Goji berry or also known as Wolfberry in English is basically a small fruit of the plant called in Latin as “Lycium barbarmum”. This berries are small red in colour and similar to size and texture of the raisins that we eat. The origin of the word Goji is unclear, but it seems like a simplified pronunciation of the Mandarin name of the same fruit g?uq?. This berries grow and big part of the Chinese and the Tibetan culture, although very recently they have been seen in the Western world.
Use of Goji Berries
This berries are very high is Vitamin C at least 500 times more than that of Oranges, good source of Vitamin A,B, and E. They are rich in anti oxidants, minerals like selenium, zinc, calcium. They also contain 13% of protein and essential fatty acid. Thus these berries are also known as super food.
Due to high amount of antioxidant in these berries they are thus beneficial against cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, vision related disease and cancer. Some research suggests the use of the extract of this berries may boost brain health and thus protect humans against age related diseases like Alzheimer’s. The U.S department of Agriculture regards Goji berries as one of the highest free radical destroying potential in any food.
Side Effects:
Certain medication like Warfarin does react with the berries and thus those who do take those should refrain from eating the berries. Increase alertness is also seen with intake of this berries, which is why they are advised not be taken at night time. Those suffering with pollen allergies should not consume these berries as they are said to increase their sensitivity further.
It is recommended that a person consume a small handful of Goji berries daily to gain health benefits.
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