Goji berries is the name of a fruit which growths on Lycium barbarum, a shrub which can reach 9′ in height. The appearance of lycium barbarum reminds a vine shoot with spikes.
Goji berries have bright red colour and oblong shape. They are broadly known under various names such as wolfberry, paradise berries, longevity fruit, fruits of happiness, matrimony wine, natural Viagra, anti-depressant, red diamond, and Tibetan barbary.
Treasury of healthful elements
Goji berries are rich in healthful substances such as polysaccharides, amino acids, omega fatty acids, linoleic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, and mineral substances. The fruit contains 15 times more iron than spinach and several times more ascorbic acid than citrus plants and black currant. Its carotene content is higher than in carrot and level of proteins is higher than in royal jelly.
100 grams of berries contain 68% of carbohydrates, 13% of proteins, 10% of fat, and 10% of fibre. Therefore, they can satiate better than meat.
Unique berries
Goji berries are a combination of perfect taste and enormous healthfulness. Tibetan people were the first ones who learned about their useful properties several centuries ago.
The usage of the fruits favourably influences overall well-being:
- it provides with a prolonged dampened appetite effect;
- supplies energy;
- restores cardiac function;
boosts digestion;- facilitates fat burning and loss of extra pounds;
- decreases blood pressure;
- reduces cholesterol concentration in the blood stream;
- improves eyesight;
- boosts libido;
- normalizes sleep;
- slows down body ageing and triggers rejuvenation processes;
- increases longevity;
- improves intellectual abilities;
- strengthens the immune system;
- prevents the formation of malignant tumours.
How to lose weight?
Despite high calorific value (250 kcal), Goji berries facilitate weight loss. This becomes possible due to the fact that the calories which your body gets do not transform themselves into fat depots but are converted into energy.
If you want to shed extra pounds you have to eat 15-50 grams of dried berries every day (until you reach the desired result). The berries can be soaked in water or yogurt, added to porridge or cooked as a separate dish. Various recipes can help you to make your ration more diverse and your weight loss process more pleasant.
You shouldn’t increase the recommended dosage as overconsumption of the berries may cause allergy or digestion disorders.
When can the berries be harmful?
Despite enormous healthfulness of the berries, there are some cases when you’ll have to avoid taking them.
Goji berries can’t be used in the following cases:
- individual intolerance;
- increased body temperature;
- gaseous distention;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding.
