Health Benefits and Properties of the Goji Berry

The goji berry, commonly known as a wolfberry in some English speaking parts of the world, has been attracting a lot of attention in the press and amongst the more health conscious people of Western society. With a few celebrities publicly saying they consume goji berries regularly, it was certain to attract more attention than some of the other recent health food "discoveries".

To describe such foods as "discoveries" is to deride the natural wisdom of those in Asia who have used the goji berry for thousands of years. It has been used in Chinese medicine for maybe two thousand years, and of course eaten by those fortunate enough to live in the areas where it grows, most famously Tibet but also over a much wider area.

The word "goji" has probably come from the Chinese word for this type of berry, a simplified version that sounds exotic, and is probably better from a marketing point of view than wolfberry. The goji berry itself, though, has not only recently been discovered in the West, but was imported into England, and in the 18th century at the latest. So why now all the publicity and fuss?

Like many fruits, the goji berry has a lot of healthy properties, including:

1. High concentrations of Vitamin C
2. 18 amino acids
3. Polysaccharides, which are said to help the immune system
4. Beta-carotene, which is thought to help prevent heart disease

 Those nutricious properties of these small berries have always been there, of course, but over the last 20 years or so scientists have been increasingly likely to study beneficial properties of any fruit, or vegetable, that has a reputation for being of benefit to people's health. Especiall if they are a bright color. As a red berry, in the wake of the red grape/wine publicity for its anioxidant properties, the goji berry has naturally attracted serious attention from those interested in natural health matters. With its oriental origins, it also has great marketing potential, despite the fact that is now grows quite freely in many parts of the world.

With major governments now encouraging a diet with more fruits and vegetables, it is likely that goji berries will be encouraged as one of the many fruits suitable for a healthy diet. Whether or not it will live up to its modern reputation in further scientific studies will be of great interest. One thing is very likely, though. It is probably better to snack on goji berries and other fruits, fresh or dried, thank a packet or two of junk foods.

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