In Vietnam, there is a precious herb that ancient scholars likened to “heavenly essence” and “earthly fairy,” known as “anti-aging” . This herb is goji berry.
In Vietnam, goji berries are predominantly cultivated in mountainous provinces such as Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Yen Bai. They can also be found in China, Korea, and Japan.
The consumption of goji berries in Vietnam is currently very high, as they serve both as a food source and a common remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In ancient times, royal physicians would often prepare goji berry soup with white fungus to present to the King, aiding in health recovery.
“Red Diamond”
According to BBC news, goji berries have gained global fame as a superfood, referred to as “red diamonds” due to their anti-aging effects.
In China, goji berries are highly valued. They are often added to chicken soup along with red dates and ginger, simmered for a long time, or infused in chrysanthemum tea to enhance vitamin content.
Goji berries contain betaine, which is excellent for skin and hair. (Image source: BBC).
In TCM, goji berries are noted for their sweet taste and neutral properties, primarily used in tranquilizing remedies, tonifying qi, expelling wind, strengthening the kidneys, and moistening the lungs.
Modern medicine recognizes that goji berries contain betaine, 8-10% amino acids, vitamin B1, B3, vitamin C, carotene, and riboflavin. They also contain essential oils and trace elements like phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
According to the book “Clinical Handbook of Chinese Medicine,” goji berries contain betaine, which is highly beneficial for skin and hair, improving the appearance of wrinkles. This is one reason why they are favored by many women.
The book “Medicinal Plants and Remedies of Vietnam” also states that goji berries are rich in fats, proteins, and linoleic acid, which are very beneficial for health.
Additionally, the lysozyme in goji berries helps prevent bacterial invasion and illness, boosting the body’s immunity. Some studies suggest that goji berries enhance male vitality and may support the improvement of Alzheimer’s disease.
Research from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Johns Hopkins University indicates that goji berries provide a compound called zeaxanthin, which has excellent antioxidant properties that help enhance vision.
Chrysanthemum tea with goji berries. (Image source: BBC)
“You should eat goji berries because they are good for your eyes,” says Ms. Zhang Ruifen, a practitioner in the Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic Eu Yan Sang. “I also recommend this herb to help enhance kidney and liver function, as these are systems that Chinese medicine believes are connected to eye health.”
“However, if someone has a fever, inflammation, or a sore throat, which we categorize as ‘heat’ in traditional Chinese medicine, I advise patients to stop consuming goji berries during that time.
If patients are experiencing ‘dampness’ and diarrhea, which we call spleen deficiency, we also advise against eating this berry. But when you are healthy, generally goji berries are suitable for everyone,” Ms. Zhang added.
Lao Dong newspaper cites DR.AXE stating that, like most other superfoods, goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants against free radicals, helping to boost the immune system, protect the body from stress, and have high anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Boosting immunity and fighting cancer: Goji berries provide high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A. These are essential nutrients for the body to build immunity, thereby preventing common illnesses like colds. Additionally, goji berries also combat tumor growth, reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and detoxify the body from harmful toxins.
Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants against free radicals.
Helping to stabilize blood sugar levels: For those with diabetes, consuming goji berries can help control the release of sugar into the bloodstream and prevent abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Thus, incorporating goji berries into the diet can improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Liver detoxification: Goji berries are believed to protect the liver and are used along with traditional herbs like licorice, reishi mushroom, gynostemma, and pentaphylla in many liver cleansing remedies. This is why this fruit is often used as an ingredient in soups and in the preparation of both sweet and savory dishes to nourish those who are ill.
Ten Times More Expensive in Germany
In the Vietnamese market, goji berries are priced around 30,000 – 40,000 VND per 100 grams. Due to their low cost and relatively good quality, many people are turning to Vietnamese goji berries instead of imported varieties.
In 2018, Germany experienced a goji berry craze, with consumption continuously rising. Goji berries became a “hot” food item online, favored by the German youth. They frequently share diverse and creative recipes for preparing goji berries.
Goji berries provide a compound called zeaxanthin, with excellent antioxidant properties. (Image source: BBC).
In major organic supermarkets in Germany like DM, Muller, and Reformhaus, goji berries are categorized as “super foods”, meaning they are health-promoting foods with high nutritional value.
In addition to dried goji berries, pure goji berry juice is also sold in Germany. Notably, dried goji berries are very expensive, with the highest price being 10 euros per 100 grams (nearly 300,000 VND), which is almost ten times the price of goji berries in Vietnam.
Not only in Germany, but according to BBC, goji berries have also created a sensation in many places around the world. In the United States, after celebrities praised these red, dried, and nutritious berries, they became a popular item in specialty stores and supermarkets.
Gen Z residents are competing to buy “vitality tea pots” to brew goji berry tea. Some studies suggest that the Gen Z generation is now popularizing the belief that living healthily is a top priority, even more important than money, career, and marriage.
