Why Are Goji Berries Good for Your Health
Perhaps you’ve heard of the newest addition to the team of superfoods we’re only beginning to discover – Goji berries. Actually, Goji berries aren’t new to people in Tibet, the Himalayas and China; however, they’re fairly new to western civilization and boy are we glad they’re finally here!
Goji Berries, The Newest Superfood
Goji berries, also called wolfberries, are rich in antioxidants including carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is known to protect the retina of the eye and may protect against developing macular degeneration.
Goji berries are also known to:
- protect liver and enhance liver function
- improve eyesight
- improve sexual function and fertility
- boost your immune function
- improve your circulation
Wolfberries contain many nutrients including:
- 11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals
- 18 amino acids
- 6 essential vitamins
- 8 polysaccharides and 6 monosaccharides
- Essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid
- beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols
- Beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, a xanthophyll
- Phenols
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin C
- Beta-carotene
- Polysaccharides
Now that’s a superfood!
How Goji Berries Taste And How To Eat Them
Said to taste both sweet and sour, Goji berries are red and have a chewy texture. They can be eaten raw, brewed into a tea, made into a juice or added to foods like soups or stews. They’re also good with nuts and other dried fruits as a trail mix.
To add Goji berries to your diet you can eat them by the handful or add them to yogurt, granola and cereal. Combine them with other fruits and veggies in a smoothie for a tasty and healthy treat. Mix with nuts and berries for an afternoon snack or add them to cookies, rice, soups and stews. And here’s a meatloaf recipe which uses these wonderful berries:
Goji Berry Meatloaf:
1lb ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
1-2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 cup Goji berries
1 egg slightly beaten
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons soy sauce
salt & pepper to taste
Glaze Topping:
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step One: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Step Two: Mix all meatloaf ingredients together in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into loaf pan.
Step Three: Bake 35-40 minutes.
Step Four: Top loaf with glaze and cook 10 more minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Originally only found in obscure health food stores, you can now find Goji berries in many mainstream super markets and certainly at your local whole foods store or market. Add them to your diet and start reaping this superfood’s amazing benefits.
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