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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Miraculous Goji Berry Benefits For Improved Well Being

By Maddie Tregonning

Goji berry benefits stem from their rich variety of nutrients and antioxidants. They are also well known in English as wolfberries, and although they have a number of other names, they are more popularly marketed as the goji berry. They are brightly colored red, elliptical berries that grow on one to three meter high bushes.

The berries are perhaps the most nutrient-rich fruit in existence. They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins that grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia, and in the Himalayas in Tibet.

Belonging to the nightshade or Solonaceae family, they have a slightly sour, tangy taste to them. Because of their great fragility, Goji berries must be harvested gently by hand and are usually found dried.

The many Goji berry benefits to be had begin first with their intricate collection of molecules, including polysaccharides, which are sugar molecules believed to support the body's immune system. Polysaccharides are also known to be a great source of probiotic fibers, which are the fermentable portions of soluble fiber that are processed into SCFAs, or short-chain fatty acids, within the intestines. This then provides beneficial nutrients for the probiotics within the intestinal tract to aid the body with vital functions like digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

They are also considered to be a tonic in that they help to keep vital organs and energies in balance.

Highly regarded as China's national treasure, the Goji berry is finally getting much needed attention in the West. Containing an impressive concentration of iron, the berries are also important to the circulatory system.

Predominantly grown in the northwestern portions of Tibet and China, which boast some of the purest soil in all of the world, they come from the Lycium plant, an evergreen bush with vines that may reach as high as 10 to 15 feet. Truly a food to marvel at, Goji berries are relatively small, growing only as long as one to two centimeters, and having a taste that's been described as both sweet and sour. Often used in teas, soups, and rice meals, they are also sold fresh throughout the temperate regions of China where they grow wild.

For thousands of years Goji berries have had a noticeable place in traditional Chinese medical practices due to their low fat content, low number of calories, but extremely high vitamin content like beta carotene (vitamin A) and vitamin C as well as plenty of antioxidants.

Goji berry benefits are numerous and this is why they are regarded by many to be the single most healthful product in the world that has magical properties associated with it.

They are now considered a health food because research has shown that they have antioxidants and nutrients in plenty, which may explain why they are also now classified as one of the super fruits. Demand for super fruits like these is expected to reach the billion-dollar mark by year 2011.

Since the delicate Goji berry must be harvested by hand and must then be turned into liquid form within the first one or two days following harvesting, the process of producing the juice is a time consuming one, however, Goji berry benefits are many and are well worth the wait. - 17273

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