Grow Young With Goji Berries

Goji Berry is a superfood that is known for anti aging properties.  

They are also called wolfberries. It is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that's native to China. It is foundational to the Chinese medicine system. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations in the hopes of living longer.

Goji berries are an adaptogen*.   They are often recommended for chronic conditions.  The health benefit they are best used for is nourishing and supporting healing.  Goji berries are not a rich source of vitamin C.  They are a wonderful antioxidant, with about 3 times the amount of antioxidants as are found in blueberries!  Goji berries are also the only food known to stimulate human growth hormone (hgh) naturally!

Qualities:
21 or more trace minerals (zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorous)
Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E
complete protein source (19 different amino acids) (8 essential amino acids)
beta sitosterol (anti inflammatory)
iron
linoleic acid (essential fatty acid)
anti aging sesquiterpenoids*
betaine (for the liver)
antioxidants*
Polysaccharides*

Goji berries are available dried, powdered, juiced, extracts, oil, fresh berries and processed into nibs, candies and bars.

Goji berries are gelatinous, like chia seeds they can add richness and texture to many recipes.  This is my favorite goji berry recipe:

Chocolate Immunity Pudding
(1) cup coconut milk
(3) tbsp chia seeds
(1/4) cup goji berries (let sit blended in milk for 15 minutes to gel)
(1/2) cup raw cacao
(1) tbsp coconut oil
1 pinch coconut butter
(1) handful frozen raspberries
(1) tbsp chaga mushroom
(1/2) tbsp reishi mushroom
(1) tbsp spirulina 

Goji berries are pretty easy to add to smoothies. By adding goji berries in to our foods, we are bringing it all together....body, mind and spirit. Throw a handful into your next smoothie!

~Cathy

Adaptogen:  a plant based substance with combined therapeutic actions in the human body.  An adaptogen strengthens and invigorates the system while helping the body to deal more easily with stress of differing origin by supporting the adrenal glands.   Adaptogens are believed to reinforce the non-specific power of resistance of the body against physical, chemical or biological noxious agents. They must also have a normalizing influence and may not be harmful or alter the bodies normal functions.

Antioxidants:  A substance that reduces damage due to oxygen.  Think rust or an apple turning brown.

HGH:  Human Growth Hormone, Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland to fuel childhood growth and help maintain tissues and organs throughout life.  Our growth hormone slows as we age.

Polysaccharides:    A carbohydrate whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together that fortify the immune system. 

Sesquiterpenoids:  A class of Terpenes that have anti-inflammatory properties.  They increase production of HGH by stimulating the pituitary and penal glands.


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*copyright Cathy Sykora 2012