Whether referred to as Goji berries or Wolfberries, the wonder fruit has made quite an impact on the health market in recent years. The sweet taste and dark red color of the fruit makes it rather unlike may other fruits- and has quite a few astounding benefits for those who consume it. Many of today's Goji berries are coming from the north-western part of China, where the berries can be adequately maintained and developed by those who know the berries best. The berries can be found on market in other parts of the world, although they are not raised in quite the same stature.



One of the reasons the Goji berry is referred to as the "super" fruit is because it has so many different effects on the human body. It has been said that the Goji berry can cure eye diseases, as well as liver and kidney afflictions. But the benefit doesn't stop there- it has also been said that the Goji berry can indeed help reduce impact of the aging process. Chinese studies have been conducted to see if this were true, and results have stated that Goji berries have indeed been proven to have some anti-aging benefits. As a result, many Chinese can be seen consuming the Goji berry on a regular basis, as it keeps them healthy and younger looking as a result.

The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC, was created by the United States Department of Agriculture in order to measure the amount of anti-oxidants in any time of consumable items. This scale was used to measure the ORAC content of Goji berries, and it was found that the Goji berry has a score of 3,472- a very high score indeed. The abundance of anti-oxidants will help greatly in the anti-aging process, and keep those who consume it looking young.

When we refer to the Goji berry as a super fruit, we are using the term used by Time Magazine in July of 2006. This issue of Time was laden with an article on the Goji berry, in which stated the many benefits of the Goji berry and naming it the "Super fruit" of the year. Thus, the term "super fruit" has since been used to refer to the berry in question. Since publishing the article, many Western countries have begun to consume the berry on a regular basis.

Luckily for those who consume the Goji berry, there are many different types of vitamins and minerals in the Goji berry. Examples include vitamin c, selenium, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, riboflavin, and many others. Consuming these vitamins on a regular basis is highly recommended.

The goji berry contains unique polysaccharides (natural complex carbohydrates) that exhibit powerful anti-cancer properties. A study in 2001 showed that goji berries polysaccharides inhibited the growth of human leukemia cells. Another study in 1994 showed that goji berry polysaccharides combined with a standard cancer drug LAK/IL-2, was 254% (2.5 times) more effective at reducing tumors than using the standard cancer drug by itself.

For others, the Goji berry has been used to help combat sexual impotency. Energy levels are increased by the berry, thanks to the increase in androgen levels in blood. The Goji berry has even been used to help combat infertility in some cases.

Goji Berries can be used in many ways. Like other dried fruits, goji berries can be added to smoothies, nuts and seeds, trail mix, muesli, breakfast cereals, porridge and yoghurt. Or, simply eat by the handful as they are, as a wonderful nutritious and healthy snack! Although they are best eaten in their raw state to maintain potency, they can also be used as an ingredient in cakes, cookies, snack bars etc or made into a delicious tea. We like to soak them in different juices. A 10-30g serving (a small handful) is recommended as a good daily intake, although you can eat as many as you like!