Health freaks all around the world are in constant search for foods that will boost their health
. Currently Goji berries have caught their fancy. These berries, termed as miracle foods have become extremely popular in recent times. From the confinements of specialist stores they are making appearances in supermarkets. Even celebrities are reported to be declaring their love for this food and thus they are flying off the shelves.
Now, if you are still unaware of this recent fad then you may like to know about it. Let us give you a brief idea about Goji berries.
Goji plants are deciduous perennial plants that are found in China, the valleys of the Himalayas in Tibet and Mongolia. The berries from Goji are very tender and they are shaken from the vine. People of these areas have been eating these fruits since centuries. The Goji fruit is locally known as happy berry because it stimulates a sense of well being.
But recently scientists have discovered several health benefits of this fruit which has made it so popular with health experts.
Benefits of Goji
Health experts have termed this fruit as powerhouse of nutrition. Several claims are being made about Goji berries. The fruit is being termed as fruit Viagra and cellulite-busting. It is claimed that they contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots and more iron than steaks. They are also claimed to be an anti-aging fruit.
Scientists concur to some of the claims that have been made by health experts.
These berries are a good source of beta-carotene which fights heart diseases, protects the skin against sun-damage and cancer. They even contain Vitamin B and anti-oxidants which fight free radicals present in our body.
They also contain high amounts of essential fatty acids which are required by the body to produce hormones and also for the smooth functioning of the nervous systems and brains.
How to have these berries?
You can have these berries as a snack or add them with cereals or you can put them in smoothies and muesli or make Goji juice.
Although doctors opine that it is better to eat them with other fruits and vegetables rather than as Goji juice as juice is known to have lesser amounts of vitamins and anti-oxidants as it is in diluted form.
A word of caution
Scientists and doctors have warned people against falling for fad.
A serving of berries will not work wonder for you. You have to take care of other things like healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. You can include these berries in the five portions of fruits and vegetables that you take in a day. It can act as a novel alternative to some of the fruits you daily intake.