By Vannesa Hidalgo - Bootcamp by PFG
Image: google.com They are known as Goji Berries , but you may also recognize them under names such as Al Goji, Goji cherry, Tibet cherry, and Tibetan berry.
This small red fruit is part of the exclusive group of superfoods and has gained an important space for its flavor and properties, so eating a handful of these daily provides the body with a dense supply of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It helps regulate blood glucose and accelerates fat burning, which is why it is also considered a diuretic.
But the main characteristic of this ancient food is that Chinese culture has used it for more than five thousand years to combat aging and achieve longevity.
No other red fruit has the nutritional power of Goji berries : carbohydrates (68%), protein (12%), fat (10%) and dietary fiber (10%). They also contain 19 amino acids and trace elements such as calcium (112mg / 100gm), potassium (1132mg / 100gm), iron (9mg / 100gm), zinc (2mg / 100gm) and selenium (50µg / 100gm). It has more beta-carotene than carrots (8 mg / 100 g), which additionally provides antioxidant properties.
How to consume Goji berries?
You can prepare them as infusions or juices.Also consume them as a dried fruit or accompanying other fruits, yogurt or low-sugar desserts . Currently they can also be obtained in some pharmacies or health food stores in capsule form.
Image: google.com How do they help the body?
This type of red fruit is recommended for the liver and kidneys , as well as to regulate blood pressure, diabetes, visual deficiencies, low back pain, dizziness, menopausal discomfort and sexual impotence.They also help reduce cellulite , protect more photosensitive skins and due to their high content of decarotenes, polyphenols, polysaccharides and trace elements, they delay aging.
But pay attention because they also have some contraindications that you should know. These are not serious side effects from their consumption, but it is important to know that for example, Goji berries could interfere with anticoagulant treatments or with chemical medications for diabetes or blood pressure.
It is not recommended to eat them if you are allergic to pollen due to the proximity that always exists between this fruit and the flowers.Do not consume them either if you are not tolerant to nightshades, as Goji berries are from the same family of vegetables as tomatoes, aubergines, bell peppers and potatoes.
We must know what we eat and how to eat it in order to deliver the proper foods to the body that do not contravene our main purpose: healthy balance between mind, body and spirit.
Bootcamp by PFG article prepared by Vannesa Hidalgo, edited by Natalia Quiroga Sáez and supervised by Patricia Fitnessgurú.