Discover Goji Berry Benefits For Better State Of Health

The many Goji berry benefits for improved health are now just recently being discovered by people in the western half of the world where the nutrient rich fruit is commonly known as the wolfberry, but widely marketed as Goji berries.

Growing on evergreen shrubs within warm, temperate climates such as Tibet's Himalayan Mountains and in portions of Mongolia and China, Goji berries resemble shriveled, red raisins and are quite possibly the fruit with the most nutrient-rich content in all the world.

Belonging to the nightshade or Solonaceae family, they have a slightly sour, tangy taste to them. Because of their great fragility, Goji berries must be harvested gently by hand and are usually found dried.

The many Goji berry benefits to be had begin first with their intricate collection of molecules, including polysaccharides, which are sugar molecules believed to support the body's immune system. Polysaccharides are also known to be a great source of probiotic fibers, which are the fermentable portions of soluble fiber that are processed into SCFAs, or short-chain fatty acids, within the intestines. This then provides beneficial nutrients for the probiotics within the intestinal tract to aid the body with vital functions like digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

They are also considered to be a tonic in that they help to keep vital organs and energies in balance.

In terms of the circulatory system, Goji berries play a rather important role and they also contain a large concentration of the mineral iron. Widely regarded as one of the nation's natural treasures in China, Goji berries are now becoming increasingly popular in the western world.

Predominantly grown in the northwestern portions of Tibet and China, which boast some of the purest soil in all of the world, they come from the Lycium plant, an evergreen bush with vines that may reach as high as 10 to 15 feet. Truly a food to marvel at, Goji berries are relatively small, growing only as long as one to two centimeters, and having a taste that's been described as both sweet and sour. Often used in teas, soups, and rice meals, they are also sold fresh throughout the temperate regions of China where they grow wild.

Goji berries are well entrenched in traditional Chinese medicine, and rightfully so. They are relatively low in calories and fat, yet rich in vitamins A (beta-carotene) and C. They are becoming extremely prized for their high antioxidant content.

Goji berry benefits are numerous and this is why they are regarded by many to be the single most healthful product in the world that has magical properties associated with it.

Because of their super fruit status, high antioxidant concentration, and reports of research that's uncovered the multiple health benefits to be had from consuming the berry, their demand is expected to grow by leaps and bounds, possibly reaching the billion dollar mark in just a few short years by 2011.

Since the delicate Goji berry must be harvested by hand and must then be turned into liquid form within the first one or two days following harvesting, the process of producing the juice is a time consuming one, however, Goji berry benefits are many and are well worth the wait.