Goji Berry, also known as Wolfberry, is native to southeastern Europe and Asia, especially the Himalayan region, and for centuries has been cultivated for use as both food and medicine. In the last 10 years, the Goji Berry has rapidly gained attention for its nutritional value, containing calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin C and B2, polysaccharides and monosaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acids and also 5 carotenoids including beta-carotene. It is especially known for its antioxidant potency with an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) level of 25,300; 10 times more than that of blueberries.
Health benefits include but are not limited to:
- Helps to combat premature aging containing 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine.
- Promotes cardiovascular and digestive health due to a balanced combination of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber, and phytosterols.
- Effectively encourages proper muscle contraction and regeneration due to an almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals.
- Increases energy while decreasing insomnia and anxiety.
- Fortifies the immune system and stimulates the pituitary gland.
- More protein than whole wheat (13% more), the Goji Berry displays an insulin-like action that is effective in fat decomposition.
- Contains Beta-sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent known to lower cholesterol and used to treat sexual impotence.
- Essential fatty acids stimulate the body’s production of hormones allowing for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system.
- Benefits the heart and blood pressure and alleviates menstrual discomfort.
Sources:
http://www.gojiberrieshealthbenefits.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfberry
http://www.extremehealthusa.com/goji-berries/