Goji berries are a bright red berry native to Asia and are so nutrient dense that they have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Normally you can buy them dried, like raisins, dried cranberries and other dried food.
Goji berries have become a popular ‘superfood’ because their abundance of nutritional properties have so many health benefits.
Eyesight
Goji berries contain an antioxidant called zeaxanthin and lutein and these are known to be stored in the retina of the eyes. These antioxidants protect the eyes from a certain wavelength in the light spectrum. It not only protects the eyes but also improves eyesight and has shown to help people see better at night.
Promotes Skin Health
Because goji berries are rich in antioxidants, they are anti-aging. One of the worst effects of oxidative stress is to our skin. But these berries protect us from free radicals making our skin healthier and more youthful. They also help delay the aging process by inhibiting glycation, a process that promotes aging.
Prevents Cancer
Goji berries are loaded with Vitamin C which acts as a scavenger of free radicals to prevent cell damage.
Stabilize Blood Sugar
Goji berries contain a significant amount of an active compound called lyceum barbarum polysaccharide which effectively lowers blood sugars. Animal studies have shown that they control blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity and secretion through the pancreas.
Energy Booster
Studies have shown that these berries boost energy levels and elevate mood. They also can boost the muscle’s creatine and glycogen, helping maintain physical activity efficiently. Also, they eradicate urea nitrogen, a waste product produced by our bodies after exercise.
Weight Loss
These berries are rich in fiber which controls blood sugar levels and gives you a feeling of satiety. Feeling full prevents overeating.
Increase Fertility
Studies have shown that goji berries significantly increase sperm quantity, movement and improve sexual health. They are also beneficial in treating female infertility in patients suffering from premature ovarian failure.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
The high soluble fibre in goji berries supports the lowering of cholesterol levels. The polysaccharides and vitamins also play a role in healthy cholesterol levels. In this way, it aids in hearth health and prevents many cardiovascular diseases.
Wound Healing
The high vitamin C contents works as a precursor for collagen production, which is an essential component of connective tissue. Our bodies rely on collagen to heal injuries.
Liver Support
Goji berries are powerful detoxifiers and prevent the development of alcohol-induced fatty liver disease as well as stopping to growth of tumors in the liver.
Nutritionally Dense
They are packed with vitamins and minerals. They have 18 out of the 20 amino acids and loads of antioxidants. Each serving has about 4 grams of protein. Trace minerals such as zinc, iron, phosphorous, riboflavin can also be found. As well as vitamin B2. Goji berries also have more beta carotene then carrots, and more iron then soybeans and spinach which is why they are used in treating anemia or blood deficiencies. They aid in detoxification because of the antioxidants they contain. In traditional Chinese medicine, these berries are used to help kidney function and protect the liver.
Treating Arthritis
Because of the abundance of antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress, goji berries help reduce pain and symptoms of arthritis. Studies show that goji berries increase neuroplasticity in joints.
Reduces Cognitive Disorders
Not only do they slow down aging process, but also play a significant role in age-related diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. The polysaccharides in goji berries lower inflammation and lessen stress in the body. In this way, it improves our overall health, especially the brain.
Immune Booster
They are very high in vitamin A and C. 1 ounce of berries contains 27% of vitamin C. They also enhance lymphocytes (white blood cells) levels in the body which are our primary defense cells.
Cautions
Goji berries have been shown to interact with certain medications specifically type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. One of the medications is Warfarin. So please consult your doctor if you are on medication and are concerned about any interactions.
