Himalayan Goji Berries

by Himalayan Goji

People today are looking for the next great health food. There is a constant marketing of certain foods as harmful, (in which case foods are labeled as specifically excluding it), or necessary or a sort of miracle food. For those who are interested in what is currently available in the health food realm, Himalayan goji berries should already be a familiar fruit.

The reason the Himalayan goji berry (which is sometimes called the Tibetan goji berry) has become so rapidly and increasingly popular is for it’s status as a superfruit, as well as it’s numerous claims for health benefits, and even life prolonging abilities. It is touted as a wonder fruit that, when eaten daily, can provide you with better eyesight, help your heart, alleviate forgetfulness, strengthen muscles, boost the immune system, assist liver function and many, many others, including, as mentioned the claim that it increases longevity.

This last claim is made on the basis of the fruit’s many health benefits, but cites a specific example as it’s evidence that it really does have anti-aging properties. The example? Li Qing Yuen, a Chinese herbalist who was said to have eaten the berries every day of his life and lived to the age of 252 years!! Of course this is a myth that is as yet unproven, and is not likely to be proven, as documentation from centuries ago is so incomplete.

Proven or not, people continue to be excited about Himalayan goji berries. This is because they are known to contain so many macro and micro nutrients that are extremely beneficial in our diet. They really are a power house of nutrition. For this reason, whether or not they are a miracle fruit is not important to many. They are interested in improving their intake of these nutrients that are most certainly beneficial to the body.

The Himalayan goji berry is not sold in its fresh form outside of the regions in which it is grown. Instead, it is dried, in which case it looks like a red raisin, or juiced or sold in powdered form. Himalayan goji berry juice is currently the most popular form the berry takes in the west. This Himalayan juice is sold on the Internet and in health food stores. It is extremely expensive, but only a small amount is needed each day, and it comes with some pretty serious health benefit claims, so many are willing to pay the price.

Unfortunately, there has not as yet been much research done into the effects the berries actually have. Most of the claims made come from ancient Chinese beliefs or are based on the known benefits of various of the nutrients the fruits contain. As the Himalayan goji berries become ever more popular, though, there is sure to be research done soon to determine the truth of the claims made about this superfruit.