Goji berries are small red berries that have been the answer to several diseases recommended by herbalists in Tibet and Mongolia for several hundred years. There is also an annual festival held for a period of two weeks celebrating the “Goji Berry” in Tibet and Mongolia. The Goji berry in their folklores has been referred to as one that can give you smiles if eaten in the morning and thus, is often termed as “happy berry”.

The benefits of the Goji berry are however, not restricted to Tibet and Mongolia alone but have been used for several hundred years as part of Chinese medicine too. The time of the Tang dynasty saw the poet Liu Yuxi writing a poem describing the benefits of the Goji berry. This part of the world has been aware of the benefits of the Goji berry and has been making use of it too. The West has come to know the benefits of the Goji berry however, very recently.

What is a Goji berry?
Goji berry, which a fruit from Tibetan is also known as Lycium Barbarum. It belongs to the family of Solanaceae, the flowering plants. The plant also includes that like potatoes, tomatoes and also tobacco. From the studies it is known that there are approximately eighty different kinds of lycium berry. This also includes within its purview the Chinese Wolfberry. The Wolfberry is however, not Goji berry and does not have the numerous benefits that Goji berry has.
Goji berries grow on vines, which have small leaves and are a fruit that is red in color. These Goji berries are so very delicate that at the time of harvest they are not picked but are shaken from the vine. A Goji berry is chewy and is somewhere in between a raisin and cranberry as regards taste. Goji berry is also referred to by several different names like happy berry, gou gi zi and gougi.
What makes the goji berry so potent?
Goji berries being highly rich in vitamins and nutrients including 18 amino acids, vitamins B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E provide numerous benefits. Goji berries are the richest source of beta-carotene even more than that found in carrots. It is also known as the second richest source of vitamin C in the world only second to the South American camu camu berry. Goji berries are a rich source of zinc, iron, selenium, iron, calcium, phosphorus and germanium. Goji berries are the best-known antioxidants and are very rich in a number of vitamins and minerals.

The benefits provided by the Goji berry – the wonder fruit - from Tibet makes it a very important fruit. The Goji berry is growing in popularity due to its many health benefits and anti-aging properties. Make a beginning, have a Goji berry or try the Goji berry juice.