Introduction
If you’ve just caught up with the rest of the folks who are into Goji berry juice fad, you’ll be glad to know that with its popularity on the rise; it is available in the juice form and now, in the capsule format.
But before we discuss the differences between these two forms, let’s recap the contents and benefits for those who aren’t aware of the health benefits of the Goji berry.
The Goji Berry: Nutrients
The Goji berry contains many nutrients and phytochemicals including 11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals, 18 amino acids that are essential for proper body functions, 6 essential vitamins, 8 polysaccharides, 6 monosaccharides, 5 unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, beta-sitosterol, other phytosterols, 5 carotenoids, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, xanthophylls, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium and numerous phenols.
Any health junkie will tell you that you’ve got another thing coming if you assume that the Goji berry is just another ‘health drink’, but in studying the benefits you’ll understand its effectiveness whether in the capsule or the original juice form.
Studies have shown that polysaccharides are exceptional sources of the essential cell sugars necessary for proper immune function and intercellular communication. These polysaccharides can enhance health by maintaining normal cell growth and thus may help slow the aging process. The 5 unsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acids, help the body produce hormones and the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system. The beta-sitosterol component acts as an anti-inflammatory agent while the 5 carotenoids protect your eyes. The phenolic pigments in the Goji berry are associated with antioxidant properties that help in maintaining sound cardio-vascular health. It contains Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin which are necessary to convert food into energy.
Goji Berry vs. Goji Capsule: A Comparison
So, now what’s the difference between the goji capsule and juice?
In a nutshell, the capsule is for the ‘beam me up Scotty’ kinds whereas the juice is for the folks who have a highly evolved sense of ‘acquired taste’. Yes, the kinds who gargle and spit wine to determine whether it has a woolly or velvety texture to it. You get the picture?
OK… kidding there!
Actually, one valid reason is merely to suit their customers’ needs. For example, if you’re the kinds who can’t be trusted with carrying stuff around or the pill-popping anally-retentive kinds [Read: vegan], then this teeny-weeny capsule is just right for you. Evidently, it’s these very kinds who are always on the move, have no time for a proper lunch or just wish that they had 36 hours a day… yes, the trailblazing workaholic kinds who don’t care if Vienna waits for them or not! [Read: Billy Joel’s ‘Vienna waits for you]
This leaves the juice form for those who don’t necessarily have a hectic life, and more importantly like drinking the juice for its taste (which is distinctly bitter in its pure form).
Yes… Masochism makes its presence in your life in its subtle or not so subtle ways, no matter who you are. ;)
Although, the Goji juice and capsule are the same in terms of its benefits as well as comes in a 500 mg format, there are a couple of variations in the capsule version.
The first variation is the capsule containing powdered goji berries; whereas the other second variation contains oil of goji seeds. Of these two variations, the widely accepted goji berry capsules are the capsules containing powdered goji berries.
One notable difference between the capsule and the juice version is that the former does not include sugar, while having a long shelf life and as mentioned before, easiest to carry on your person. Interestingly, the capsule is manufactured using "vegetarian" material only, so say hello to the Goji berry capsule format… my dearest grass-eaters (as opposed to the Neanderthal-loving meat eaters).
In Closing
Anyways, it is in the things that bring us together that make up happy instead of the numerous reminders that we get as to how different we are to each other. So it’s not important whether you like the capsule or the juiced version as long as you are willing to try ‘the Goji solution’ for a healthier life.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for publishing the benefits of the Goji Berry. I have been sharing this information with people ! Wonderful berry!!!!!!!! Create A Great Day!
I agree with the last point. The most important thing isn’t which form of the Goji you take. The most important thing is that you take it at all. Whichever version you decide to go with, you will have numerous of health benefits. I plan on trying the juice version soon myself simply because I hate taking pills.
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