GOJI BERRIES THE HEALTHY NEW IT FOOD

In the last couple of years, goji berries have risen from obscurity to become the new "it" superfood. Time Magazine calls Himalayan goji berries the "breakout superfruit of the year". Luxury chocolatier Vosges Haut-Chocolat has jumped on the goji bandwagon with the Goji bar, which blends Tibetan goji berries and pink Himalayan salt with milk chocolate for a mere $7 a bar. Goji berries even made the Today Show's Style List of what's hot and what's cool.

"Goji berries have been bottled into a juice that is chock-full of the fruit that Tibetans believe fights depression and cancer and even prevents signs of aging".

SO WHAT ARE GOJI BERRIES

Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. They are in the nightshade (Solonaceae) family.

Goji berries are usually found dried. They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENIFITS OF GOJI BERRIES

Goji berries protect the liver

help eyesight

improve sexual function and fertility

strengthen the legs

boost immune function

improve circulation

promote longevity

Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin's key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.

In recent years, goji juice has become popular as a health beverage. Marketers also list extensive health benefits of goji juice, even though there are few published clinical trials in humans.

WHAT DO GOJI BERRIES TASTE LIKE

Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. They have a similar shape and chewy texture as raisins.

WHERE CAN I FIND GOJI BERRIES

Whole goji berries are available at Chinese herbal shops.

Goji juice can be found in some health food stores, online stores, and through network marketers.