Why Wolfberries (Goji Berries) can Improve your Eyesight

Have you ever heard of wolfberries or sometimes also known as goji berries? These are really common in Malaysia, and most Chinese households cook with these. Dried wolfberries can be added to savory soup and stew, braised claypot dishes, and even Bak Kut Teh (pork bone tea soup). The best sort to use is of course the organically grown, wild Goji Berries, which have the highest anti-oxidative properties.

Highly renowned in Chinese cuisine as an ingredient with great healing powers, nutrient richness, and antioxidant qualities, wolfberries lend a nice, characteristically sweet flavor to dishes, especially to pork and poultry and when you bite into them, they retain some sweetness and you will bite into some soft seeds as well.

These plants grow wild in parts of China and are also cultivated throughout Asia, the Middle East, North America and Britain. It is claimed that Wolfberries improve eyesight and Chinese doctors have for thousands of years studied them for many medicinal treatments. If you look into the chemical constituents of wolfberries, you will find that they contain most all of the amino acids, more beta carotene than carrots, much more Vitamin C than oranges, and are also rich in vitamins B1, B6 and E and other minerals. Many say it is the most potent antioxidant fruit! Wolfberries have high levels of zeaxanthin, lutein, polysaccharides and polyphenolics, which have been shown to improve vision, including the prevention of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Wolfberries have been used in China as a staple for many centuries. The fruit or berries have been used by herbalists for ages. Its roots have been known to have healing properties as well. The tender leaves are edible. It appears that the plant can survive extreme temperatures and can be grown in either semi-shade or direct sunlight conditions. It grows best in moist soil.

It along with green tea and ginseng are known as ‘national treasures’ of Chinese medicine.  But what about it causes many to boast that wolfberries improve eyesight? Wolfberries are used as a tonic for the kidney and liver functions. Problems with eyesight, particularly blurred vision, may be due to an imbalance in the liver and kidney which is why wolfberries are used as an effective cure. It can be combined with chrysanthemum flower, Chinese yam and other herbs to replenish yin to improve vision. It has been used in China to improve vision disorders such as cataracts, retinopathy as well as macular degeneration.

Besides improving eyesight, wolfberries have been known to boost energy, enhance the immune system function, improve circulation, and help with diabetes, cancer and other illnesses. Longevity is the highest in the world in Ningxia, the region of China where the best variety of this fruit is grown. So, if you see Wolfberries in the supermarket today, do yourselves a favour and pick some up for a soup later. Your family will benefit from its anti-oxidative, healing properties!