A few years ago the exotic sounding Goji Berry, otherwise known as Chinese Wolfberry, Lycium Fruit and Tibetan Goji Berry, was dubbed the latest ‘super food’ by many a skinny celebrity and there was a rush and flurry as major superstores jumped to stock it alongside the humble orange and banana.  Now all the media hype has calmed down, just what does this berry, have to offer us nutritionally?

Cultivated in China and also found in parts of Tibet and Mongolia, the distinctive, red Goji berries are so soft that they must be gently shaken from the vine as hand picking would bruise the tender berries.  They are then preserved by slowly drying in a covered area.

Nicknamed the ‘happy berry’, the Goji fruits have been enjoyed and celebrated for centuries in the East and are strongly associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine.  The berries are used to promote a sense of well being and are also believed to boost the immune system, improve eyesight, stimulate the liver and sperm production as well as aid a robust circulation system.  Rich in anti-oxidants the berries have anti-cancer properties.

Nutritionally, they contain an abundance of nutrients and vitamins including beta-carotene, thought to prevent heart disease; they are highly concentrated in essential vitamin C; they contain polysaccharides which are reputed to help boost the immune system and 18 varieties of amino acids.

In more recent times Goji berries have been prescribed to counter the side effects of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  Externally they have been used to treat skin complaints such as burns, ulcers and bedsores.

It has been long documented that Goji berries have anti-aging properties and promote a beautiful complexion.  This may be due to it being a potent antioxidant and a powerful immune system stimulator.  As a result it is often used in skin-care products.