We all know wolfberries (the little red/orange fruit you often see in chinese soups) are good for us, but how do they actually benefit our health and how should we consume them?
In this article, we share with you the health benefits of wolfberries and list 11 different ways you can consume them.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF WOLFBERRIES
Eyes
In TCM, wolfberries/ goji berries/ 枸杞子 are believed to replenish the liver and kidneys, particularly the Yin aspect. Since the liver is closely associated with the eyes in TCM, wolfberries have long been thought to promote better eye health, and have been used traditionally for dry eyes or blurry vision. Today, wolfberries have been found to contain beta carotene, vitamin A, B1, B2 and C, which are all essential for maintaining good eye health.
Wolfberries - Replenish liver and kidneys
Anti-aging and disease prevention
In TCM, old age is associated with a decline in one’s liver and kidney health. Taking wolfberries to replenish the liver and kidneys is believed to provide anti-aging effects and maintain one’s health and youthful looks. Wolfberries may help maintain healthy blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as protect the liver. Other effects of wolfberries in TCM include maintaining dark and healthy hair, improving the complexion, promoting sleep quality etc. Some of these benefits may be more pronounced when wolfberry is used together with other Liver and Kidney replenishing herbs. In modern science, wolfberries have been found to be rich in antioxidants, which provide anti-aging and anti-cancer benefits.
Others
Wolfberries may also promote a healthier immune system.
11 WAYS TO CONSUME WOLFBERRIES
1) Wolfberry tea in water bottle
Add dried wolfberries into your water bottle to have wolfberry tea all day long
2) Quick tea
Add hot water to dried wolfberries to make a quick tea. You can also add other ingredients such as dates, chinese hawthorn, chrysanthemum etc.
3) Snack
Eat dried wolfberries for a snack
4) Smoothie/milkshake
Blend with other fruits to make a smoothie/milk shake
5) Steamed dishes
Steam with fish, meat, siu mai or other similar dishes
6) Stir-fried dishes
Sprinkle onto any stir-fry for colour and flavour
7) Dessert
Add to any chinese dessert for extra sweetness
8) Soup
Add to any chinese soup for a flavour boost
9) Oats & cereal
Cook with oats or add to cereals for breakfast
10) Baking
Replace raisins with wolfberries when baking cakes and bread
11) Salad
Add to vegetable salad or fruit salad as a replacement for raisins
枸杞子是众人所钟爱的食品， 除了颜色鲜艳， 口感甜美之外，它尚存着其他重要的养生价值。 此篇将于大家分享枸杞子的各项养生功效及十一种食枸杞子的方式。
枸杞子之养生功效
眼睛
中医认为枸杞子有补益肝与肾的功能，尤其善于滋肝肾之阴。因中医所谈的“肝”于眼睛关系密切，所以枸杞子一向来都被称为明目的佳药，且常用于两目干涩，视力减退等状况。
透过现代研究，人们已发现枸杞子包含着胡萝卜素，维生素A，B1，B2，C，等营养，故长期服用枸杞子将有益 眼睛保健。
枸杞子 ➙ 滋补肝肾
抗衰老及防病
中医认为人的衰老与肝肾功能衰退有关，而多食枸杞子以补益肝肾可有抗衰老之作用。
枸杞子可维持健康血糖，血脂及血压水平，并护肝。此外，枸杞子还可有乌发，养颜，助于睡眠等功能。若加上其他补益肝肾的药物，则可加强以上的一些养生疗效。
现代研究显现枸杞子还含有丰富的抗氧化成份，因此可有抗衰老及抗癌的作用。
其他
枸杞子也可调节免疫功能。
十一种食枸杞的方式
1）随身带着枸杞子茶
把枸杞子加入水瓶内，成为枸杞水， 可每日服用。
2）方便枸杞子茶
用热水泡枸杞子茶。茶内也可加入其他材料，如大枣，山楂，菊花等
3）零食
可直接以干枸杞取代零食
4）果汁/奶昔
与其它水果一起搅成果汁/奶昔
5）蒸菜肴
加在蒸鱼、肉、烧麦、等菜肴
6）锅炒菜肴
撒在各种锅炒菜肴，以增加口感及色彩
7）甜品
加入各种中式甜品，以让甜品更香甜
8）炖汤
加入各种中式炖汤，以增加甜味
9）早餐燕麦
加入早餐燕麦或玉米片里
10）面包/蛋糕
在烘烤面包或蛋糕时，以枸杞子代替葡萄干
11）沙拉
加入蔬菜或水果沙拉，以代替葡萄干
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