1 lb. bag of Goji Berries from Honolulu Chinatown shop only $5.00

Goji Juice is one of the latest health and marketing crazes in Hawaii, claiming to be a “Cure-All” product with a number of health benefits. It’s also claimed to be made of a specially harvested variety of Goji Berry from the Himalayas. It’s sold in ready-to-drink liquid form at $40 for 32 oz. with a Recommended dosage of 2-4 oz/day.

What many are NOT aware of, is that you can buy dried Goji Berries (unknown variety and origin) from several small shops right in Honolulu’s Chinatown for less than $5 a pound!

The dried Goji Berry is slightly sweet with a similar texture to a raisin, but more “berry-like” in flavor. It’s great if you add it with breakfast cereal or oatmeal, or eaten for a snack as is. It would probably also work well in cookies, although the heat might destroy some nutrients in it.

The researchers of Goji Juice say it has 4 polysaccharides (LB1, 2, 3 & 4) or “master molecules”, which serve as “directors” of body cells.

Here are some of the health benefits Goji JUICE marketers claim:

• Prevent Cancer
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Lower Cholesterol
• Enhance Libido
• Lose Weight
• Reduce Arthritis Symptoms
• Improve Fertility
• Improve Kidney Health
• Treat PMS
• Manage Diabetes
• Improve Memory
• Strenghten Muscles and Bones
• Extend Your Life
• Increase Energy
• Look and Feel Younger

Goji Juice is mighty tasty, and I know several people who claim to reap some health benefits from it. Still, for some, $40 might be hard to swallow.

I occasionally eat Goji Berries as snacks and can’t immediately claim any health benefits myself (I’m healthy as is), but my wallet sure feels alot more “healthy”. :-)