Why are goji berries a superfood

Further studies are needed to determine the safety of medicinal amounts of the extract -- in concentrated pill form it may cause stomach cramps and mineral and electrolyte imbalances. Rhubarb root should not be consumed by children, or women who are pregnant or lactating.

Pumpkin seeds This versatile seed, also known as pepitas, has long been treasured by American aboriginal peoples for its dietary and medicinal properties. Now these seeds are receiving the superfood attention they deserve. Of all the nuts and seeds typically consumed as snacks, pumpkin seeds are among the leaders of phytosterols -- a naturally occurring compound with an established reputation for cholesterol-lowering properties. Phytosterols are also being studied for their potential role in prostate health.

Dietary uses: Pumpkin seeds are available year-round from grocery stores but are freshest in the fall when pumpkins are in season.

They make a good snack, either on their own or mixed with walnuts, almonds, peanuts and dried fruit. High in fibre, they lend crunch and nutty flavour to salads, vegetables, pasta dishes, sauces and casseroles. But watch your portion size; one cup milliltres packs calories. Goji berries Hailed as the newest superfood, goji, a Himalayan berry, has inspired a surge of interest for its use in treating diabetes, hypertension, malaria, fever, cancer and other ailments.

Gram for gram, goji berries pack more vitamin C than some oranges and more beta-carotene than carrots. Unfortunately, though, there isn't enough evidence yet to confirm the health claims, since we only have testimonials and animal studies to go by.

And goji berries and goji juice are costly. Dietary uses: Goji berries are similar in taste to raisins but more tart. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are a tasty addition to tea, soup and hot cereal. Cinnamon Valued in ancient times as currency and once considered more precious than gold, cinnamon -- one of the world's oldest known spices -- has made the pilgrimage from spice rack to science lab.

Preliminary studies are investigating its role in lowering blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, most likely due to the insulin-like effects of its polyphenols natural substances found in plants.

It's still too early to know if cinnamon can help curb blood sugars, but with studies suggesting its effects can be seen with a daily dose of just half a teaspoon two millilitres , it's worth keeping this spice in mind when reaching into the spice cabinet. Dietary uses: Cinnamon the inner bark of the tropical cinnamon tree comes in the form of sticks and powder.

Sprinkle it on toast, add it to oatmeal or use it on desserts. Caution: Ingesting four tablespoons 60 mL of cinnamon oil has been linked to serious side-effects. Quinoa Regarded as a sacred food by the Incas, quinoa pronounced keen-wah provides a wide range of vitamins and minerals. But these studies are poorly designed and have inconclusive and insignificant results. More studies are needed to confirm the health benefits of goji berries.

Most supermarkets sell dried goji berries prepackaged and in the bulk section. You can also find them fresh. Treat them like raisins or fresh berries. Mix them into your breakfast cereal or yogurt, add them to your trail mix, or drink them as juice or tea. You can also cook goji berries with lean pork or turkey to add a savory sweetness to hearty dishes.

Be sure to buy your goji berries from a reputable source, even though they tend to be expensive. Cheaper or imported brands have been known to contain sulfites. Sulfites can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Goji berries are generally considered safe for most people.

Some people report mild digestive issues when they first starting eating them. This can be a common side effect. If you have any chronic digestive or gastrointestinal issues , ask your doctor before using goji berries as a remedy. Goji berries can be more expensive than other berries. Packed with vitamins and minerals and a dense protein value, they may help increase your overall well-being.

Plus, they can provide a welcome change from the other fruits or berries you regularly eat. Research suggests that goji berries can help you feel better and boost your health. Their health benefits seem to be particularly helpful for older adults. But claims about their ability to reduce arthritis pain and their anticancer effects need more clinical evidence. Goji berries are more expensive than other fruits.

More affordable options with the same health benefits include wheatgrass and green tea. For example, if you take diabetes drugs, goji berries may lower your blood sugar even more.

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