WTF Are Goji Berries?

HelloGiggles

For a berry so small, the purported health benefits of the goji berry (also referred to as wolfberry) are kind of magnificent.

Nutritional facts regarding phytochemical, vitamin and mineral contents vary among varieties of the goji berry and depend on freshness levels, but the berry is most well known for its antioxidant levels, protein levels, beta-carotene levels and the number of amino acids (18!) contained within a single serving. All of the nutrients above are what contribute to making them sought after items in health food stores across the nation.

While more studies must be done to confirm these findings as indisputable, those who consume goji berries do say they can feel the difference. Plus, they’re celeb-endorsed, and these specific health benefits are the reasons why.

Antioxidants

The antioxidants found in goji berries provide immune support (its vitamin C content helps with this too, providing 500 times more vitamin C than a single orange would!). Many find that the consumption of goji berries can help to prevent or relieve flu and cold symptoms, as well as lower inflammation levels. What makes goji berries so special when it comes to antioxidants? Their high ORAC level, which indicates they are that much more effective at maintaining overall wellness.

Skin Health

Beta-carotene is what gives the goji berry its skin health benefits and is thought to help protect skin from the sun. Because antioxidants are known to fight aging, the goji berry is an ingredient found in many natural skin care products.

Eye Health

Goji berries are said to help protect eyes from macular degeneration, an age-related illness that causes blindness. Plus, the same antioxidants that help protect skin from the sun also help protect eyes from the sun.

Cancer Therapy

A study conducted in China showed promising results for those suffering from cancer. Those who were given L. barbarum polysaccharides in addition to IL-2/lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) therapy showed “higher response rates and longer remission rates.” The details of the study have not been fully determined yet, but these results are certainly promising and provide good reason for further studies.

Fertility

In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are thought to restore hormonal health related to “yin” deficiency and are touted for their ability to increase sperm count. Further studies have shown that goji berries can help to heal testes that have been damaged by heat exposure and DNA oxidative damage. Upon healing, fertility is improved, and goji berries are thanked for bringing about the outcome.

Mood and Energy

GoChi is a goji berry juice that has been studied in relation to its claims that it will boost mood and energy levels. One study showed that feelings of general well being increased, particularly in the areas of stress and fatigue, and their gastrointestinal function improved as well.

Blood Sugar

Goji berries are a great snack choice for anyone living with blood sugar issues because they are thought to help control the amount of sugar that is released into the bloodstream. They are also thought to  help increase glucose responsiveness which could make them a viable natural diabetes remedy for those who have mild forms of the illness.

Goji berries aren’t cheap, but they do come in a variety of forms including powders and tonics, and they are available both online and in health food stores. One of the best ways to consume the fruit, which tastes like a cross between cherries and cranberries, is to simply eat them in small handfuls — they make a damn tasty dried fruit snack.

A more economical way to include goji berries in your diet could be to purchase granola bars containing them or including the seeds in smoothies. Make sure whatever form you choose is organic and naturally sourced to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment.

As wonderful as goji berries are, some studies have reported negative side effects if consumers are taking blood thinners or if they have an LTP allergy. Always speak to your doctor if you are taking any medications or have health concerns before adding any kind of supplement or superfood to your diet, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.

WTF Is Bee Pollen?

HelloGiggles

If you’ve been to a health food store, or even a smoothie shop, you may have come across bee pollen. “What the hell is bee pollen,” you may have asked yourself, because at first it doesn’t seem like a kind of thing that would be normal for us humans to eat. Well, let us break it down.

Bee pollen, which collects on the bodies of bees as they travel from flower to flower, is the food that young bees eat. Much like human breast milk, a food that young humans drink, it is considered to be one of the most nourishing nature-created foods available. Interestingly enough, bee pollen, like breast milk, cannot be reproduced in a laboratory setting. This is because bee pollen contains over 250 nutrients, some of which we don’t even yet have a name for. Isn’t that cool? So is everything else you have yet to learn about this incredible super food.

What are the health benefits of bee pollen?

Bee pollen is 23% protein, 10% of which is provided in the form of free amino acids. These free amino acids are easily used by the body to satisfy all of its protein requirements. This means that bee pollen can be a better protein source than any meat or dairy product available, and it can be a major asset to athletes and parents — two groups of people that need some serious stamina and energy assistance.

Bee pollen is also full of vitamins (including C and B varieties). While bee pollen is nourishing your body with its vitamins and protein content, its antibiotic properties, which have been shown to be impressively effective against bacterial strains as serious as salmonella, are working away at keeping you healthy alongside its antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal properties.

One of bee pollen’s biggest strengths is its ability to increase both red and white blood cells and improve blood circulation. That’s great news for those suffering from anemia or an infection that just won’t quit, as well as for those who find themselves needing to take anti-inflammatory medications somewhat regularly. The anti-inflammatory properties of this super food have been shown to be comparable to those of popular medications like naproxen.

Bee pollen can help manage your weight.

Another benefit of regular bee pollen usage is weight control. Bee pollen helps to stabilize weight by stimulating the metabolic processes, by reducing cravings as a result of the phenylalanine it contains and by helping to rid the body of excess fat thanks to its lecithin content (15%). The incredible things that happen within your body upon ingesting lecithin result in protection against unhealthy cholesterol levels and that ever-threatening risk of heart disease.

Is bee pollen good for your skin? YES.

Last but not least is bee pollen’s ability to improve skin’s health and overall appearance — especially in regard to acne. This is because bee pollen stimulates cell renewal and the formation of new tissue. Sufferers of skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema may also find relief upon regular ingestion of bee pollen because of these properties.

It can help with menopausal symptoms.

Some women may want to consider taking small doses of bee pollen regularly when it comes time to handle menopausal symptoms, as its ability to provide relief has been proven. If you find yourself somewhere in between pregnancy and menopause, bee pollen can help with stress management and the boosting of your immune system, which all of us overthinkers and overdoers could use some assistance with.

Is bee pollen safe to use in your diet?

Mostly, yes, but if you have a pollen allergy, you will most likely have an allergic reaction. That being said, using bee pollen in allergy desensitization sessions has been proven successful, and may be worth speaking to your allergist about.

Interested in adding bee pollen to your daily health regimen? According to Dr. Axe, a natural medicine expert and certified nutrition specialist, it is safe to consume one teaspoon of ground pollen by mouth three times per day for 30 to 60 days when using it as a means of treating a specific health condition, such as inflammation or depression. For daily use you can mix smaller doses with food such as honey or cottage cheese, or you can purchase bee pollen granules and add them to water, yogurt or baked goods.

One of the more satisfying ways to ingest bee pollen is in healthful smoothies. Blend with coconut milk, blueberries, bananas and ice for an energizing and happify-ing start to your morning.