Dried goji berries are a superfruit with high nutritional value and antioxidant content, derived from the wolfberry plant native to Asia and southeastern Europe. They are marketed for their health benefits, but scientific evidence is limited. The berries can be consumed in various forms and are often used as a snack or added to other foods.
Dried goji berries are a commercially available food product derived from the fruit of a plant commonly known as the wolfberry. The plant is native to Asia and parts of southeastern Europe, producing many small, edible red berries. Wolfberries are often marketed as a superfruit, referring to their high nutritional value, antioxidant content, and good taste. Outside of the fruit’s production region, the dried form is usually the most common form for sale and consumption.
Wolfberry is actually a name that refers to two closely related plants that are most commonly found in China and the Himalayan region. The species are perennial woody deciduous plants, with the scientific names of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. Both are species of hawthorn in the Solanaceae family, which includes other foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. The plants average one to three meters in height and produce orange or red berries about 0.4 to 0.8 in (1 to 2 cm) across.
One of the main marketing claims for dried goji berries is on the nutritional benefits of the fruit. Wolfberry contains a substantial percentage of the daily recommendation for macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. The fruit also appears to be high in vitamins, especially vitamin C. Dried goji berries can also contain up to 19 amino acids and six essential fatty acids. The product is believed to contain many antioxidants, mainly carotenoids such as zeaxanthin and beta-carotene.
The claims for the health benefits of dried goji berries are far-reaching; however, the scientific evidence to support them is more limited. Proponents link the fruit to improved immune function, decreased vision impairment, weight loss, and even cancer prevention. There are also those who believe that the fruits can improve virility and male potency. General health and longevity of life appear to be the most commonly proposed benefits. Although many of these effects may be true, they are difficult to prove conclusively in laboratory tests.
There are many popular methods of consuming the fruits of the wolfberry plant. In regions where they are grown, they are often eaten in their original form directly from the plant. Some people also enjoy making them into juice or as an addition to herbal tea. Dried fruit is also a suitable snack on its own, although some people find the taste too sweet for their preference. For this reason, dried goji berries are often used as an accompaniment to other foods such as cereal, yogurt, and salad.
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