Super foods: facts & fiction

Wolfberries (goujizi, 枸杞子)

[Photo by Pauline D. Loh/China Daily]

Wolfberry, known as goji berries in the West, is another super food whose orange-red fruits have been used since ancient times in China as a general tonic, to protect the liver, improve vision, strengthen weak legs and promote longevity.

Wolfberry fruits, fresh or dried, contain 11 essential minerals, 22 trace minerals, seven vitamins and 18 amino acids, such as calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamin C. The fruits are fragile, so wolfberries are sold dried. They are easily rehydrated and do not lose any nutrients through the dehydration process.