The Goji Berry is also known as Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, gou qi zi, Fructus lycii. Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in mild subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. They are in the nightshade (Solonaceae) family. Goji berries are usually found dried. They are usually shriveled red berries that look like red raisins.
Scientists have found the Goji Berry to be one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on earth. Some of the main nutrients found in the Goji Berry that makes it such a potent wellness agent.
Goji Berries contain special polysaccharides which help fortify your immune system and are responsible for controlling your bodys most important defense systems. Scientists atrribute most of gojis amazing health properties to these special polysaccharides.
Goji Berries contain 19 amino acids, the building blocks of protein including all eight essential for life, no other plant can say that.
Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to:
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthins key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.