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Goji berry belongs to the Solanaceae family within the genus: Lycium L. and has a botanical name Lycium barbarum. Goji berry is a small, deciduous, erect, and perennial shrub native to Southeastern Europe and Asia. It is also referred to as Barbary Boxthorn, Box Thorn, Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Tea plant, Barbary Wolfberry, Common Matrimony-Vine, Chinese Wolfberry, Common Matrimony Vine, Goji, Duke of Argyll’s Tea Tree, Duke of Argyll’s Tea plant, Gojiberry, Lycium, Himalayan Goji, Red Medlar, Mede Berry, Wolfberry, Matrimony Vine and Tibetan Goji. The names for Goji berries in different countries are: German: Bocksdorn, Wolfsdorn; Italian: Spina-Santa Di Barberia; Spanish: Mora De La Vista, Cambronera; Korean: Tangkugijanamu, Gu Gi Ja etc.
Goji berries are used in Chinese medicine to help delay the aging process, to strengthen the kidneys and liver, and help eyes. A small study into the health benefits of goji juice found that drinking it every day helped with energy levels, better sleep, ability to focus, and reduced fatigue and stress
Goji berries contain healthy antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their immune-boosting qualities and their ability to fight harmful free radicals and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation. Goji berries contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, similarly to other berries, including blueberries and raspberries.
| Goji berries Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Goji berries |
| Scientific Name: | Lycium barbarum |
| Origin | Southeastern Europe and Asia |
| Colors | Bright orange-red |
| Shapes | Ellipsoid, Diameter: 1–2 cm |
| Flesh colors | Red-orange |
| Taste | Mild taste |
| Calories | 98 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Vitamin A (55.71%) Iron (23.75%) Carbohydrate (16.60%) Vitamin C (15.11%) Dietary Fiber (9.47%) |
| Health benefits | Prevent insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes, Reduce cholesterol , Healthy Body, Prevents cancer, Protects liver |
Goji berries facts
Goji berry is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with grey-green leaves, purple/blue flowers, and red fruits. It resembles raisins with a nutty flavor. It is mostly found in dried form. Goji berry possesses antioxidants, protein, and vitamin C.
| Name | Goji berries |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycium barbarum |
| Native | Southeastern Europe and Asia. Goji was used in China and Tibet for thousands of years as a culinary ingredient and medicinally. But it was introduced in Western countries in recent years. |
| Common/English Name | Barbary Boxthorn, Box Thorn, Barbary Matrimony Vine, Chinese Tea plant, Barbary Wolfberry, Common Matrimony-Vine, Chinese Wolfberry, Common Matrimony Vine, Goji, Duke Of Argyll’s Tea Tree, Duke Of Argyll’s Tea plant, Gojiberry, Lycium, Himalayan Goji, Red Medlar, Mede Berry, Wolfberry, Matrimony Vine and Tibetan Goji. |
| Name in Other Languages | Chinese: Di Gu Pi, Ning Xia Gou Qi; Czech: Kustovnice Obecná, Kustovnice Cizí; Danish: Almindelig Bukketorn, Bukketorn; Dutch: Boksdoorn, Goji Bessen; French: Lyciet À Feuilles D’halimus, Lyciet De Barbarie; German: Bocksdorn, Wolfsdorn; Hungarian: Ördögcérna, Semfűsemfa; Icelandic: Laufskála fl étta; India: Murali; Italian: Spina-Santa Di Barberia; Korean: Tangkugijanamu, Gu Gi Ja; Norwegian: Kinabukketorn, Bukketorn; Polish: Kolcowój Szkarłatny; Slovencina: Kustovnica Cudzia; Spanish: Mora De La Vista, Cambronera Swedish: Bredbladigt Bocktörne, Bocktörne; Tibetan: Dre Tsher Ma; Vietnamese: Cẩu Kỷ, Kỷ Tử |
| Plant Growth Habit | Deciduous, erect, perennial shrub |
| Growing Climate | Temperate |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained |
| Plant Size | 1–3 m |
| Lifespan | 4-5 years |
| Branchlets | Thorny |
| Leaf | Deciduous, grey-green, lanceolate /ovate, length: 7 cm, breadth: 3.5 cm with rounded or blunted tips |
| Edible parts of the plants | Fruit: Fruits are consumed raw, dried or fresh, processed into wine, beer, and juice or cooked. It is also added to rice congee. The fruit is used to make herbal tea. Leaves: Leaves are consumed as a potherb or in the form of herbal teas. Seed: The roasted seeds are used as a substitute for coffee. |
| Flowering Season | Summer |
| Flower | Purple/blue, bell-shaped or tubular sepals which form short, triangular lobes |
| Fruit shape & size | Ellipsoid, Diameter: 1–2 cm |
| Fruit color | Bright orange-red |
| Flesh color | Red-orange |
| Flavor/aroma | Combination of cherries, raspberries, and dates |
| Fruit Taste | Mild taste |
| Seed | 10-60 tiny, yellow |
| Fruit Season | July – October |
| Major Nutritions | Vitamin A 390 µg (55.71%) Iron, Fe 1.9 mg (23.75%) Carbohydrate 21.58 g (16.60%) Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 13.6 mg (15.11%) Total dietary Fiber 3.6 g (9.47%) Protein 3.99 g (7.98%) Threonine 0.1 g (5.68%) Sodium, Na 83 mg (5.53%) Calcium, Ca 53 mg (5.30%) Isoleucine 0.073 g (4.37%) Valine 0.088 g (4.17%) Histidine 0.044 g (3.57%) Leucine 0.128 g (3.46%) Lysine 0.065 g (1.94%) Total Fat (lipid) 0.11 g (0.31%) |
| Health Benefits |
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| Calories in 28 gm | 98 Kcal. |
| Traditional uses |
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| Precautions |
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| How to Eat |
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| Other Facts |
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Goji berry Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Lycium barbarum
| Rank | Scientific Name & (Common Name) |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae (Plants) |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta (Vascular plants) |
| Superdivision | Spermatophyta (Seed plants) |
| Division | Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons) |
| Subclass | Asteridae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae (Potato family) |
| Genus | Lycium L. (Desert-thorn) |
| Species | Lycium barbarum L. (Matrimony vine) |
| Synonyms |
|
History
Goji berry was used in China and Tibet for thousands of years as a culinary ingredient and for medicinal purposes. But it was introduced in Western countries in recent years.
Plant
It grows to about 1–3 m tall and bears ellipsoid, about 1–2 cm in diameter fruits. The flowers are purple/blue with bell-shaped or tubular sepals which form short, triangular lobes. They open in the summer season. Leaves are deciduous, grey-green, 7 cm in length and 3.5 cm broad. The branches are thorny. They are rounded or blunted at tips. It is an excellent choice for temperate climates. They perform well in moist, well-drained soils. The plant has a life span of 4-5 years.
Fruit
Goji berry fruits are 1-2 cm in diameter, ellipsoid, and bright orange-red. This fruit flavors the combination of cherries, raspberries, and dates with a mild taste. Each fruit contains 10-60 tiny yellow seeds. The fruits are available from July to October.
Nutritional value
Goji berry is a fruit that possesses all essential amino acids and antioxidants along with a high amount of protein. They also possess vitamin C, carotenoids, and twenty-one minerals, and are rich in fiber. It provides 15 times more amount of iron than spinach. Goji berry is also called a nutritional powerhouse as it contains zinc, calcium, selenium, and others.
Nutritional value of Goji berry
Calories 98 Kcal.Calories from Fat 1.00 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 2.1 g | |
| Energy | 98 Kcal | |
| Energy | 409 kJ | |
| Protein | 3.99 g | 7.98% |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 0.11 g | 0.31% |
| Ash | 0.22 g | |
| Carbohydrate | 21.58 g | 16.60% |
| Total dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 9.47% |
| Total Sugars | 12.77 g |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Iron, Fe | 1.9 mg | 23.75% |
| Sodium, Na | 83 mg | 5.53% |
| Calcium, Ca | 53 mg | 5.30% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 390 µg | 55.71% |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 13.6 mg | 15.11% |
| Amino Acids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Threonine | 0.1 g | 5.68% |
| Isoleucine | 0.073 g | 4.37% |
| Valine | 0.088 g | 4.17% |
| Histidine | 0.044 g | 3.57% |
| Leucine | 0.128 g | 3.46% |
| Lysine | 0.065 g | 1.94% |
| Methionine | 0.024 g | |
| Cystine | 0.04 g | |
| Phenylalanine | 0.076 g | |
| Tyrosine | 0.062 g | |
| Arginine | 0.202 g | |
| Alanine | 0.195 g | |
| Aspartic acid | 0.479 g | |
| Glutamic acid | 0.401 g | |
| Glycine | 0.085 g | |
| Proline | 0.28 g | |
| Serine | 0.139 g |
Health Benefits of Goji berry
Goji berries possess various anti-bacterial, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties which enhance the immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to increase longevity and strength. It is also a good source of Vitamin A, C, antioxidants, iron, potassium, zinc, iron, and others. The dried berries assist to strengthen the immune system, improve liver function and protect eyesight.
- Prevent insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes
insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes has become one of the most common diseases nowadays. Diabetes can lead to various diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, ocular disease, and stroke. Recent studies show that the fruit extracts of Goji berries contain hypoglycemic properties. It also reports that the use of Goji berries helps to prevent diabetes without any side effects.
- Reduce cholesterol
Cholesterol is the main cause of cardiovascular disease and heart diseases. Cholesterol restricts the flow of blood by forming a plaque inside the arteries and blood vessels which makes the heart pump with a force that leads to a weak heart. Recent studies show that Goji berries help to lower the LDL cholesterol level.
- Eliminates free radicals
The presence of antioxidants in Goji berries prevents the formation of free radicals in the body because it can damage cells, tissues, cell membranes as well as DNA. The study made on the research reports that the intake of Goji berries reduces the medical conditions associated with the free radicals. The antioxidant also enhances the immune system. (1)
4. Protects the cardiovascular system
When the free radicals attack the heart, it gets weakened. The antioxidant chemicals prevent the heart from damaged by free radicals. Recent studies have shown that the extracts of Goji berry eliminate the free radicals from the heart. (2)
- Healthy Body
Goji berry also provides a healthy body and general well-being. The study shows that the intake of Goji berries promotes gastrointestinal functions along with lowering fatigue and stress. It also enhances psychological and neurological performance. (3)
- Prevents cancer
The Chinese people use Goji berries to cure cancer besides food. The scientific investigations on the extracts of Goji berry fruit show that it possesses anti-cancer properties. The test on human cancer cells shows that it could prevent the development of cancer cells and also the death of cells. (4)
- Prevents cell damage
Free radicals assault the body from the inside and also damage the brain cells and neurons which is the cause of neurodegenerative diseases. This could be treated with the consumption of Goji berry. The extracts of Goji berry possess neuroprotective activity. The research also reports it as preventive medicine that also contains anti-aging activities. (5)
- Protects liver
The liver gets damaged in the process of preventing itself from free radicals and physical damage. Goji berry is used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for liver diseases. The Goji berry extracts eliminate the free radicals from the liver and possess protective properties. (6)
- Protects skin
Ultraviolet radiation leads to damage to the skin as well as cancer which could be reduced by the consumption of Goji berries. The extract of Goji berry prevents skin damage from UV rays. The studies show that Goji berries lower immune suppression and skin inflammation due to the presence of antioxidant properties. (7)
10. Promotes sleep
Goji berry is used in Chinese traditional medicine to reduce stress and promote sleep. The research conducted on humans shows that Goji berry enhances sleep without any side effects. (8)
11. Increase sperm quality
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Goji berry is used as an aphrodisiac. The scientific studies show that an aphrodisiac property lowers the damage to the testes and prevents stress caused by hydrogen peroxide which decreases the semen and sperm quality. (9)
12. Eye health
The presence of antioxidants in Goji berries improves eyesight and prevents the free radicals that cause cataracts, loss of eyesight, and other eye ailments.
Traditional uses
In traditional Chinese medicine, Goji is used to cure back pain, eyesight, and dizziness. Traditional Oriental medicine uses roots, bark, and berries to enhance vision, and good health, strengthen the immune system, kidneys, and liver, antiageing, improve sperm production and blood circulation and enhance sexual performance. It is also used to treat diabetes, tinnitus, Anaemia, and lung and liver diseases.
How to eat
Goji berries could be consumed raw and also available in the form of juice. It can be brewed in form of tea by adding Goji berries to a glass of cold or hot water and letting it remain for 5 to 10 minutes. It could be added to the smoothie by soaking it. It could be mixed with dried fruit and nuts or added like raisins to the hot or cold cereals. Goji berries could be used like raisins for the scones or muffins. It is used as an ingredient in soups.
Precautions
Goji berries may interact with the medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and blood thinner warfarin. Those who are allergic to peaches, tobacco, nuts, and tomatoes, might experience some allergic reactions to Goji berries. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Goji berries because they it possesses chemical, betaine which leads to miscarriage.
From Where To Buy
- Organic Berries Bursting With Flavor - Small but mighty, goji berries deliver bright and tangy flavors of fruity goodness with every bite. Eat them by the handful, steep them in hot water for a goji berry tea, or add them to breakfast classics like yogurt and smoothies.
- Low-Fat Treat for Guilt-Free Snacks - This powerhouse berry is packed with mouthwatering flavor, adding a tart yet sweet taste to all your kitchen favorites. Substitute mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins or cranberries for this low-fat superberry in your salads, trail mix, and gluten free snacks.
- Delicious Superfood - As a nutritious superberry, gojis are low in saturated fat and packed with good-for-you nutrients like iron and fiber.
- Sustainably Sourced Super Grade Goji Berries - Also known as the ‘wolfberry’, each goji berry is handpicked and naturally shade dried to perfection in the Tibetan plateau of the Himalayas.
- Certified USDA Organic Gojis - These super-grade dried berries are certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Plus, they’re Certified Gluten-Free, Paleo and Vegan, making them a perfect addition to many diets.
or
- For thousands of years, the mildly sweet Goji Berry has been used in ancient Chinese medicine to support longevity!
- Navitas Organics Goji Berries are premium quality: unsulfured and low temperature dried to preserve their vital nutrients, with no preservatives and no added sugar.
- An excellent source of essential minerals, Navitas Organics Goji Berries are also an antioxidant powerhouse — one serving contains 140% DV vitamin A.
- Swapping Goji Berries for your typical dried fruit is a great way to amplify your nutritional intake! Enjoy Navitas Organics Goji Berries as a healthy snack or add them to yogurt, oatmeal, granola, trail mix and your favorite baked goods.
- USDA Organic, Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, paleo. Committed to accuracy and transparency, we third party test all products to verify quality and nutritional values, 8 Servings
References
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