goji-related stories
You Are What You Eat: Gaga for Goji Berries?
Ever heard of goji berries? You should have -- they're the new kids on the superfoods block, the health food that everyone seems to be talking about these days (including us -- we wrote about them here, here , here and here.) Still not sure what all the hype is about? Here are some health benefits that have been attributed to goji berries:
- Boosted liver protection and immune function
- Improved eyesight
- increased sexual function and fertility
- Increased muscle strength
- Improved circulation
- Greater longevity
Goji is great source of antioxidants
Natural Products, Vitamins and Supplements, Womens Health, Diet & Weight Loss, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements, Men's Health
For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine has looked to the goji berry as a potent source of nutrients. Specifically used for its supposed anti-aging properties and its benefit to eyesight, goji's high vitamin C and B content also help make it a powerful combatant against kidney and liver problems.
Sometimes referred to as wolfberries, goji berries make a healthy and delicious little snack. In addition to the benefits listed above, some recent research into this rare fruit uncovered a potential link between its consumption and a decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol.
In addition to the berry, you can also try goji juice, which has somewhat of an unusual, but decent, taste. A word of caution for people taking the blood thinner warfarin, though. Just as many leafy green vegetables can lessen the effectiveness of this medication, goji may do the same. Talk to your doctor to see if goji is right for you.
Kombucha Tea: The cure for what ails you?
Reviews & Products, Alternative & Green Health
So just what is this tea? It's a fermented drink, made of a combination of bacteria and yeast. Mmmmm, sounds delicious. It's been popular in China since the 200s BC, and though it's popular with people the world over, including celebrities, it's supposed 'benefits' haven't been confirmed. That's not to say it's not effective -- many people report increased energy -- but I have issues with companies that claim their product is a miracle cure-all when they have no scientific evidence to back it up. But I suppose a slogan along the lines of 'A few people say it makes them feel great!' isn't nearly as effective.
Have you tried it?
Goji juice: What's with all the hype?
Reviews & Products, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements
Goji Juice is made from the Himalayan Goji berry, which promises 'more vitamin c than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than steak' (From the BBC.) It's said to contain special 'master molecules' that aren't found in any other foods. Plus it's also been touted as the answer to healthy aging, weight loss, managing diabetes, preventing cancer and lowering blood pressure. Those are some pretty lofty claims -- can they hold up?
I'm often skeptical of these types of miracle products -- and rightly so, according to this video. I suggest you watch it if you're falling, or have fallen, for the Goji juice hype. Goji juice might not be the superfood you think.






















