Goji berries are grown commercially in China and Tibet as some of the purest soil on Earth is found in these regions. Goji berries are from the Lycium plant which grows like a vine to over 15 feet.

The Goji berry grows to approximately the same size as a grape before it is shaken onto mats and dried out of full sun. Gojis are shaken from the bush and never handled before they're dry as they oxidize and turn black.

Goji berries have been in use for over 2000 years and are used as a traditional food in Tibet and Mongolia, where the general population are often free of ailments such as arthritis, obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Goji berries are used widely in tradtional Chinese medicine as they are regarded as an anti-aging superfood wich promote longevity, strength building and sexual potency.

In Tibet, monks revere goji berries so much so that every year they hold a 2 week celebration in honour of the goji berry due to them being considered essential to longevity.

Goji berries contain 18 amino acids which is six times higher than bee pollen and they contain more protein than whole wheat. The amino acids found in goji berries include all 8 essential amino acids such isoleucine and tryptophan.

Goji berries are contain one of the highest source of carotenoids of all known foods! They also contain the complete spectrum of food antioxidant carotenoids, including betacarotene and lutine which are valued for their role in preventing disease to the eyes.

Goji berries are abundant with vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E and contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C than oranges which rates them as one of the greatest natural sources of vitamin C.

Goji berries also contain polysaccharides which fortify and support a healthy immune system. Polysaccharides are very large, long-chain sugar molecules that are nourishment for macrophages (large white blood cells) in the gut wall. The macrophages are then transported to other immune cells, setting off a chain of defensive events in our bodies.

One polysaccharide In particular which can be found in goji berries has been, according to scientific research, is proven to be a powerful secretagogue which aids in the stimulation of rejuvenative human growth hormone.

The goji berry was rated with the highest antioxidant ability on the ORAC scale coming in at an incredible 3,472 ORAC units. (The ORAC scale is a standardized test used by the US Department of Agriculture to measure the total antioxidant level in foods). ORAC stands for "Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity," and the measurement is expressed as "ORAC units per 100 grams" of a given food.

The Goji berry is abundant in essential fatty acids including linoleic acid. Omegas are used in the production of hormones and smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system and is essential for the body.

To summarise, the goji berry is packed with minerals, proteins, antioxidants and omegas which are essential for optimum health. This makes them perfect for:

* Boosting energy and general well being

* Reducing cellulite

* Assisting in weight loss

* Fighting heart disease (thanks to all the betacarotene!)

* Improve sex drive / libido

* Protecting skin from sun damage

Goji berries can be eaten like other dried fruits and are usually added to smoothies, nuts and seeds, breakfast cereals and yoghurt but our receommended way is to simply eat them as they are for a delicious nutritious and healthy snack!

To maintain the high levels of vitamins, minerals and enzymes Gojis are best eaten in their raw state but they can also be used in many sweet and savoury recipes or even made into a delicious tea.

It is receommended to eat a 10-30g serving daily, but it really is up to you and you can eat as many as you like!