You may have seen GOJI BERRIES on the shelf at your local health food store. And you may have wondered what they are and what to do with them. At our house, we simply add a handful to herbal tea in the morning and eat the plumped up berries when we get to the bottom of the cup. Today I want to share with you another way to use this SUPER FOOD of a berry…….. Goji Berry Cashew “Larabars.”
Goji berries are bright orange-red berries that comes from a shrub that’s native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations in the hopes of living longer. People have used goji berries to treat many common health problems like diabetes, fever, high blood pressure, and age-related eye problems. Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are used in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines. A few of the health benefits of these amazing berries are:
*They are powerful antioxidants that may help prevent cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and boost the immune system.
*They slow the aging process by minimizing damage from free radicals that injure cells and DNA. There is some research that suggests that goji berry extracts may boost brain health and may protect against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. They have also been shown to improve circulation.
*Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. One of zeaxanthin’s key roles is to protect the retina of the eye by absorbing blue light and acting as an antioxidant. Increasing intake of foods containing zeathanthin may decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 65.
* Goji berries are known to protect the liver and kidneys.
*Goji berries prevent fatigue and tiredness which are the most commonside effect of a busy and full life that most of us lead today. They also can be used to relieve headaches and insomnia.
*Research has shown that goji berries are exceedingly good to enhance fertility and improve sexual function, particularly in men.
And if that isn’t enough to make you want to try these amazing berries, they are also delicious. Enjoy, and let me know what you think of the Goji Berry Cashew “Larabars.”
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Goji Berry Cashew “Larabars”
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates
- 1/2 cup dried goji berries (soaked in water for 15 minutes)
- 1 cup raw cashews
- pinch of celtic sea salt (I use THIS one)
Instructions
- Soak goji berries in filtered water for 15 minutes
- Strain goji berries and add to food processor with dates
- Process until forms a paste
- Add cashews and pulse until cashews are well incorporated and chopped fairly small
- Using your hands, form mixture into desired sized bars or balls
- Refrigerate in sealed container to maintain freshness and to let them set. Use parchment paper to separate layers
- Makes 8-10 small bars or a dozen or more small balls
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These were yummy, I opted out of bars and made balls instead. Sim and I took these hiking and they turned out to be just the perfect thing!