Which Top 10 Nutrient Categories Are Goji Berries Known For?
Goji berries are known by numerous names, the most popular ones being wolfberry, red medlar, mede berry and bocksdorn. However, it is most appropriate to call it a superfruit. The reason is that goji berries are the store house of nutrients in numerous categories. Apart from various macronutrients and micronutrients, the fruit is also rich in phytochemicals and is admired for its health and medicinal values. Learn from the sections below the top 10 categories of nutrients found in these wonderful berries.
 Amino Acids
Goji berries contain as many as 18 amino acids, out of which 8 are the essential amino acids that human body requires. Tryptophan that regulates sleep, mood and emotional well-being in the humans is found in this fruit. Isoleucine is another amino acid supplied by these berries and it is useful in carrying out the repair of damaged muscle tissues. Leucine that maintains right sugar level in blood is among other amino acids that one can obtain from goji berries.
 Vitamins
Containing more amount of vitamin C than oranges, goji berries are admired for their useful vitamin content. The red color of these berries indicates their richness in vitamin A. Vitamin B complex required for converting food to energy is also present in high amount in this fruit. The fruit is a good source of vitamin B1, B2 and B6. Finally, it is one fruit that contains vitamin E in good amount.
 Minerals
As many as 33 minerals are found in goji berries, adding to the nutritional profile of this miraculous fruit. Calcium, zinc, iron, copper and phosphorous are among many minerals that can be obtained from dried goji berries as goji berry juices. Selenium and germanium that are admired for their cancer fighting abilities are also supplied by these berries. Needless to say, all these minerals are of great value to keep the body functioning normally.
 Carotenoids
These berries are honored as the food richest in carotenoids. As many as five useful carotenoids are available in this fruit. These include beta-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Goji berries are known to contain more beta-carotine than carrots. The presence of zeaxanthin makes this fruit extremely good for the health of eyes. Most of these carotenoids work as antioxidants that help the body boost its immune system.
 Fatty Acids
Goji berries are also rich in various fatty acids that include linoleic acid. These acids are helpful in a number of ways. For example, fatty acids supplied by goji berries ensure proper functioning of brain and nervous system. Some of these fatty acids are also helpful in increasing the production of hormones. Going further, certain fatty acids of the fruit keep the skin healthy by promoting collagen production and keeping the skin moisturized.
 Polysaccharides
There are 8 different polysaccharides present in goji berries. Apart from helping in cell growth, these compounds are also useful in slowing down the process of aging. The polysaccharides supplied by this fruit also help in preventing the growth of cancerous tumors. They also participate in maintaining the normal amount of sugar and cholesterol in the blood. In addition, these fruits also contain 6 important monosaccharide compounds.
 Phytosterols
The fruit is also a rich source of phytosterols, the most important one being beta-sitosterol. It has been studied that this phytosterol present in goji berries is helpful in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells. The compound is also known to keep the level of cholesterol in blood under control.
 Variety of Antioxidants
The most admirable reason for the popularity of goji berries is that the fruit is rich in compounds that work as antioxidants. Metallothionein is one type of antioxidants present in this fruit that prevents the damage caused to skin by harmful sun radiations. These berries also contain phenols and other pigments that have antioxidant properties.
 Fibers
Goji berries, especially in their dried form, are an important source of fibers. It is because of this reason that goji berries are used in a number of weight loss recipes and remedies. According to the experts, these berries generate the feeling of fullness that prevents the body from overeating. Fibers offered by this fruit also keep the digestive system healthy.
 Cyperone
Apart from various nutrients, goji berries are rich in a number of useful compounds. One of them is cyperone that helps in maintaining normal blood pressure. The compound is also good in keeping the heart healthy and is recommended for the treatment of cervical cancer.
While these are the top 10 nutrients and compounds present in goji berries, the overall nutritional profile of this fruit is even more impressive. Learn about various forms in which you can take this wonderful fruit that promises extremely good health.
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