Goji berry is a shrub which comes from 2 varieties: Lucium Barbarum and l. Chinese. They are both indigenous varieties of southeastern Europe and Asia. The fruit has been known in China and Tibet for centuries. It has been mentioned in Chinese traditional legends since 2800bc. It is used in Chinese medicine due to its beneficial qualities regarding liver and kidneys function.

 

Goji berry varieties are deciduous, perennial and woody and can grow to a height of 5-6 meters. It is a raisin-shaped fruit with a bright red color and a mild taste. A good daily intake of goji berries can be 20-30gr and can be eaten in various ways. Its taste is said to resemble a raisin with a hint of tomato. They can be eaten raw or cooked. There are several goji berry products such as juices, cookies, sweets etc. Chinese make goji berry wine amongst others. It is considered to enrich the blood with nutrients and to help its circulation. Goji berry is a great aid for good vision. In general, it is a revitalizing energy boost for the whole human body. This fruit has always been a superfood: it is believed that it provides the necessary energy for our daily needs, even under stressed conditions. It is also said to be a strong anti-aging tool as well as a long life aid. There are many Chinese people living in areas where Goji Berry is cultivated who enjoy a long and healthy life and can affirm the amazing qualities of this fruit.

Goji Berries are thought to be one of the richest natural sources of nutrients. They have β-Carotene, vitamin C, Vitamin B1 and B2 among other important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino-acids. They contain many carbohydrates, proteins, fat and fibers all necessary for the human body. 100gr of processed goji berry have 370 calories. In commercial practice it is mentioned that the polysaccharides from goji berry products, including goji berry juices, are very beneficial for health.

 

Goji Berries contain:

• 18 amino-acids , including 8 that are essential for life
• 21trace minerals, such as zinc, calcium, germanium, selenium and phosphorus
• B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B6)
• Β- Carotene, more than in carrots, as well as the complete spectrum of the antioxidants
• Iron, more than in spinach
• Vitamin E, rarely found in fruits
• Vitamin C, 500 times more than in oranges (per weight unit)
• Various phytosterols, such as the anti-inflammatory β- sitosterol, which lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence
• Fatty acids, such as omega-6 and linoleic acid, which are responsible for a proper function of the hormones
• Antimicrobial and antifungal properties

Goji Berries are a great source of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and fibers. 68% of a goji berry contains 12% protein, 10% dietary fibers giving them a total caloric value of 370 calories/100 grams. Goji berries also contain unsaturated fat, such as linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acid.

Goji berries are a great source of micronutrients as:

• Calcium. An essential constituent of teeth and bone. It is also involved in the cardiac, neuromuscular and enzymatic function as well as transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Goji berries contain 112mg/100gr calcium, which is 8-10% of recommended daily intake.
• Potassium. This is an essential electrolyte and enzyme producer. It can lower high blood pressure. 100gr of Goji Berry contain almost 24% of the recommended daily intake in potassium (1132mg/100gr).
• Iron. This is an oxygen-carrying component of hemoglobin. It is also a cofactor of enzymes, which participate in many metabolic reactions. Goji berries can offer 100% of the recommended daily intake in iron (9mg/100gr) so they are one of the best iron sources.
• Zinc. It is necessary for the protein and the DNA production as well as the normal function of more than 100 enzymes. Zinc is crucial in the regeneration of the cellular membrane. Goji berries provide 20% of the recommended daily intake.
• Selenium. It is sometimes called the "antioxidant mineral", selenium is often included in supplements. It has unusually high concentration in Goji berries (50 micrograms/100 gr) at nearly 100% recommended daily intake.
• Riboflavin (B2). An essential vitamin supporting energy metabolism. It is needed for producing other vitamins and enzymes. A daily serving of 100 grams provides the complete recommended daily intake (1.3mg).
• Vitamin C. A universal antioxidant vitamin protecting other antioxidant molecules from free radical damage. Vitamin C content in dried berries ranges from 29mg to 148mg/100 gr. Even at the lower estimate, 35% of recommended daily intake is still provided. Vitamin C content of fresh goji berries is much higher and provides the total recommended daily intake.

Goji berries contain phytochemicals whose properties are under scientific study. Five of them are of particular interest:

• B-Carotene. A carotenoid pigment in orange-red foods like goji, pumpkins, carrots and salmon. B-Carotene is important for the production of vitamin A, which is essential for normal growth, vision, cell structure, bones, teeth and healthy skin. Goji's beta-carotene content per unit weight is among the highest for edible plants (7 mg/100 gr).
• Zeaxanthin. Goji berries are an extraordinary source for zeaxanthin. They contain 162 mg/100 gr.
• Lycopene. Previously unknown as a constituent of berry fruit, lycopene in powder made from goji juice concentrate has been measured at 1.4 mg/100 gr (contracted assay, UBE Analytical Labs). Lycopene has an antioxidant role so it can work against possible cancer-inhibiting cells. This is a potentially important discovery which needs further research.
• Polysaccharides. They are long-chain sugar molecules characteristic of many herbal medicines like mushrooms and roots. Polysaccharides are a basic constituent of goji berries, having 31% of pulp weight. Polysaccharides are a primary source of fermentable dietary fiber in the intestinal system.
• Phenols. They are also called polyphenols. This group of phytochemicals gives the red color to goji berry. Phenols have the property of being transferred to humans by eating the fruit. New studies have shown the presence of phenols in goji berries such as ellagic acid (86 mg/100 gr) and p-coumaric acid, with a total content

Goji Berry is extremely beneficial for the whole body. More specifically:

• It improves cardiovascular health and prevents rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• It fights insomnia and is a memory boost
• It has anti-aging properties so it merely blocks the aging process
• It comforts pregnant women from the symptoms of morning sickness
• It boosts the metabolism as well as the immune system
• It has a reputation for battling cancerous cells and has also been used for treating hepatitis B
• It helps to lose weight
• It offers a feeling of general well-being and joy
• Studies in guinea pigs have shown that it has liver protective properties. In another clinical study conducted in 42 patients with a decreased number and reduced semen mobility with daily administration for 4 months, only 15 grams per day (which is a very low dose), was very much improved in 79% of patients.
• The Chinese medicine uses goji berry in a plethora of herbal blends in cases of prostate disorders.
• There is a lot of information from seniors with similar diseases who were treated by using goji berry.
• It protects the skin, the bones and the tendons.
• It increases energy levels of the human body
• It improves liver and kidney function
• It lowers the cholesterol levels
• It helps maintain a normal blood pressure
• It enhances the function of the nervous system

Goji berries have traditionally been a superfood. They are the first in antioxidants amongst other fruit. In comparison, oranges have 750 units of antioxidants, spinach has 1260, berries 2400 whereas goji berries have 25100 antioxidant units. Their unique taste resembles a mixture of cherries, cranberries and gooseberries. They also have 11% protein which is quite amazing for a fruit.

 

In addition, they are said to enhance the blood with nutrients that help its circulation. Lab tests in fruit juices, based on the ORAC method, have shown that goji berry juice prevails over other juices in relation to antioxidants and consequently fighting against free radicals.

You can add them to your trail mix (musli), with your milk or in your tea (maybe with some lemon). It can be an ingredient of your salad, your soup or pretty much in any food. It works better if you eat them with something fatty such as oil or milk as their vitamins are fat-soluble and therefore faster absorbed. When you boil Goji Berry some of its ingredients may be lost, but at the same time others are recreated and those help it become more absorbable.

 

The Bovis scale is a means to measure the ”life force” or the “natural earth energy” of any element like food, medicine, living things, human beings, even geographical areas. The reading on the Bovis scale of 6500 is considered neutral, in Angstrom units, and it is equivalent to the wave length of the red light. A measurement of 0-6500 leads to an increase in diseases, as it is considered negative, whereas a measurement of more than 6500 contributes to good health as it is considered positive.

Goji Berries are commercially available in a fresh or dried form.

 

• The daily dosage for dried goji berries is 2-3 tablespoons. However, it is not dangerous if you want to consume more than the RDI.

Goji Berry is a fruit of two closely related species, Lycium Barbarum and Lycium Chinensis. L. Barbarum is sweeter and a greater source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are greatly used to Chinese medicine and are part of the Chinese Pharmacology. The most famous varieties of this species are:

• (Lycium barbarum) var.auranticarpum K.F.Ching
• (Lycium barbarum) var.barbarum

Organic farming is cultivation method, which minimizes or even completely avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, plant growth regulators or hormonal methods. In order to achieve an organic farming of Goji Berries we use organic fertilizers and mechanized farming exclusively to maintain the productivity of the soil. This way, it is enriched with nutritional substances and the weeds, bugs or pests are in control. Everything is according to specific guidance and farming protocols of the EU.

Most of the times, consuming goji berries is totally safe for everyone. However, there are some cases where they may interact with specific drugs, for instance when you take warfarin which is a blood thinning drug. In those cases you may experience some unwanted side effects.

Goji Berries are a great source of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and fibers. 68% of a goji berry contains 12% protein, 10% dietary fibers and 10% fat giving them a total caloric value of 370 calories/100 grams. Goji berries also contain unsaturated fat, such as linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acid.

Goji Berries are a great source of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and fibers. 68% of a goji berry contains 12% protein, 10% dietary fibers and 10% fat giving them a total caloric value of 370 calories/100 grams. Goji berries also contain unsaturated fat, such as linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acid.