stimulate the secretion of an inate anti-aging hormone calle hGH (found in the pituatary gland). hGH is rumored to improve skin complexion, muscle mass and height. It also increases energy in the body, which can prevent ongrowing fatigue.
Along with betaine, polysaccharides can help repair or restore damaged DNA.
Research has also been linked to the polysacchardies in the goji berry to combat heart diseases.
Beta-carotene: This is what gives carrots its orange color, and also the orange tint in the goji berry. There's more beta-carotene in these berries than carrots, believe it or not! Beta-carotene is known to improve vision.
Beta-sitosterol: Goji berries are heavy in antioxidants. It's one of the top berries in that department, actually. This specific antioxidant helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It keeps the arteries open and helps them flow smoothly.
(info taken from: genesistoday.com)
Fiber: Goji berries are 21% fiber by weight, which is a good amount. Fiberous foods fill the stomach more quickly and for longer periods of time. The natural sweet and tartness found in the berry can not only aid in curbing sugar cravings, but you will feel more satisfied after snacking.
Vitamins: B1, also known as thiamin, is known for converting carbohydrates into energy and also for healthy thyroid function. A malfunctioning thyroid does result in weight gain. Calcium is not only good for the bones (women just don't get enough of it), but it also correlated to weight loss. Additional vitamins found in goji berries are copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

So how can you incorporate goji berries into your diet? The most popular form is juice. There are a lot of varieties of this where they blend goji berry juice with other fruit juices. They also have it on its own, and I really like that. They also sell it in teas and oils, or dried berries (like raisins). Here are some cool recipes.


Cranberry and Goji Berry Chutney: This is suggested to go with pork loin, roasted turkey or chicken.
Ingredients:
12 ounces fresh cranberries
2/3 cups goji berries
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots 1 medium shallot, chopped
1 cup apple cider
2/3 cup sugar or 1 cup brown rice syrup
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch cayenne pepper
Pinch allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
Zest of one orange
Method: Combine cranberries, goji berries, apricots and shallots in a saucepan. Add cider and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the goji berries are soft and plump, and the cranberries pop. Stir in sugar, maple syrup, spices and salt. Cook 5 minutes longer. Adjust seasonings, remove from heat, and stir in walnuts and orange zest. Cool to room temperature. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Per serving (2 Tbsp/34g-wt.): 50 calories (5 from fat), 1g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 12g total carbohydrate (1g dietary fiber, 10g sugar), 0g protein
(taken from: wholefoods.com)

Orcas Island Goji Berry Wild Rice Salad - from Julia S.; Makes 6 servings (about 1 cup each) Preparation Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked wild rice
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans or 1 1/2 cups cooked dry-packaged kidney beans, rinsed, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans or pinto beans or 1 1/2 cups cooked dry-packaged black beans or pinto beans, rinsed, drained
1 half cup Goji Berries
1 cup peas
Vinaigrette(recipe follows)
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 cups spinach leaves
12 to 16 ounces broiled or grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced or cubed (optional)
2 beets or one can (15 ounces) beets, drained and diced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecan or walnut halves (optional)
Preparation: 1. Combine rice, beans, Goji Berries, and peas; pour 2/3 cup vinaigrette over and toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 2. Spoon salad onto spinach-lined plates, arrange chicken on salad; spoon beets to the side. Drizzle remaining 1/3 cup vinaigrette over beets and chicken. 3. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired.
Vinaigrette: Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots or red onion
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons orange or pineapple juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Preparation: 1. Whisk together all ingredients. Prepared ahead, refrigerate until serving time. Mix again before using. Chocolate Recipe Alternative With Goji And Prune from Alex Windall Satisfy your chocolate cravings in a healthy way this holiday season with a simple recipe switch. You can replace up to three-quarters of the shortening in chocolate recipes with a puree of dried plums and a quarter part Goji Berries. The puree will add a dense, fudge-like texture to recipes and works especially well with chocolate. What’s more, dried plums, or prunes, are an excellent source of boron and both are an excellent source of fiber.
(taken from: gojiberriesblog.com)

If you want more information on goji berries, I suggest going to www.gojiberriesblog.com.