Aka: Lycium Berry, "Happy Berry"
Origin: Found in the Himilayan Mountains ranging from Tibet to India.
Folklore: During China's Tang dynasty (approx. 800 A.D.), legend has it that a well had been dug next to a Buddhist temple. The wall surrounding the well was covered with goji vines. As the berries ripened, the unpicked fruit would fall into the well, enriching the water. During prayer time, the monks would drink the water becoming strong in health and living to a ripe old age without their hair turning gray or their teeth falling out.
Health Benefits: The goji berry has been a food staple in Asian cultures for thousands of years. When analyzed under a microscope, the fruit reveals itself to be a powerhouse of phytochemicals (most notably polysaccharides), well known for having health-promoting effects. It also boasts nineteen amino acids (including eight that are essential for life), twenty-one trace minerals, B-complex/C/E vitamins, many antioxidants, anti-fungal and anti-bacteria compounds, essential fatty acids and the list goes on!
Chinese researchers have published their studies in peer-reviewed journals on the use of the goji's phytochemicals. Among its benefits, the phytochemicals have been known to heal or prevent chronic fatigue, cholesterol oxidation, provide support to the immune system and also defend the body from free-radical attack, hypertension-induced damage to kidney cells, and periodontal disease. In the latter, it has been demonstrated that when applying goji extract to a diseased tooth root or surface, it will improve the attachment and assist in the growth of new, healthy gum tissue.
Blurb: I came across goji berries in the local health food store. I purchased them in their dried form, which is great for mixing into muffin or pancake batter. They are also good sprinkled on oatmeal or simply eaten by the handful. The flavor has been compared to a cross between a plum and a strawberry. With all the nutritious facts on the goji berry that include four unique phytonutrients, nineteen amino acids, twenty-one trace minerals, higher concentration of Vitamin C than oranges, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compounds, and even Betaine (which the liver used to produce anti-nervousness, memory-enhancing, muscle growth effects)...and much more...we invite you to try goji berries yourself to determine the exact flavor.
http://gojiexpress.com/index.cfm?fuseAction=main.CID_01_001_08
http://www.goji-berries.net/goji-berry.html
Sherri L Dodd is the creator and author of Mom Looks Great - The Fitness Program for Moms. She is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant and Kickboxing Instructor with over fifteen years of exercise experience. She has lectured to groups on her fitness plan and is a freelance writer on the topics of fitness and general nutrition as well as the humorous side of motherhood.
