Going for Goji

Good things come in small packages and gojis are the perfect example of this.

Goji berries grow on a bush that develops something like a vine. These bombastic little berries range in colour from pale yellow to deep red. It is the deep red that are most available in our European shops and will set your energy on fire when you start eating them regularly.

They are an incredibly hardy little plant that can grown in very harsh dry desserts as they can in the tropics. Energerically, this is a great sign. You wouldn't want to support something that drops over at the first sign of trouble would you?

Benefits of goji
1. They are great for helping you deal with stress. In the Chinese medical system, gojis strengthen the adrenals and kidneys. In our modern world, most peoples' adrenals are very overworked, so adding a handful of goji berries to your diet will help them greatly. Eating more goji berries will lead to better strength and stamina and also a better ability to deal with stress and I know that I, for one, am always happy to have a good dose of stress buster foods daily.

2. A seventy year old person will produce one tenth of the amount of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) that is generated by a twenty year old. This means that the older your get, the more your physical body will deteriorate, meaning lower levels of energy and muscle mass. By boosting the amount of HGH you produce, can help you look younger and feel more alive. You do want to look younger and feel more alive don't you?? Well, going for gojis will help you do just that.

3. Antioxidants protect our DNA from free radical damage. DNA damage opens the door to lots of illness and accelerates aging. David Wolfe reminds us that while our bodies are designed to continually repair themselves, they can become ovewhelmed by too many free radicals as we age. Goji berries are another one of natures richest source of antioxidant carotenoids (lots more than carrots by the way). Could I be so bold as to say, the more antioxidants you eat, the longer you will life?? Absolutely!

4. If your eyesight is not what it used to be, then eating more gojis could be the answer. Gojis contain two antioxidants; zeaxanthin and lutein that are essential for healty eyesight. Free radicals attack the eyes and these two antioxidants help repair the damage. I'm not suggesting you throw away your glasses just yet, but I am suggesting that you could simply have a pack of gojis in the car and simply let your had visit the bag a few times a day. Could this be the secret to why Irish Eyes are always smiling?? That definitely merits another blog entry......

The Best Way to Use Goji Berries
Snacking Bags
I love having the foods that I want to eat, close to hand as I really do not like feeling hungry (unless I am on Day 1 of one of my detoxes...that, I can accept), so I keep a bag of gojis in my car ready to eat. If you don't like them on their own, the add some 70% cacao chocolate drops, plus a few broken cashew pieces into the bargain. Now, you'll definitely like them.

Gogi Water
I know David Wolfe suggests adding them to your drinking water, but I personally am not fond of this method. However, if it works for you, go for it. Incorporate gojis whatever way you can.

Smoothies
I add gojis to my smoothies, particularly if I haven't already used much fruit. If this is a method you like, it's best to soak them before you add them to your blender.

Power Bars
I will be adding a lovely recipe for goji energy bars that should help you get started making these snacks for yourself and your family. They are a super way of making sure you get this superfood into your diet.

Desserts
Feel free to add gojis to your desserts and biscuits too (especially if they're raw). Add them to your cheesecake mixtures and sprinkle them over your strawberries and fruit salads.

I'd like to make one final point about gojis and any superfood in general. Having them twice one week and then not again for another three weeks, will not be enough to gain the benefits that I have outlined above. Like any new lifestyle choice, it must be practiced regularly to fully reap the rewards. Going for Gojis is best taken in a daily dose.

I hope you have found this blog entry helpful and will enjoy including these wonderful berries into your diet.

To your incredible health!

KG.