One of the hot things on the market today is organic goji berries. Of course with being grown organically you will not have the pesticides used on them, and they are better for you.  Himalayan Goji Berry Juice Goji berry as a health food came to the public consciousness in Western countries less than 10 years ago. Marketed in the West mostly as organic Goji berry, this plant belongs to the Solanaceae family that also includes tomato, potato, chili, eggplant, tobacco, pepper and chili. Even as health benefits of Goji berry is a fairly recent phenomenon among Western cultures, the plant has long been among the medicinal and culinary ingredients used in China. Known in China as wolf berry  the plant has already been cited in literature on alternative herbal medicine dating to as far back as the 7th and 16th century.

The fountain of youth is a myth but there is a beverage of recent vintage in the world market that approximates the promise of perennial vitality and well-being. This drink is Goji berry juice extracted from a fruiting vine that thrives in the inhospitable slopes of the Himalayas. The potency of the Goji berry fruit is rooted to ancient cultures whose influence remains pervasive to these modern days.The fruits of Goji ripen into small, shiny red berries that develop from cone-shaped, light violet flowers. Among the beneficial nutrients said to be present in these berries are proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, amino acids and dietary fibers. As a health food supplement, Goji is marketed as a major ingredient in juices, creams, bars and capsules. Some Goji berries are also sold in their dried or desiccated form making these products appear like shriveled red raisins. These processed Goji tastes slightly sour and sweet with a mild tangy flavor. In traditional Chinese medicine, the berries are taken raw which may help explain why the organic Goji berry cultivation is encouraged in China and in Tibet. Many Asian dishes also contain Goji berries as a garnishing in the foods’ recipes.

Several health benefits that could be derived from Goji fruit have been advanced by food supplement manufacturers. These health benefit claims include the protection of the liver, improvement of the sexual function and fertility, boosting the immune function, improving circulation and promoting longevity. Goji berry is also said to enhance physical performance by increasing stamina and strengthening the legs. Other health food manufacturers promote Goji berry products by saying that these can be useful in preventing age-related eyesight deterioration, relieving menstrual pains, reducing cholesterol levels and addressing treatment of hepatitis and cancer.