Benefits of Goji Berries {and How to Eat Them!}

You may have just heard about goji berries in recent years, or you may be a long time eater of this tasty little superfood. Goji berries have been increasing in popularity in recent years, popping up in recipes from breakfast to snacks to desserts. Today we’ll tell you about the amazing benefits of goji berries and how to eat them at home!

What Exactly Are Goji Berries?

They’re red, a little bigger than a raisin, and kind of squishy—what are these strange little berries?

Wildly Organic Goji Berries, also called wolfberries, come from the Ningxia province of China. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are hailed for their health benefits, taste, and versatility, as they can go in a wide variety of recipes. Although they are small, goji berries pack a powerful, nutritious punch.

What are the Benefits of Goji Berries?

How do goji berries stand out from your everyday blueberry or strawberry?

When you think of protein, do you think of berries? Probably not, since blackberries (2 grams per cup), blueberries, and strawberries (both 1.1 grams per cup) contain very little. However, goji berries have 16 grams of protein per cup, smoking out the berry competition and even other fruits like apples, pears, figs, grapes, papayas, and oranges (source). No wonder goji berries are great additions to smoothies!

Similarly, the antioxidants in goji berries are comparable to other berries. You’ve likely heard of all of the antioxidant benefits in blueberries, blackberries, and even chocolate. Goji berries are not very different! (source) When analyzing the oxygen radical absorbance capacity, or the antioxidant value of goji berries, they rank just under blueberries and pomegranate seeds, and higher than figs, raisins, red wine, strawberries, and quinoa! (source)

You probably know that the brighter the color of your food, the healthier it is. We discussed this in our blog about Red Palm Oil. The same goes for goji berries. Their red color is attributed to the antioxidant zeaxanthin. It just goes to show that you’re eating healthily when your food is richly colored, as goji berries also contain beta carotene (which we convert into vitamin A), 11 essential amino acids, potassium, iron, and unsaturated fatty acids. (source)

There are various claims and studies about ways that goji berries can ward off illnesses or improve certain aspects of your health. Be sure to research them before accepting any claims at face value. There is also research that suggests that you should not eat goji berries if you have low blood sugar, high blood pressure, are using blood thinners, or are breastfeeding or pregnant. If any of these conditions apply to you, talk to your doctor before indulging in goji berries of any form.

How Do I Eat Goji Berries?

Luckily, goji berries are very versatile. You can eat them dry and soft, straight out of the bag. You can also slowly re-hydrate them to make them round and juicy again.

But if you’re looking to be more creative, we have lots of great goji berry recipes to try:

• You can top off a salad, yogurt trail mix, or smoothie with goji berries.
• You can add them to chewy granola bars.
• You can make them into a delicious tea.
• You can blend them with applesauce.
• You can craft them into dog treats for your favorite four-legged friend.
• You can indulge a sweet, energizing treat.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a bag of Wildly Organic Goji Berries! Try them dried for a delicious snack and then experiment to see your favorite way to eat our delicious goji berries.

Now that you know the benefits of goji berries, how will you eat them first?

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