HELLO GOJI IT'S BERRY NICE TO MEET YOU
There's a reason health-conscious celebs like Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by Goji berries
Revered in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as the #1 medicinal herb for longevity, GOJI BERRIES (Lycium barbarum), aka wolfberries, are a super-duper superfood loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. An esteemed member of the Giddy Yo family of superfoods, we love these powerhouse dried berries because of the numerous health benefits, including (but certainly not limited to) immune system support, improved eye health, anti-aging properties (think human growth hormone), testosterone building, brain food- and to boot they are yummy and make a perfect functional snack for the whole family!
We offer goji berries in both 1lb (454 g) and in 10 lb units. Unlike most dried fruit, our gojis do not contain any added sugar, oils, colouring, sulfites, preservatives or nonsense. Add gojis to your smoothies, trail mix, tea, soup, kid's lunches, or straight up. I love to eat gojis with walnuts and in my tea. More ideas about how to easily incorporate gojis into your daily life below, so read on friends!
Goji berries contain:
- High levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B2 (vital to keep us protected during the cold and flu season)
- They are rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, riboflavin, zinc, and selenium (we're all lacking minerals which may contribute to preventing and treating sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance.)
- Rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin ('EYE' eye Captain! Here's to seeing better)!
- Are a a complete protein (cool eh) and contain “good” fatty acids such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid - which is thought to decrease the risk of heart disease by helping to maintain normal heart rhythm and pumping.
FASCINATING & UNDER THE RADAR STATS ABOUT GOJI'S:
Eye Health and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A study from the University of California, Davis, found that consuming 28 grams of goji berries (less than a ¼ cup) five times a week for 90 days significantly increased the density of protective pigments like lutein and zeaxanthin in the eyes. These pigments act as a natural sunscreen, filtering harmful blue light and protecting against AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. 100 grams of goji berries contain 100 mg of zeaxanthin, making them one of the richest sources of this carotenoid - up to 100 times more than the amount found in carrots.For those of us who spend far too much time in front of screens here is a tasty solution.
Potent Immune Modulation: Goji berries have been shown to support immune function by enhancing the activity of immune cells. Specifically, they stimulate the production of beneficial proteins that modulate immune response, contributing to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are beneficial for combating chronic diseases. Goji berries contain up to 30-40% polysaccharides, which are bioactive compounds known to support both immune function and stabilize blood sugar. Goji berries provide about ten times more antioxidants than many other fruits and vegetables. Goji berries score about 25,300 on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale, far surpassing blueberries, which average around 9,000. This makes them especially valuable for preventing oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic diseases.
Improved Sleep and Mood Balance: Emerging research suggests that goji berries may improve sleep quality due to their content of natural melatonin. They also seem to enhance general feelings of well-being and energy, possibly related to their effects on neurotransmitter pathways and stress regulation. A small human study found that participants consuming goji berry juice for 14 days experienced a 50% reduction in fatigue and depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group.
Boosts Growth Hormone Levels by 21%: According to some early studies, goji berries have shown potential to increase the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) by 21%, which plays a role in anti-aging and muscle growth.
Goji Berry Seeds for Gut Health - Prebiotic Power: The tiny seeds within goji berries are loaded with fiber, acting as a prebiotic that promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion and immunity. This nutrient-dense superfood contains dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety. A typical serving of dried goji berries (28 grams = just under ¼ c) provides approx. 2.5 grams of fiber, which supports gut health, regulates digestion, and helps manage blood sugar levels.
Water Retention and Hydration - Comparable to Sports Drinks: Thanks to the unique mix of minerals (like potassium and magnesium) and amino acids, goji berries improve cellular hydration. In fact, they've been compared to electrolyte drinks in terms of hydration benefits.
Complete Protein Goji berries are considered a complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce on its own. This makes them a unique plant-based protein source. A 28 gram serving of dried goji berries provides about 3 grams of protein, offering a valuable protein boost, especially for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. Beyond protein, goji berries also contain key amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, and lysine, which are crucial for muscle growth, immune function, and tissue repair.
Testosterone - Goji berries have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for their reproductive health benefits. Emerging studies suggest they may enhance testosterone levels and improve libido by supporting hormone balance and circulation. This increase in testosterone can potentially boost muscle mass, energy, and overall vitality in both men and women. So ladies, you too should also be eating your gojis! And don't cha worry, eating gojis will not cause the ladies to grow hair in places we ladies should not be growing hair!
Quick & easy ways to incorporate Goji berries into your daily routine: 11. Goji Smoothies & Smoothie Bowls
- Add a handful of dried goji berries to your favorite smoothie for a nutrient boost.
- Soak the berries overnight (or 10+ mins) to soften, making them blend more easily. Be sure to use the soaking water!
- Top smoothie bowls with goji berries for a sweet, chewy texture.
2. Mix into Oatmeal or Granola
- Stir in goji berries with oats while cooking your breakfast porridge.
- Include them in homemade granola or trail mix for a chewy contrast.
3. Brew Goji Berry Tea
- Steep dried goji berries in hot water for 10 minutes to make a lightly sweet, caffeine-free tea.
- Bonus: After drinking, eat the softened berries at the bottom of your cup.
4. Toss into Salads
- Add goji berries to salads for a pop of color and sweetness—works great in green or quinoa salads.
- Pair with nuts, seeds, or citrus vinaigrette to balance flavors.
5. Blend into Energy Balls or Bars
- Use goji berries in homemade energy bites, mixing them with oats, nuts, dates, cacao, coconut oil, seeds, mmm
- They also work well as add-ins for protein bars to enhance nutrient density.
6. Add to Yogurt or Chia Pudding (RECIPE BELOW)
- Sprinkle goji berries over yogurt or chia seed pudding for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
- Mix with other berries for extra antioxidants.
7. Incorporate into Baking
- Use goji berries in place of raisins for cookies, muffins, or bread.
- Add them to chocolate-based recipes like brownies for a fun twist.
8. Top Your Toast
- Spread nut butter or avocado on toast and sprinkle goji berries on top for extra flavor and crunch.
9. Use in Soups or Stews
- Goji berries are commonly added to soups in Chinese cuisine. They soften and release a mild sweetness, making them a great complement to broths
10. Snack on Them Straight Up
- Enjoy a handful of dried goji berries as a quick and healthy snack on the go. For variety, pair them with nuts or dark chocolate. Perfect for school lunches.
These easy methods will allow you to enjoy goji berries throughout the day, enhancing meals with their natural sweetness, antioxidants, and fiber.
So why Choose GIDDY YO Goji Berries? It's important to prioritize quality and safety by purchasing products from trusted companies that also prioritize quality and safety. Look for certified organic and third-party tested gojis as this gives you the best odds that your foods are safe and contain minimal contamination. Always choose gojis that are minimally processed and free from additives such as sugar, oil, flavouring, artificial colours, fresheners, and preservative (sulfites).
Our certified organic Goji berries are sweet and chewy, allergen free and low temperature processed to maximize nutrition. Oh yes, yummy too! Their taste is somewhat between a cranberry, cherry and tomato - hard to describe so you'll have to try yourselves (then let us know what you think they taste like)!
Reference links:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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