Are you still just soaking goji berries in water? That's such a waste, as the nutrients aren't being properly utilized. Pairing goji berries with one specific food can double the nutritional value. Eating foods in combination can enhance absorption and maximize their nutritional benefits. So, what pairs with goji berries for a nutritional boost?—Black beans.
Black Bean and Goji Berry Porridge
Black Bean and Goji Berry Porridge
Black beans are sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, rich in nutrients like protein, carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and niacin. They are known for their benefits of nourishing the kidneys and strengthening the body, promoting blood circulation and urination, detoxifying, and nourishing yin for bright eyes. Goji berries are sweet and neutral, capable of nourishing the liver and kidneys, improving vision, nourishing the blood, and enhancing immunity.
Goji berries contain components like carotene, betaine, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, and calcium, phosphorus, and iron. They are significantly effective for chronic hepatitis, central retinitis, optic atrophy, and can also lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids.
Ingredients: 100g black beans, 5g goji berries, 10 red dates.
Instructions: Add an appropriate amount of water to a pot, then add the black beans, goji berries, and red dates. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer and cook until the ingredients are tender. It can be consumed daily, in the morning and evening, and can be eaten long-term.
Tip: To see the effects of the black bean and goji berry porridge, you must drink it daily. However, goji berries should not be consumed in excess. Generally, it's best not to exceed 20 grams per day. If you have a cold, fever, inflammation, or diarrhea, do not add goji berries to the porridge; use only black beans. You can also use cassia seeds as a substitute for goji berries.
Don't drink goji berries with green tea
The most common ways to consume goji berries for health benefits are by chewing them dry or steeping them in water. When steeping, be aware that they should not be taken with green tea. You can drink tea in the morning and goji berry water in the afternoon. Use 20-30 grams of goji berries, steep in boiling water, cover and let sit for 20-30 minutes, then eat the softened goji berries and drink the water. Long-term consistency is recommended.
These types of people should not eat goji berries as it may be harmful
Goji berries are sweet and neutral in nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are believed to better nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish essence and improve vision, nourish the blood, and enhance people's immunity. Goji berries are rich in carotene and various vitamins, which can help prevent heart disease and cancer.
For modern people, the most practical benefits of goji berries are fighting fatigue and lowering blood pressure. Goji berries can also better protect the liver, lower blood sugar, soften blood vessels, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, and have certain therapeutic effects for fatty liver and diabetes. Therefore, goji berries are becoming increasingly popular.
Goji berries can be used in three parts: the goji berry leaves can be used to make "goji tea"; the red fruit "goji berries" can be used in cooking or for tea; and the goji root, also known as "digupi," is generally used as a medicinal herb.
It should be noted that when adding goji berries to dishes, pay attention to the cooking method. The cooking time for goji berries should not be too long. Add them at the end of stir-frying or when a soup is about to finish to prevent a large loss of nutrients. Goji berries are also not suitable for prolonged washing, as this will cause their nutrients to leach out. It is recommended to rinse them briefly in warm water. No health supplement should be consumed in excess, and goji berries are no exception. Generally, it is appropriate for healthy adults to eat about 20 grams of goji berries per day.
Because goji berries have a strong warming effect on the body, people with high blood pressure, a very irritable temperament, or those who consume large amounts of meat and have a flushed face should avoid eating them. People with acute illnesses such as a cold, fever, inflammation, or diarrhea should also not consume goji berries during their illness.
Like any traditional Chinese medicinal supplement, goji berries have an appropriate target audience and are not suitable for everyone. When we usually consume goji berries, we must pay attention not to drink them with green tea. The combination of black beans and goji berries works best. For those who have the opportunity, you should make more black bean and goji berry porridge at home.
wolfberry and black bean porridge