Goji (go-jee) berries, also known as Chinese wolfberries, have been revered as a source of wellbeing and used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.
Grown on the Tibetan plains on small, thorny shrubs, Goji berries blossom into a vibrant reddish orange fruit. They are then hand-picked and sun-dried to retain their earthy sweetness.
Goji berries are bursting with health benefits, colour and taste, and here are 5 reasons why you should start eating the nourishing berries now (if you haven’t already).
1. Goji berries can boost your immunity
Goji berries are packed full of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, iron and copper which all support the normal functioning of the immune system, helping to boost your energy levels and protect your body against illness. If you’re feeling under the weather, why not sprinkle a spoonful of goji berries onto your morning porridge to fight off that winter cold?
2. Goji berries are loaded with vitamin C
Goji berries are a rich source of vitamin C which not only builds your immunity and reduces fatigue but also promotes healthy skin. Vitamin C contributes to collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. That means that blending Goji berries into your daily smoothie can be incredibly beneficial for maintaining a healthy complexion.
3. Goji berries are a great source of plant protein
If you’re wondering what to eat as a snack before your next workout, grab a handful of Goji berries. These small berries are a great source of protein, helping your body to build and maintain lean muscle mass while also aiding your muscles to recover after a workout.
4. Goji berries can improve your workout
Did you know that just 25g of Goji berries contains the same amount of potassium as a small banana? Potassium is crucial to helping your muscle to function. Goji berries are also loaded with iron and copper which help to energise the body and improve athletic performance, perfect when you need an energy boost to nail that workout.
5. Goji berries are high in fibre
Goji berries are naturally high in fibre which is essential for supporting a healthy digestive system, reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Sprinkle a handful onto your breakfast bowl to maintain good healthy digestion and keep your body in balance.
How to eat goji berries
Overall, Goji berries sound pretty good right? But what’s the easiest way to reap all the health benefits into your diet?
It’s simple. Goji berries are incredibly versatile.
Add Goji berries as a topping to your breakfast bowl, sprinkle on a warming bowl of porridge, mix into granola bars, roll into energy balls, sprinkle on a smoothie bowl, or use in tasty chocolate treats.
Goji berries are a tasty and nutritious alternative to raisins, perfect for your new go-to emergency snack to beat that mid-afternoon slump. You can eat them by the handful on their own as a snack or mixed with nuts and other berries in a trail mix.
