Goji Berries - The Longevity Fruit


Written by Raymond Salas


Goji Berries – The Nutritionally Rich Fruit



Goji berries are a red, dried fruit that look like raisins, but taste to many like an interesting mix between a cherry and a cranberry.


Goji berries are known as one of the most-nutritionally rich fruit available today because they contain:
  • 18 amino acids
  • Essential vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamins B1, B2 (riboflavin), B6
  • 11 essential dietary and 22 trace minerals, including calcium, potassium, selenium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus
  • Essential fatty acids (EFAs)
  • Antioxidants
  • Numerous phytonutrients (i.e., nutrients derived from a plant source) including beta-carotene



Goji Berries – The Longevity Fruit


True Goji berries are found in the valleys of Tibet and Mongolia, where it is said that it is common for people to live for over a hundred years, virtually free from disease.


The most famous of these examples is the Chinese legend Li Qing Yuen, who is claimed to be the most well-documented case of longevity, living to be a reported 252 years of age (1678-1930). In his diet, he reportedly consumed Goji berries daily.


Goji berries are known for their potency and strength-building qualities. They contain complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) which fortify the immune system and prevent aging.


Studies show that Goji berries also improve sleep and appetite, therefore mood and optimism improve as well. In fact, there is a legend that says if you eat Goji berries in the morning, you will be happy and smiling the entire day. As a result, Goji berries are sometimes called the “happy fruit.”





How to Use Goji Berries


Goji berries can be eaten as a snack by themselves or added to tea (in traditional “monk style”), cereal (both hot and cold), juices, smoothies, baked goods, and trail mix. The popular Clif Bars added them to some of the flavors from their whole fruit and nut Nectar bars.


Goji berries are also available as juice, powder and extract. However, I should point out that some people find the juice to be a real (how can I say this?) “acquired” taste and not for everyone. Personally, I like to add Goji berries to my salads. I do not drink the juice.





What is a Tibetan Goji Berry?


“Tibetan Goji Berry” refers specifically to a type of Lycium berry grown in the hills and valleys of Tibet and Mongolia, where the soil is rich with essential nutrients. Tibetan Goji Berries are sometimes confused with the 80+ other varieties of Lycium berries, including the popular Chinese Wolfberry, which has a completely different origin and nutritional composition than a true Tibetan Goji Berry. Tibetan Goji Berries are the ones with all of the reported benefits.





Benefits of Goji Berries


The reported benefits of Goji Berries include:
  • Improve and strengthen the immune system
  • Protect the liver
  • Improve eyesight
  • Improve circulation
  • Boost sperm production



Studies in China have shown that Goji berries also help and benefit with:
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Vision-related diseases
  • Age-related diseases
  • Cancer


If you are interested in trying Goji Berries for yourself, here's a brand I love: 

 Here is another highly rated brand that many enjoy: Organic Goji Berries


Disclaimer: This article is intended as educational information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author is not engaged in rendering medical or other professional services. If expert assistance is required, please seek the services of a competent professional. You are 100% responsible for what you do (or don’t do) with it.