Why is it about Dried Goji Berries That People so Irresistible?

Today there is a lot of talk about goji berries on the health food market today, and this has made a number of people wonder what this so-called miracle fruit really is. Goji berries grow on a vine-like plant that sometimes reach 15-20 feet in height. This plant is frequently found growing in the Ningxia Province in China. Many people have said that this plant looks like a mix between a grape vine, and a tomato creeper.

When goji berries have matured, the berries are collected by shaking the vines on mats that have been specially made to capture the goji berries, and then they are dried in the sun. It is very important that human hands don’t touch these berries while they are fresh, because if they do the berries will immediately get oxidized and turn black.

Goji berries are known by a number of different names throughout the international market

Throughout the world dried goji berries are in high demand and they are know by variety of names. Since goji berries originate from China, there are often referred to as
Chinese Wolfberries or Oriental Wolfberries. However, their correct scientific name is, Lyceum Barbarum. These berries are consumed only after they have been dried, and look like raisins that bright red in color. When the berries are fresh they are never touched because they will oxidize, turn black and lose the valuable health properties that they contain.

Why are dried goji berries in such high demand?

There are a number of reasons people consume goji berries, but mainly they are consumed for their anti-oxidant properties. According to the ORAC (Oxidation Radical Absorbance Capacity)
dried goji berries contain 22,000 ORAC units per gram, and this is just simply amazing.

That’s not all. This wonder berry also contains a special type of sugar, that is called Lycium Barbarum Plysachharide. This particular compound has anti-cancerous properties, and according to studies that have been conducted; the Polysachharide from dried goji berries helps prevent age-related macular degeneration and other diseases.