Cambridge Personal Trainer – Superfood week – Goji Berries

Goji Berry

The Goji berry is a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin. It’s very sweet and tastes something like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.
Goji Berries are reported to contain 18 Amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen), more Beta Carotene than carrots, more Iron than spinach, and 21 Trace Minerals.

Goji Berries also contain Vitamin B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E (rarely found in fruits). The Goji Berry contains more Vitamin C by weight than oranges!

Goji berries are 13% protein!
This bright red berry also contains many complex compounds, and phytonutrients, which explains in part, the incredible health benefits being experienced by people today.
The Goji Berry also contains extremely high levels of antioxidants. It is quite possibly the highest antioxidant food on earth.

Goji Berries have been used in Tibet for at least 1,700 years. Tibetan Medicine includes these berries in the treatment of kidney and liver problems. They are also used in Tibet to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and cleanse the blood.

Goji Berries have a long history of use in the treatment of eye problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, allergies, insomnia, chronic liver disease, diabetes and tuberculosis. Goji Berries are also used by the people of Tibet to increase longevity and as a general health strengthening tonic.  Modern science has shown that this bright red berry not only contains extremely high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, but also contains many unique phytochemicals, polysaccharides, and complex compounds that scientists are just beginning to understand.

Betaine is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.

Physalin is active against all major types of leukaemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.
Solavetivone is a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.
Beta-Sitoserol is an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also lowers cholesterol.
Cyperone is a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.
The Goji Berry is also being called the world’s most powerful anti-aging food. It is rated #1 on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures the antioxidant level in foods. It is a test developed by USDA researchers out of Tufts University in Boston.
Our bodies are constantly being bombarded by these free radicals because of the air we breathe, the water we drink, the pesticides on our fruits and vegetables, the chemicals we clean with, the preservatives in our processed food, etc…

Eating foods high in antioxidants is one way we can help our bodies combat these free radicals.
Recipes 

Goji Juice

Goji berry juice 
A zesty energizing drink or spreadable jam depending on the amount of water added.
1/4 cup Tibetan Goji berries, soaked, keep and use soak water
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 pitted date or 1 tsp raw honey or agave nectar
Blend until pureed for a jam, add 1 cup coconut or purified water for a juice.




Goji Coconut Cream Sauce
Bursting with intense red color, this yummy nutritious sauce makes any fruit, salad, or dessert dish a work of art. If you can’t get the kids to eat their greens, just try this as a dressing.
1/2 cup Goji berries, soaked, with soak water
1/2 cup raspberries
1 cup young coconut meat or desiccated/chips of coconut
2 pitted dates or 1 tbsp raw honey or agave nectar
1/2 tsp orange zest
Enough coconut water to turn over in blender
Blend in a high speed blender until creamy. Keeps up to 3 days in refrigerator. To make it drinkable, add coconut water or purified water. For an incredible exotic dessert variation, substitute mango for the raspberries, and add 1 banana, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and blend without added water.

Goji Muesli

Goji Breakfast Muesli
Mix desired amounts of: goji berries, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, pecans or walnuts (pre-soaked), coconut shreds, blue/rasp &/or blackberries & rye flakes. If you fancy a chocolate fix add raw cocao nibs. Just add coconut/nut/rice or oat milk to taste – you can substitute the rye flakes for a pre-soaked chia seed breakfast base. Enjoy!!



I use Goji Berries for snacks mixed with seeds or nuts, they also taste great mixed with your homemade breakfast muesli, added to smoothies or sprinkled on salads. These really are a super little food, great for getting protein and a sweet kick if you need it.




VeNKaTeSh N :)