Goji berry

The goji berry, also called the wolfberry, is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that's native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations in the hope of living longer.

Over time, people have used goji berries to try to treat many common health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are used in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines.^[1]

Goji berries are rich in nutrients. Some studies using goji berry juice found possible benefits in mental well-being and calmness, athletic performance, happiness, quality of sleep, and feelings of good health. But those were preliminary studies that need to be repeated before drawing conclusions. All berries are good for you. It's not clear if goji berries are better than other types of berries, or if goji berry supplements have the same health benefits as the actual berries.^[1]

Goji berries have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit.
They are loaded with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have twenty-one trace minerals, and are high in fibre. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other essential trace minerals, there is no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritional powerhouse.^[2]

This amazing little superfruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their potent antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are renowned for increasing strength and longevity.

In Chinese medicine, the goji is said to act on the Kidney and Liver meridians to help with lower back pain, dizziness, and eyesight. They are most often consumed raw, made into a tea or extract, or as an ingredient in soups.^[2]

Just like the benefits you get from eating other berries, goji berries are loaded with beta-carotene (a pigment found in plants and fruits) which helps promote healthy and beautiful skin.^[3]

Goji berries also help to boost the immune system and protect the eyes — talk about a super fruit. And like other berries, goji berries are also an excellent source of vitamin C and can reduce tough cold symptoms.^[3]

Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants because of their oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. An ORAC value indicates a food's antioxidant power on a relative scale.^[3]

As an another one plus, goji berries are low in calories, fat-free and are packed with fiber — which also helps you manage weight and go to the bathroom on a regular basis.^[3]

References:
[1] http://www.webmd.com
[2] http://www.huffingtonpost.ca
[2] http://thehealthyeatingsite.com