| The Goji Berry: The Jolly Super Food That Gives You Something to Smile About
 I love the inherent power in food. That wondrous ability within certain foods to help us feel well and healthy, heal our ailments, while providing us with sustained energy. It is to be respected for sure. These are foods with a function, the kind that goes beyond general nutritional requirements, offering rich health benefits. Blueberries, for example, have been receiving rave reviews for their antioxidant properties in the last few years. But there are many more super foods we are increasingly becoming aware of that other cultures have been benefiting from for centuries, offering us a glimpse into their secret for health and longevity.
In the valleys of Tibet and Mongolia the Goji (pronounced Go-Jee) berry has been highly cherished for centuries by locals for its medicinal properties and is honored in celebrations lasting two weeks each year. Historically, Goji foragers have collected the berries by shaking the vines, allowing the berries to fall onto mats, where the berries dry naturally and retain their nutrient content. Many producers still practice this collection method.
Tibetans claim the most commonly cited side effect of eating too many Goji berries is that they may cause you to laugh more; and a handful in the morning will make you happy all day. Folklore or not, the extensive health properties were enough to entice me. I've been grinning from ear to ear since including this tasty little berry in my trail mix. I'm mad about their not-too-sweet, semi-tart flavor. It's something of a cross between a dried cherry and a raisin.
The Goji Legend
Legend has it that Goji berries (Lycium Eleganus) were discovered by a doctor during his study of an ancient society living in a remote region of the Tibetan Himalayas. He found that some members of this society lived long lives in good health for 100 years or more. He recognized that all of these centenarians lived near certain water wells where Goji berry vines grew. As the berries ripened, they fell into the water wells where their nutrients dissolved in the water, which was subsequently drunk by the people living nearby. It became clear that the berries added something to the water that made those who drank it robustly healthy and live to a ripe old age.
The Nutrient-Dense Goji Berry
Goji berries have an impressive nutritional profile. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, having 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges and more beta carotene than carrots. Goji Berries contain amino acids, essential fatty acids and 12 trace minerals. Traditional Chinese Medicine claims the Goji berry assists in restoring chi deficiency, meaning they may counteract chronic fatigue after consuming Goji berries on a regular basis. They also are beneficial for those with hypoglycemia by maintaining a healthy blood sugar through reduced sugar cravings.
But the main beneficial property of the Goji is its high level of polysaccharides. Studies show that polysaccharides are exceptional sources of the essential cell sugars necessary for proper immune function and intercellular communication. These polysaccharides can enhance health by maintaining normal cell growth and thus may help slow the aging process. This isn't to say that you can down a cheeseburger and expect to be absolved by topping it off with a handful of Goji berries. It's best to adhere to a moderate diet and include super foods such as the Goji for optimal health.
Top 10 Benefits of Polysaccharides
- Inhibit tumor growth
- Prevent cancer
- Neutralize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
- Help normalize blood pressure
- Help balance blood sugar
- Combat autoimmune disease
- Act as an anti-inflammatory
- Balance immune function
- Lower cholesterol and blood lipids
- Increase calcium absorption
Where to Find Goji Berries
Local harvesters are quick to point out that the Goji berry is indeed different from its distantly related offspring, the Chinese Wolfberry, which is often sprayed with pesticides. Wolfberries are grown and sold throughout China whereas the Goji Berry comes from the pristine valleys of Tibet and Inner Mongolia. So be mindful of this when making your Goji purchase.
Sourcing Goji berries at present may make you feel like something of a forager yourself, but don't despair; they are becoming increasingly available here in the U.S. In addition to a variety of online sources, here are a few locations where you can purchase Goji berries:
Try adding Goji berries to:
- Whole grain cereal or oatmeal
- Trail mix (I like a 1:1 mix of roasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, Goji berries and dried cranberries or blueberries)
- Substitute for raisins in your favorite oatmeal cookie recipe
- Be decadent and dip them in antioxidant rich melted dark chocolate and cool on waxed paper until set
Do you have a favorite functional food that you swear by? A pint of Guinness for iron? Fish oil for you joints? I would love to hear how you started using it and how you feel it benefits you as well as any other comments or suggestions you may have.
Cheers!
Melissa
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