Goji berries they are fruits of a shrub of Asian origin, known for thousands of years in Tibetan medicine, rich in beneficial properties for the body.
The properties of goji berries
These small red drupes, with a sweetish and slightly sour taste when fresh, even sweeter and more concentrated when dried, are also known as the "fruit of longevity" precisely because they are very rich in antioxidant substances (Omega 3 and Omega 6), minerals and trace elements (zinc, selenium, germanium, calcium, potassium, iron), Vitamins (vitamin C, E, B2), carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, zeaxntine), flavonoids and polysaccharides.
In particular, the fruit proteins contain important amino acids (as many as 18, including L-arginine and L-glutamine) that they strengthen and energize the organism, improving muscle tone, concentration and visual function, as well as the appearance of nails, skin and hair; finally, they rebalance sleep and eliminate stress and fatigue.
The adaptogenic action is implemented by other actions that these small fruits carry out: the immunostimulating action, the anti-allergic action, the antioxidant action and finally the rebalancing action of the bacterial flora.
How to choose the berries of longevity
If you don't have a piece of land to grow them (a certain type of goji berries also grow well here, especially in the north of the country, where the climate is colder), quality goji berries you can buy them at herbalists o by Internet. You can also take the juice or liquid extract, or can be found in the form of supplements.
The "quality" aspect should be emphasized, precisely because there are now various types on the market, but the origin is not always sure.. To be sure of its nutritional potential, the fruit must in fact be collected, treated and stored with care; first of all, the package in which the fruit is stored must not be transparent, since the light would alter its therapeutic properties.
Furthermore, plastic is harmful because it could lead to the formation of fungi; it would be better to opt for polypropylene or non-transparent glass packaging. Second, the "Lycium Barbarum" certification of the plant must be indicated, to certify its best quality, which refers to berries from the Mongolian, Chinese and Asian highlands.
As then recognize low-quality old berries? With an unpleasant taste, the particularly low price and the bad appearance: they are rather small, dark and very dry. Needless to point out that they have by now lost their antioxidant properties. When they are of quality, Goji berries look good, a good size and are stored in resealable opaque bags.
In any case, the dried goji berries are a food, unlike the juice and the extract in capsules, of which it is also possible to find the food supplement, where the natural ingredients are present in greater quantities than the dried berry: a good Goji juice is 100% pure, undiluted, and stored in dark glass bottles; in this case, about one measuring cup per day will be sufficient.
As for Goj in capsules, it is advisable to choose a titrated dry extract, with clear and precise determination of the active ingredient, which is very different from the pulverized fruit: as always, it is advisable to always read the label carefully!
How to use goji berries
Often recommended in low-calorie diets due to their low glycemic index and high satiating power, these superfruit berries can be consumed in various ways, just find some Eastern recipes and use a little imagination.
Generally, in order for their nutritional value to find its being in the human organism, you should consume about 20 grams of berries per day.
Goji berries can be consumed as they are, as a snack, but also in yogurt, milk and cereals, or as a condiment for delicious dishes with an oriental flavor. Here is a recipe below.
Oriental red rice with vegetables and goji berries
Ingredients for 4 people:
> 250 g of organic brown rice,
> 4 tablespoons of goji berries,
> a handful of sesame seeds,
> pink salt,
> extra virgin olive oil,
> a spring onion,
> a tomato cut into cubes,
> a courgette,
> a slice of garlic,
> a few cumin seeds,
> fresh coriander,
> a tablespoon of soy sauce,
> a little lemon juice,
> fresh or powdered chilli.
Preparation: cook the rice in boiling water for about 30 minutes or for the indicated time, drain and season with a couple of tablespoons of oil; in the meantime, in a pan, sauté the thinly sliced ​​spring onion, sesame seeds, diced or thinly sliced ​​courgettes in a couple of tablespoons of oil, a crushed garlic slice (which is then removed), diced tomato, a pinch of chilli, soy sauce, lemon juice for a few minutes.
Add the rice and goji berries together, tossing everything together, serve in a nice serving dish, sprinkled with finely chopped fresh coriander.
