The Health Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are the most nutritionally dense fruit on Earth. They are a member of the nightshade family (Solonaceae), which contains many other common vegetables such as potato, sweet potato, tomato, eggplant, and pepper, as well as some poisonous plants such as belladonna and deadly nightshade. Native to the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, they are now also grown in many other countries as well.

Although they have only been introduced in Western countries in recent years, gojis have been used for thousands of years in Tibet and China, both as a culinary ingredient and medicinally.

Unique among fruits because they contain all essential amino acids, goji berries also have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit. They are also loaded with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have twenty-one trace minerals, and are high in fiber. Boasting 15 times the amount of iron found in spinach, as well as calcium, zinc, selenium and many other important trace minerals, there is no doubt that the humble goji berry is a nutritional powerhouse.

This amazing little superfruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system. It's no wonder then, that in traditional Chinese medicine they are renowned for increasing strength and longevity.

In traditional 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.

Gojis are most commonly available in dried form, and make a great snack eaten as is, added to trail mix, muesli or oatmeal. They can also be soaked for a couple of hours in enough water to cover them. Then the soak water can be drained off and makes a delicious drink, or both water and berries added to smoothies.

Please note that there can be adverse interactions if you consume goji berries while also taking medication for diabetes, or blood pressure, or take the blood thinner warfarin. So be sure to consult your health care provider if that is the case.

Gojis can often be found in Asian food stores, but most of these come from the commercial growing regions of China and Tibet, and contain high levels of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Even some brands which claim to be organic may not be, so be sure to source your goji berries from a reputable source.

Vitamin Benefits - What You Need To Know

Parents always tell their children to take their vitamins. Every day, consumers are bombarded with vitamin advertisements, and it is common knowledge that vitamins are beneficial to the human body. Unfortunately, many people do not know exactly how vitamins are beneficial. Knowing how vitamins can be helpful, and other important information about vitamins can help anyone decide the right vitamins to take, and shows their true benefits.

Two Types of Vitamins

It is very important to understand that there are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in your body as well as in your liver. The vitamins remain in the body fat until they are needed. When the vitamins are called upon, special carriers take them to the source. The period of time that fat-soluble vitamins stay in the body can be up to 6 months. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins.

The second type of vitamin is water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are quite different than fat-soluble vitamins because they are not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins are moved through the bloodstream, and whatever is unused by the body comes out when you urinate. For this reason, these vitamins ought to be replaced most often because they don't remain in the body for a long period of time. Some water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C, and a large group of B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B6 (pryidoxine), B12 (cobalamine), niacin, biotin, and pantothenic acid.

How Vitamins Help

Most people understand that vitamins are helpful, but they do not know exactly what each vitamin does. Vitamin A is very important for eyesight and also helps you see colors more clearly and distinctly. Finally, vitamin A helps proper growth and healthy skin. B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity. B vitamins help create energy and set it free when it is needed by the body (during heavy physical activity, for example). B vitamins are also involved in the creation of red blood cells. Vitamin C keeps body tissues, such as muscles and gums, healthy. Vitamin C can help resist infection and helps heal wounds. Vitamin D is a very important vitamin for your bones. Vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium it needs to have stronger bones. Vitamin E maintains a lot of the body's tissues. Some of the tissues vitamin E maintains are found in the eyes, skin, and liver. Vitamin E also joins with the B vitamins in the formation of red blood cells. Finally, vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Vitamin K and C work together to heal wounds.

Where to Get Vitamins

For most children, eating healthy can provide them with all the vitamins needed. However, some adults may be advised to take vitamins in order to get their daily-recommended amounts. The best way to get vitamins is to have a balanced diet. It is always a good idea to look at the nutrition facts on labels. Some foods contain a variety of vitamins. Orange Juice is rich in vitamin C, but did you know that eggs contain vitamins A, B, D, and E? Vitamin supplements can always help, but there is simply no substitute for eating foods with vitamins naturally found in them.

Conclusion

Vitamins are quintessential for a healthy body. Vitamins can help heal wounds, create new blood, maintain tissue, and improve basic body processes. It is important to have an in-depth understanding of vitamins in order to truly appreciate their benefits. Kids and Adults alike should always be vitamin conscious. Eating healthy, and taking vitamin supplements if needed is the only way to make sure that you get your daily recommended amount of vitamins. Having the recommended amount of vitamins will lead to a healthier, happier, and longer life.

Ruth Stattmiller enjoys writing about health topics. Learn more about vitamin benefits at MyVitaminGuide ( http://www.myvitaminguide.com/ ).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Stattmiller

All the Top Brands! Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs
At least 20% OFF retail! Why Pay More?
Visit eVitamins Now

Recently Viewed Sites
About Aloe Vera
weight bench
Exercises for Abs
Mens Jewelry Rings
The Linden Method
www.Retinol-Cream.net