These berries may as well be called nature’s health gems.
For the last 2,000 years, they’ve been used in everything from soups to herbal teas.
Tiny as they may be, they’re packed full of antioxidants and rich medicinal properties. Since ancient times, people have consumed goji berries to benefit liver, kidney, and eye health. They’re also known to offer a boost of energy and increase immunity.
Plus, they’re fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sodium. With heaps of fiber and phytonutrients, this is a fruit you won’t want to skip over during your next trip to the store.
Ready to learn more about this bright tiny berry? Read on!
What is a Goji berry?
Also called the wolfberry, the goji berry is a beautifully bright orange-red fruit. You’ll find them growing in a variety of regions across the United States. You can get your hands on fresh goji berries, but you’ll usually find dried ones in specialty food stores. Some U-pick farms and online retailers carry fresh berries.
Because of its health benefits and powerful antioxidants, some call it a “fountain of youth” fruit.
These berries can be cooked before consumption, but are also popular as an easy snack. Similar to a raisin, dried goji berries are delicious when added to your trail mix. This vitamin C rich berry is often used in wine, tincture, and juice production, too.
The best health perk of these tiny berries?
This ancient red berry contains all eight essential amino acids, which form the building blocks of protein that make up much of our body. We rely on amino acids to help the body repair tissues, break down food, and restore energy.
Goji Berry Benefits You’ll Love
The secret’s out that goji berries are a key ingredient to good health. For generations, the berry’s been used in a variety of cuisines and regularly for medicinal purposes.
These berries have made their way into natural food markets in North America and are touted for their powerful health benefits. If you’re looking for hearty doses of antioxidant properties, this berry is one not to miss.
Here’s a look at what makes them perfect for consumption:
Full of Powerful Antioxidants
The biggest goji berry benefit? Inside that bright orange-red skin is a host of antioxidants that can slow damage to the cells. Antioxidants keep free radicals — also known as oxidative stress — from deeply damaging cells. Phenolic acids, which have a high antioxidant capacity, are also inside this berry, further boosting its antioxidant powers.
Antioxidants in goji berries include:
- Copper
- Thiamine
- Selenium
- Riboflavin
- Magnesium
- Nicotinic acid
Thanks to these incredible bioactive compounds, goji berries are thought to protect against age-related eye diseases and promote healthy skin, too. Enhanced eyesight and glowing skin sound good to us!
Offers Immune Support
Because goji berries are full of antioxidants, these fruits offer great immune support to keep you healthy. The berries contain high levels of antioxidants including vitamins A, C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids like beta-carotene, which is responsible for the orange-red color of the berry.
One property of the berry — the polysaccharides — in particular is thought to be the most useful health perk. It’s regularly used in health dietary supplements and in Chinese Medicine and tonic for its benefits. Consuming products like herbal teas and juices with the dried berry may improve the immune system, according to some studies.
Plus, just a half cup of the berry provides you with 54% of your daily vitamin C value!
Fills You Up With the Good Stuff
Need a filling and tasty fruit? Goji berries have all the good stuff. Not only are the berries full of fiber — which keeps you feeling fuller, longer — its properties are known to help boost good cholesterol! The nutrient profile of goji berries is impressive, too.
One half-cup of goji berries contains:
- 14 grams of protein
- 46% of your daily fiber value needs
- 38% of your daily value iron needs
If you want to avoid sugar crashes, goji berries are also thought to help stabilize sugar levels due to its high fiber content. Not only is it filling because of fiber, but you’ll find a 1-ounce serving offers almost 10 percent of your daily protein recommendation.
Benefits Your Overall Well-Being
This berry may just fall into the “superfood” category thanks to all of its incredible traits. On top of all the previously mentioned goji berry benefits, these red health gems can better your overall health in other ways.
Goji berries may also:
- Help improve mood
- Boost your sleep quality
- Increase energy levels
- Assist in digestive health
- Reduce anxiety or depression
Whether you’re feeling tired, hungry, or even anxious, try some goji berries to see if you find some relief. If you like the way goji berries taste, there’s no harm in giving them a try for overall well-being boosts!
Ways to Include Goji Berry Benefits in Your Diet
Yep, goji berries are pretty great, huh?
Now that you’ve found another unique fruit to try, keep an eye out for them on your next grocery trip. You can get these berries in powder form, which is ideal if you don’t love the dried ones for the sweet-and-sour taste. You’ll find them mostly sold as a dried product, but they may also be purchased flash-frozen online, too.
A few ways to enjoy goji berry benefits:
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Enjoy plain - When dried, these berries make a delicious and ideal snack on their own. Best of all, they're easy to take with you whether you're heading out on a nature trail or into the office.
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Brew tea with the berries - Not only will you get an antioxidant-rich tea, but you can also eat the berries after!
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Drink a KOR Shot - For the ultimate convenience, take an organic RESTORE shot on the go!
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Mix it - The beauty of dried or raw berries is that they can be used like raisins or fresh berries. Put them in your favorite cereal, yogurt, trail mix, salads, smoothies, or baked goods.
- Make it a topper - Pile these berries atop your favorite smoothie bowl or yogurt parfait to add an exciting new twist to your morning meal.
Start reaping goji berry benefits today. Order your box of RESTORE, our organic shot filled with powerful antioxidants like goji berry powder and dragon fruit!