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A Complete Review of Goji Advance

One of the latest superfoods to hug the spotlight is goji advance berry, the fruit of the Lycium Barbarum shrub, which grows in China, Mongolia and Tibet. This bright red berry has been eaten for thousands of years in Asia and has also been widely used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments from fever and eye problems to more serious diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It is also believed to strengthen immunity, improve libido and fertility and promote long life. Like other berries, goji berry can be eaten raw, dried, cooked or made into juices, wines, teas and medicinal extracts.

Nutritionally Dense and Anti-Oxidant Rich

Recently, goji berry benefits have come to the attention of the West when it was found to be extremely nutritionally dense, containing more vitamin C than oranges, more iron than steak and more beta-carotene than carrots. Detailed analysis has also shown that goji berries contain 19 amino acids, including the 8 essential ones as well as vitamin E, Betaine, the eye-friendly antioxidant zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids and B-complex vitamins. In addition, the goji berry contains immune system fortifying polysaccharides, which strengthen the body’s defense systems against diseases.

Choose Between Dried Berries, Capsules, Health Bars, Juice and Cereals

To capitalize on these goji berry benefits, many companies have begun producing goji juice, dried goji berries, goji capsules, goji health bars and goji berry cereals marketing it as the newest wellness super food in the form of weight loss supplements. The majority of marketers emphasize its immunity boosting abilities against both common and dreaded diseases. Some companies have even gone so far as to market it as cancer cure. Since there are plenty of goji berry benefits, some enterprising vendors have chosen variety of marketing slants such as its anti-aging benefits or over-emphasizing its libido-enhancing characteristics, even going as far as dubbing it the “fruit Viagra.” Unsurprisingly enough goji is also being marketed as a weight loss aid since its low glycemic index and high fiber content can help make a dieter feel full longer with the added benefit of busting cellulite.

A Celebrity Favorite

The buzz about goji berry has also gotten a boost from famous personalities who have reportedly experienced its benefits. Its most famous followers include Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Mischa Barton and Liz Hurley who have experienced better sleep, higher energy levels and improved sense of health from taking the berry. Currently, there have been no extensive studies undertaken on possible adverse interactions with other medications but people taking blood thinners such as Warfarin have been cautioned against taking goji berry after a single case was reported to have increased risk of bleeding.

Although no extensive research has been done on goji berry benefits yet, large bodies of research on eating similar berries such as strawberries, cranberries and cherries have solid evidence of their health benefits. Since goji berries have even higher amounts of anti-oxidants, B vitamins and vitamin A, there can be no doubt that it can help boost immunity, protect against diseases, boost brain health, slow down aging and perhaps even assist in weight loss.