Superfood #4

Goji

 

Before I start my short yet insightful discourse on what Goji is, how to use it, how much I consume, and what its dried version actually contains, I want to briefly mention something that got stuck in my head yesterday.

Yesterday was one of those days when you wake up exhausted (let me remind you—I had a 12-hour shift right after a several-hour journey), and everything just feels pointless. Nothing has color. There’s no reason to try. No reason to get up and fight. No reason to write another blog. What’s the point?

What do you do in a moment like that? How do you counter the "I don’t feel like it! Screw it, I’m not doing it!" mindset?

The answer is simple. As always.

Don’t do it. Don’t try.

There’s just one condition. If you're already lying there like a proverbial lazy bum, doing nothing all day under your stinky old blanket—throw one thought into your head:

What will I bring to the world and, most importantly, to myself if I get up NOW. Exactly NOW. What will happen if I don’t get up and just keep lying here, watching another dumb video of a guy pulling a soaked chicken out of the water?

What will bring more benefits?

The answer is obvious. Get up and fight. Fight for a better world and a better YOU. The reward will come unexpectedly and very quickly. You won’t even realize how fast.

No lying around. No slacking. Now is your time, so go for it, with your eyes on the prize.

That’s exactly what I did. It took a moment, but right after completing a few planned (I emphasize: PLANNED) tasks from my calendar—I got my reward. Endorphins. Happiness. And there it was. From a gloomy mess, I turned into a smiling leader of the Tour de Kacper’s Life race. I smiled all day, and I ended the day with a sauna session at 9:30 PM. Can it be done? Yes, it can!

Now, let’s talk about Goji 😉. Just a reminder that these blogs weren’t supposed to be longer than one A4 page. What can I do—I enjoy it. Let’s go.

Goji

 

Ohhhhh myyyyyy—this stuff is amazing! Kind of salty, kind of bitter, but still delicious. Taste buds in ecstasy—my body, with an obviously surprised expression, tells me:

"My dear sir, what have you just fed me? This is a miracle. This is SUPERFOOD!"

Today, I’ll approach the topic scientifically. Short and to the point.

"Goji"—the Chinese name for wolfberry—sounds as exotic as it is mysterious. And indeed, these tiny fruits are extraordinary. They hold a real powerhouse of health benefits that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years.

Goji berries rejuvenate the body, fight free radicals, strengthen the immune system, vision, fertility, and libido. Additionally, they support skin hydration, help reduce stress, and boost energy. This is one of those foods that can truly be called a superfood.

They are considered the most nutritious fruits in the world. In TCM, both the berries and the roots of the goji bush are used to restore balance to Kidney-Qi energy, deficiencies of which can lead to symptoms such as tinnitus, concentration problems, or impotence.

"Goji" refers to the popular Chinese name for the Lycium barbarum shrub, which can grow up to three to four meters tall. This plant thrives mainly in northwestern China, in the provinces of Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet, and Inner Mongolia. However, it can also be found in Europe, America, and South Africa, where it is known as common wolfberry (Bocksdorn).

China and Tibet have a long tradition of using goji—both in natural medicine and cuisine. The berries are harvested in autumn, dried in the sun, and then consumed raw, cooked, or as an infusion. In Ningxia province, an annual goji harvest festival is held, which is an important event for the local community.

Goji berries have long been a symbol of longevity. The people of the Himalayas, especially the Hunza, celebrate special festivals in honor of these fruits, believing they contribute to their long and healthy lives. The average lifespan of the Hunza, whose full name is Hunzukutz, is around 100 years—and their diet rich in goji may play a role in that.

Why should I care?

I’m neither Chinese nor a Hunza!

 

Do you know what Goji berries do for us? They are one of the most powerful superfoods in the world. Their incredible health benefits make them an essential addition to your daily diet. Why should you reach for these small, red berries?

✔ Neutralizing free radicals
Every day, our bodies battle oxidative stress—it’s what causes aging, cellular degeneration, and diseases. Goji berries are among the MOST POWERFUL antioxidants in the world. Their ability to fight free radicals is several times greater than that of acai berries or blueberries.

✔ Supercharged immunity
Who wouldn’t want an immune system of steel? Goji activates T lymphocytes and macrophages—those tiny warriors in our bodies that fight viruses, bacteria, and all sorts of infections. If you tend to catch colds—goji should be on your plate, or in your hand. Once a day, or pop it into your mouth whenever you feel like it!

✔ Better vision
Having trouble with eyesight? Computer screens, phones, artificial blue light—we expose our eyes to challenges daily. Luckily, goji contains zeaxanthin and lutein—two key compounds for eye health. Regular consumption of goji reduces the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration—problems that come with age.

✔ A healthy heart
Cholesterol? Hypertension? Atherosclerosis? Goji provides natural heart protection. It helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and regulate blood pressure, allowing blood to flow freely so the heart doesn’t have to fight for every beat. Goji helps, but it’s not a drug—just give your heart some love and let it work easier. It’s your buddy, not a slave 😊.

✔ Liver support
If you drink alcohol (stop!), eat processed food (don’t—throw it away!) or simply want to take care of your liver (do it!), goji berries are for you. They contain betaine and detoxifying compounds that help regenerate the liver and remove toxins from the body.

✔ More energy and better sleep
Low energy throughout the day? Trouble sleeping? A day like mine yesterday? Goji helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing sudden energy crashes and drowsiness. Moreover, it improves sleep quality, meaning you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

✔ Libido + fertility
Goji isn’t just a superfood—it’s also a natural aphrodisiac. It improves circulation, boosts testosterone production, and positively impacts libido. In China, it has been used for centuries as support for men and women planning to expand their families.

 

Goji berries have earned their title as a superfood due to their incredibly rich nutritional profile. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, these tiny red berries offer numerous health benefits—from boosting immunity to promoting radiant skin and enhancing longevity. Below is the full nutritional breakdown of 100 g dried goji berries:

 

Nutritional Table – Goji Berries (per 100 g)

 

Nutrient	Amount	Benefit for the body
Calories	349 kcal	Energy source without empty calories
Protein	14.3 g	Muscle building, recovery, satiety
Carbohydrates	77 g	Long-lasting energy
Fiber	13 g	Supports digestion, increases satiety
Natural sugars	46 g	Quick, natural energy source
Fat	0.4 g	Minimal, but healthy
Vitamin C	48 mg (80% RDA)	Immune system, skin health
Vitamin A	7.5 mg	Vision, skin, immune defense
B Vitamins	B1, B2, B6, B12	Energy, nervous system, metabolism
Iron	6.8 mg	Oxygen transport, endurance
Calcium	190 mg	Strong bones and teeth
Zinc	2 mg	Hair, skin, immune system
Selenium	50 µg	Cell protection, thyroid function
Germanium	Unique	Supports cancer prevention
Amino acids	18 (including 8 essential)	Muscle building, regeneration, energy
Antioxidants	Polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids	Protects against free radicals, anti-aging

 

How to eat goji?

Form	How to use it?
Raw	Grab and eat as a snack. Simple and effective. If you have fresh ones, I envy you.
Dried	Eat them as is or add them to muesli, oatmeal, yogurt—taste and health in one.
As tea	Just pour hot water over them and wait a few minutes. Perfect for autumn evenings.
Juice or extract	A concentrated boost—perfect for those who want quick nutrition.
Capsules	For supplement fans—a quick and convenient option.

 

IMPORTANT! Don’t overdo it! Calm down! The recommended dose is 30-50 g per day. Excessive consumption may interfere with anticoagulant medications and lower blood sugar levels.

 

And now, something for the curious. A little something at the end, like the cherry on top:

Goji Fun Facts – Things You Didn’t Know!

 

1. The Berries of Longevity
   In China, there is a legend about the sage Li Qing Yuen, who supposedly lived for 256 years. His secret to longevity was said to be the daily consumption of goji berries and herbs. While it sounds like a fairy tale, the fact remains that goji has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years as an elixir of youth.
2. The Only Plant That Contains Germanium
   Goji berries contain a rare element—germanium—which is known for its anti-cancer properties and its ability to support the immune system. It is one of the few natural foods that contain this element!
3. Fruits That Cannot Be Touched
   In China, goji berries are harvested without touching them by hand! Why? Because their skin is so delicate that when it comes into contact with human skin, it oxidizes and loses some of its nutritional properties. That’s why they are gently shaken onto bamboo mats and dried in the shade.
4. A Natural "High" from Goji?
   In traditional Chinese medicine, goji is said to improve mood and bring joy. People who consume them regularly often experience a boost of positive energy and an improved sense of well-being. Some even compare this effect to a natural "euphoria"—all thanks to the rich nutritional content and antioxidants found in these berries.

I eat dried goji berries—just a handful a day. I try to chew them slowly, both because it's healthier and because the taste lingers longer in my mouth.

And that’s it. Instead of one page, we have five. Oh well.

Best regards, and put a smile on your face! I highly recommend it!

 

 

 

Habits Done:

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