Goji berries figure prominently in the realm of holistic medicine. According to raw nutritionist David Wolfe, the Chinese used these berries as ancient medicine as early as 500 B.C., and they are touted for their anti-aging properties. Goji berries also contain amino acids that can be used by the body to form a complete protein. Goji berries contain compounds that slow the growth of tumors and helps prevent skin cancer (see References). Goji berries are commonly consumed in two forms: juiced and dried.
Using Gogi Berries
Goji berry juice is generally drunk from small shot glasses, taking one shot per day. While you can drink as much as desired, the cost of goji berry juice usually limits the drinker to one small dose a day. Dried goji berries can be easily added to salads, trail mixes or eaten plain. The berry can be used in ways similar to a raisin.
Cost
Both forms come at a high price, averaging $18 per pound if dried and $30 per 1-liter bottle if juiced. Many manufacturers make goji berry juice, but read the label for ingredients to ensure the juice isn't mostly made from apple or grape. If you purchased them dried, goji berries can be found in bulk bins or already mixed with other fruit and nuts in the form of trail mix.
Benefits
Goji berry juice can contain additives from other juices, like mangosteen or grape juice. In juice form, the manufacturer can add vitamins and minerals from other sources. In dried form, goji berries maintain their enzyme profile and will not be pasteurized.
Negative Aspects
Goji berry juice is pasteurized, a process that reduces vitamin content and destroys the fruit's enzyme content. The juice can also have inexpensive fillers (like apple juice) and added sugar, which unnecessarily raises the price. Dried goji berries are not as sweet as the juice, and can be more difficult to find in stores.
Warning
Goji berries provide the same health benefits as other dark-skinned fruits like cranberries, acai and cherries. All fruits contain antioxidants: the darker the skin, the higher the antioxidant content. Some people choose not to pay a premium to reap the health benefits found in other less expensive fruits.
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