Origin
Goji berries are small, oblong fruits with a delicate structure and a sweet taste. They are the fruit of the shrubs: wolfberry (Lycium Barbarum) and Chinese wolfberry (lycium chinense). These plants come from the Mongolian and Tibetan Himalayas, from where they spread to South America and also to Europe. Their health properties were used as early as two thousand years ago in traditional Chinese medicine.
Today, they are popular with celebrities, helping them stay young and healthy.
Nutritional value
Goji fruits are extremely rich in valuable nutrients, which can affect the functioning of the entire body. The average nutritional value of 100g of fruit is:
- 280 kcal
- 11,4 g of protein
- 64g of carbohydrates
- 2,4 g of fat
- 102 mg of calcium
- 1132 mg of potassium
- 2 mg of zinc
- 20 mg of vitamin C
Goji fruit is characterized by a wealth of ingredients such as:
- all essential amino acids
- vitamin E (an antioxidant rarely found in fruits)
- flavonoids and phytosterols having a strong antioxidant effect
- specific polysaccharides that affect the immune system
- B vitamins (helping to maintain beautiful skin, hair and nails)
- unsaturated fatty acids responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system and synthesis hormones
- carotenoids: Beta-carotene (more than in a carrot), zeaksantyna, an antioxidant found in the retina of the eye, lutein and lycopene
Effect on the body
- Due to the very high content of antioxidants, goji berries mainly affect the defense mechanisms of cells. They help in eliminating free radicals and thus delay the aging processes i strengthen the immune system.
- Beta-sitosterol- phytosterol present in fruits lowersblood cholesterol, regulates the work of the heart and has a beneficial effect on the normalization of blood pressure. Moreover, it is a supporting ingredient treatment of impotence and prostate enlargement.
- Research has shown that the protein-polysaccharide complex found in goji berries does antitumor effect and reduces the side effects of treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, goji berry extract has been proven to work lowering the level of sugar and fats in the blood, which in the future may turn out to be an alternative to synthetic drugs used in the treatment of diabetes.
- The presence of zeaxanthin and lutein protects the macula of the eye and thus protects it reducing the risk of blindness and the development of eye diseases in old age. Moreover, zeaxanthin is an important ingredient to support the process liver detoxificationeven in severe poisoning.
Application
Goji berries are available in the market in various forms. The most popular are dry fruits. In this form, they can be eaten as a snack or an addition to various types of sweet and meat dishes. It is best eaten in this form15-20g fruit a day.
An alternative for people who will not like dried goji fruits are juices, supplements in capsules, bars and various types of teas. Goji fruit in dark or milk chocolate can be an interesting idea for those who are not on a reduction diet. It’s best to find products containing goji berries in health food stores.