I was first introduced to the bright red dried raisin-like berries about eight years ago by a good friend from Chengdu, China. She told me that as a little girl, she was told by her Grandmother to eat five goji berries every day to remain in excellent health. That advice came from their local Traditional Chinese Medicine Man.
Goji berries, which come from a shrub native to China, are rich in antioxidants, including carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, protect eye sight, and promote overall good health.
Also known as Fructus lycii, wolfberry, and Lycium barbarum, dried goji berries look like bright red raisins and have a very pleasant mildly sweet, slightly sour taste. The dried berries have a chewy texture. Goji berries can be reconstituted in hot water or tea, or cooked with whole grains such as rice or quinoa to add a slightly sweet taste.
According to WebMD, goji berries may interact with warfarin, a blood thinner, as well as diabetes and blood pressure medications. However, when eaten in moderation, goji berries appear to be safe.
I love adding goji berries to hot whole-grain cereals along with walnuts, flax or chia seeds, banana and diced apple. I also love adding about 5-10 goji berries to plain hot water. The goji berries become soft and sweeten the water.
You can find goji berries in your local health food store or Asian market.
Goji berries, which come from a shrub native to China, are rich in antioxidants, including carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, protect eye sight, and promote overall good health.
Also known as Fructus lycii, wolfberry, and Lycium barbarum, dried goji berries look like bright red raisins and have a very pleasant mildly sweet, slightly sour taste. The dried berries have a chewy texture. Goji berries can be reconstituted in hot water or tea, or cooked with whole grains such as rice or quinoa to add a slightly sweet taste.
According to WebMD, goji berries may interact with warfarin, a blood thinner, as well as diabetes and blood pressure medications. However, when eaten in moderation, goji berries appear to be safe.
I love adding goji berries to hot whole-grain cereals along with walnuts, flax or chia seeds, banana and diced apple. I also love adding about 5-10 goji berries to plain hot water. The goji berries become soft and sweeten the water.
You can find goji berries in your local health food store or Asian market.