Here We Go Round the Mulberries and Gojis
July 1, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Food, Reviews
Along with whey protein powder mixed with water or chocolate milk, here are my two favorite post-workout snacks for muscle recovery. But wait . . . they are not just for the exercise addicts. Contraire mon frere, they are beneficial for EVERYONE!! I’m a firm believer that we are what we eat; absolutely everything we put into our bodies helps or hurts us in some way. Read on, and you’ll see why these two little-known berries pack powerful punches for our physical and mental health.
Goji Berries:
Goji Berries
Goji berries are usually found dried. They are shriveled red berries that look like red raisins to me. After doing a little digging, I found that goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to: improve sexual function and fertility, strengthen the legs, protect the liver, help eyesight, boost immune function, improve circulation, and promote longevity – pretty interesting usages!!! Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Get this . . . one of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. In fact, increased intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65. Hmmm . . . could this be why my contact lenses strength improved a while back?!? Gojis have a sweet and sour taste (more on the sour side actually) so you may not crave them; but, just munching on a handful a day gives you the extra boost from the antioxidants. GG tip: walnuts compliment them perrrrfectly. Mix the two together and, voila, you’ve got a terrific trail mix.
Mulberries:
Mulberries have a subtly sweeter taste than goji berries. They are also most readily found dry and are somewhat chewier than the goji as well. As the package of The Raw Choice mulberries states, this superfood is rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant able to increase the quality of our eyesight, fight cancer, slow down the aging process (including slowing gray hair!!), fight or control diabetes, and generally strengthen the body against disease. But wait, there’s more . . . another main antioxidant in mulberries is Resveratrol, which is thought to increase endurance, fight neurodegenerative diseases and also prevent cancer. Tests have also indicated that Resveratrol may counteract the ill effects of a high fat diet too!! They also have quite a large percentage of protein, Vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin K. Whoa, that’s a load of vitamins in a tiny package! In other words, they make especially good snacks for anyone who feels slightly rundown. GG tip: these are the perfect snack to stash in your gym bag, tote, etc. Also, these are especially yummy mixed with oatmeal.
Both the goji berries and mulberries are a perfect dry snack to enjoy by the handful or can be mixed with cereals, blended in smoothies and stirred into yogurt or salads. Grading Girl gives both berries a B+ only because they are not as readily available here in the United States as other dried fruit such as cranberries. So far, I have only been able to find both at Whole Foods. Trader Joes sells a goji berry trail mix including other nuts but they do not sell gojis alone. C’mon grocers, get your gojis and mulberries on – we may be a more healthful society with these berries made more available!
