Superfoods - Goji berries

History: 
Goji berries, sometimes called Wolfberries, are perhaps the most nutritionally rich fruit on the planet. The Goji berry is a deep-red dried fruit about the same size as a raisin. The Goji berry tastes somewhat like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.

These Goji berries grow in protected valleys in million year old soil in wild and cultivated areas. The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, and then dried in the shade.

Goji berries contain 18 kinds of amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen) and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). They contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).

Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth! Fresh, they contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges making them second only to camu-camu berries as the richest vitamin C source on earth. Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.
 
Mature fruits contain about 11 mg of iron per 100 grams, beta-sisterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).

Goji berries contain polysaccharides, which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland).

Goji berries have been traditionally regarded as longevity, strength building, and sexual potency food of the highest order. In several study groups with elderly people the berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, many beneficial results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled. The activity of the patients’ white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results showed that their spirit and optimism increased significantly, 95% had improved appetite, 95% slept better, and 35% partially recovered their sexual function.

* This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

How to use:
Eat goji berries straight out of the bag, or put them in smoothies and desserts. Any way you choose, they're simply delicious! 
You can find these delicious Goji berries in Goji & Yacon or Gluten Free with Goji & Yacon mueslis.
For more ideas, inspirations and recipes go to Recipes.