Goji is also known as wolfberry. It is a light orange-red berry which
originates from a shrub that is native only to China. In Asia, Goji has been consumed for
generations with the hopes of living longer. Goji grows on an evergreen shrub
present in subtropical and temperate regions of Mongolia, China and the
Himalayas in Tibet. They belong to
nightshade (Solonaceae) family. Goji are
normally found totally dried-up. They
are shriveled red berries which appear like red raisins.
Serving Ideas For Goji:
Goji berries can be baked, blended, stewed, added to cereals
and more. Here are some amazing and fun serving ideas of goji berries.
Goji berry juice:
This is one favourite of many; simply add a handful of goji
berries to one glass of water. Let them sit and hydrate for a few minutes and
then you can simply add sugar to taste. While drinking the juice simply chew on
the berries to get a wonderful experience. It is great between meals and is
always a delight.
Goji apple salad:
Take 2 dice apples and 3 tablespoons pine nuts, walnuts,
sunflower deeds, 3 tablespoons of goji berries. Mix well and enjoy this
amazingly health salad. You can substitute the fruits and nuts according to
your needs.
Goji trail mix:
Kids simply love this. Use goji berries along with flax
seed, pine nuts, walnut, dried blue berries, apple slice, pineapple, peaches,
coconut shreds. Now add dark chocolate chip to the blend to make it simply
amazing. Also you can make goji jam, sauce, cream, cookies, pickle, rice salad
and much more.
How Does Goji Works ?
Goji contains Polysaccharides called LBP1, LBP2, LBP3, &
LBP4. All these Master molecules are
responsible for immunity enhancing properties of Goji and seem to possess a
connection to its anti-aging effect.
Furthermore, these elements could boost your well-being and health by
regulating DNA repair and restoration, as well as maintaining regular cell
growth. In addition to Polysaccharides, Goji even contains 18 amino acids
(which includes 8 essential amino acids). A Rich source of Vitamin-C (more
Vitamin C than are in Orange). A Rich
source of vitamins B1, B2, B6 (needed to transform food into energy). A Rich source of Vitamin E (generally Vitamin
E has only seen in seeds and grains).
Chemical Constituents of Goji
Goji contains several Phytochemicals for which there aren’t
any established DRI values. Examples are Beta-carotene-7 milligrams for every
100 gms of Goji. Reported content values
of Zeaxanthin in Goji vary quite considerably, from 2.4 mg for every 100 gms to
82.4 milligrams/100 gms to 200 milligrams/100 gms. Higher values will make Goji one of the
richest edible herb sources known for Zeaxanthin.
Side-effect Of Goji:
There might be few possible herbal-drug interactions with
Goji. If Warfarin (a blood thinner) is
taken, you should definitely avoid Goji.
Goji might even interact with blood pressure and diabetic drugs. When
taken in regulated quantities, Goji seem to be safe. Prior to adding Goji or their supplements to
your meal, consult your concerns with a physician. Two published case documents
described old aged women those who had increased bleeding, expressed as a
heightened INR, post taking liquid preparation of Goji tea. Further in-vitro testing showed that the tea
resisted Warfarin mechanism, showing enough evidence for a possible interaction
in between undefined Wolfberry Phytochemicals and Warfarin. Atropine is a toxic
Alkaloid that is found in other members of Solanaceae family, occurs naturally
in Goji fruit. Atropine levels in Goji
from Thailand and China was tested and found to be quite variable, with highest
content of 19 ppb, well below the toxic levels.
Hence, adulterated and misidentified samples of higher Atropine levels
might explain earlier, higher, measures.
How To Use:
·
Goji is used as an edible food; Goji is traditionally prepared prior to
consumption. Dried Gojis regularly mix with almond jelly and rice congee,
and used in Chinese tonic and soups, in blend
Goji is used as an edible food; Goji is traditionally prepared prior to
consumption. Dried Gojis regularly mix
with almond jelly and rice congee, and used in Chinese tonic and soups, in
blend with pork or chicken, green vegetables, and other herbs like Astragalus
membranaceus, wild yam, licorice root and Codonopsis pilosula.
•
Gojis are boiled and prepared as an herbal tea, regularly along with red
jujubes and/or chrysanthemum flowers or even with tea, specifically packaged
teas and pu-erh tea are available.
•
Several wines containing Goji (known as gǒuqǐ jiǔ) are prepared,
including many which are a mix of wolfberries and grape wine.
•
Young Goji leaves and shoots are used as a leaf vegetable.
Health Benefits of Goji:
·
Goji
has properties that can boost your body’s immune function.
·
Regular
use of Goji improves blood circulation in body.
·
Goji
promotes life’s longevity.
·
Enhances
Eyesight and cures eye diseases.
·
Goji
berries are rich antioxidant agents.
·
Carotenoids
like Zeaxanthin and beta-carotene in Goji are antioxidants.
·
One of
Zeaxanthins key properties is to protect retina of the eye.
