What is the Goji Berry?

Goji Berry and Your Health

Goji berry has recently taken the market by storm, claiming it as one of the miracle cures of medical science. Declared to be a veritable "fountain of youth", many people are starting to include it in their diets so that they can enjoy all of the raw benefits that it can provide without resorting to pharmaceuticals. But does the goji berry really live up to these claims, or is it wiser to consider that it's not as beneficial as people claim it to be?

What is the Goji Berry?

It is also called the wolfberry and is a bright, orange-red berry that was once native to China. It typically grows on a shrub that does well in all kinds of soil, making it easy for just anyone to grow. The berry has been eaten for many centuries by the Chinese at the hopes of living longer. News of the goji berry eventually spread and has been used to treat a wide variety of health problems. These medical conditions include diabetes, fever, high blood pressure, and eye problems that are the result of aging.

Preparing the Goji Berry

Some people may be hesitant in trying to figure out how the goji berry should be prepared for eating, but it's much simpler than they think. Goji berries can be picked straight from the plant, washed and then eaten raw, or they can be dried like raisins. They can be cooked along with other foods to add a unique flavor. One of the best ways to prepare goji berry in order to ensure having a more steady supply of it in the future is to create herbal teas, juices, and wines. This ensures that you will always have some supply of goji berry when you need it so that you can continue to reap the benefits.

The Benefits of Goji Berry

The goji berry is quite rich in nutrients that are beneficial to the body. The juice itself has been known to improve mental faculties, and can instill a sense of calmness in those who have anxiety issues. It can also improve athletic performance, the quality of sleep each night, and a general refined sense of happiness. Naturally, all kinds of berries are good for you, so it can never hurt to add the goji berry to your diet. What still remains unclear is whether the natural raw berries have any beneficial improvements over taking supplements.

Goji Berry: Side Effects

It is possible that goji berry can have an interaction with other drugs. For those who are taking warfarin (blood thinners) or any medication for blood pressure or diabetes, it is recommended that goji berry be avoided altogether in order to avoid a negative interaction.