Health Benefits of Goji Berry

The goji berry is also known as the wolf berry. The scientific name for this berry is Lycium Barbarum. The goji berry is native to the Tibetan Himalayas.

Goji berry bushes grow well where there are hot dry summers and fairly cold winters. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones of 7 and above. Goji berries can be grown from seeds either seeds meant to be grown or the commercially available berries meant to be eaten can be grown. The soaking and sprouting step can be helpful; however, it is not absolutely vital to starting your goji berry bushes. If sprouting your seeds simply lay them on damp paper and cover them with more damp paper, keep them moist until they sprout which is usually in about 10 days. If planting the seeds directly, place the seeds into small containers with sterile soil and keep moist in a warm spot. Seedlings should emerge in 4 to 6 weeks. Continue to grow your goji berry bushes in containers until they reach a suitable size to transplant outdoors if in a suitable climate. Otherwise goji berries can be successfully grown in containers indoors. However, goji berry bushes like full sunlight and loose organic soil.

Nutritional Values of Goji Berries

Serving size is 5 tbs or 28 grams of dried goji berries.

Health Benefits of Goji Berrries

Goji berries have been touted as a super food. While they are a good source of fiber and Vitamin C along with other antioxidants many other berries such as blueberries and strawberries are just as nutritionally powerful. Antioxidants are helpful in fighting free radicals in cells.

Many claims have been made about the potential health benefits of goji berries; however, scientific research has not been completed to substantiate these claims.

Getting the Most Out of Goji Berries

Goji berries may be found fresh, frozen, dried, or even dipped in chocolate. Goji berry juice is also commercially available.

Goji Berry Concerns and Cautions

It is important to note that there has not been any scientific research completed to substantiate the numerous health benefits claimed through the use of goji berries.

Excessive consumption of goji berries may result in side effects such as nausea and dizziness. Goji berries also may seriously interact with some types of blood pressure and diabetes medications. Because of these interactions it is important to consult with your doctor before trying goji berries.

Additional Information and Resources for Goji Berries

Read this article on the nutritional information on goji berries.

Learn how to grow goji berries from seeds.

This is an interesting article from the University of Missouri about how goji berries may not be a super fruit after all.