Are you looking to add some new fruits to your diet? You might want to consider Goji Berry! This small red fruit has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its numerous health benefits. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the Western world due to its high nutritional values and anti-inflammatory properties.
What are Goji Berries?
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are native to China and have been grown and used for over 2,000 years for their medicinal properties. They are a small, red-orange berry that grows on a shrub primarily in the Himalayan region of Tibet, and are packed with numerous vitamins, minerals and compounds that benefit overall health.
Nutritional Values of Goji Berries
According to the US National Nutrient Database, 100 grams of dried goji berries contain approximately
- 370 calories
- 14 grams of protein
- 68 grams of carbohydrates
- 3 grams of fat
- 10 grams of fiber
- 70% of your daily vitamin A
- 350% of your daily vitamin C
- 20% of your daily iron
- 8% of your daily calcium
That’s a lot of nutritional value for such a small fruit!
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
One of the standout health benefits goji berries offer is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can lead to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Goji berries contain compounds called flavonoids and polysaccharides that are known to help reduce inflammation in the body.
Bone Health Effects
With high levels of calcium and potassium, goji berries aid in the strengthening of bones and joints. A study conducted by the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine found that goji berries promoted bone formation and strength, and is a promising treatment for osteoporosis.
Immune System Effects
Goji berries also have immune system benefits. They contain a compound called phytochemicals that increase the body’s defense against bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.
Food Combining Information
If you are looking to maximize the nutritional value of goji berries, it is important to consider food combining. Consuming goji berries along with foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or red bell peppers, can help enhance the absorption of iron in the berries.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe
One simple way to incorporate goji berries into your diet is to add them to a smoothie. Here is a recipe for an anti-inflammatory smoothie that you can try:
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp flax seeds
- 1/4 cup dried goji berries
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Overall, goji berries are a powerhouse fruit that offer numerous health benefits. Try incorporating them into your diet today for a boost in nutrition and health. If you love anti-inflammatory fruits check out the rest of our fruits section here, or pop over to our anti-inflammatory herbs section where you can find powerful goodness to add to any autoimmune smoothie.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoyed this article!