Goji berries are a healthy superfood that has been around for centuries. These little fruits are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can help improve your overall health.
In addition to their benefits for the body, goji berries are also popular as an energy boost and weight loss supplement. Also known as wolfberries, or more aptly, the elixir of life, these red berry packs a punch. According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine:
“Now the benefits of consuming goji berries to improve well-being have been confirmed by research.”
Are you curious about the health benefits of goji berries?
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common benefits of goji berries and how they can help improve your health. We’ll also discuss some of the side effects, as well as provide tips on how to best eat dry goji berries.
So, whether you’re looking to improve your general health or targeted supplementation, goji berries are a great option to consider. Read on to learn more about this potent little powerhouse of goodness!
What Is a Goji Berry?
Goji berries are native to China and larger parts of Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are known for their powerful antioxidant properties, which help fight off free radicals that can damage cells, cause inflammation, and worse (purely for the sake of vanity), premature aging. These delicious but tart little fruits also contain high levels of vitamins A and C, fiber, manganese, and other antioxidants.
What the Science Says About Goji Berries
Despite its long-standing history as a natural remedy for most types of ailments, goji has only recently gained popularity as a superfood. If you are still unfamiliar with goji berry benefits, you will more than likely spring into action after reading this blog.
Studies have proven that the bioactive compounds found in Goji berries make it a potential natural antioxidant medicine for future pharmacological use. The high antioxidant levels have been shown to effectively combat cancer cells, for a start! But let’s take a look at just why goji berries are considered a must-have as part of your weight loss diet.
1 – Protects the Eyes
Among the benefits of introducing goji berries to your diet, its effect on eye health stands out as one of the benefits backed by science. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two important carotenoids that help prevent eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
In addition, goji berries have been shown to improve vision by reducing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress levels in the eyes. So far, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.
However, some studies suggest that it may be an effective way to protect against glare, moisture, and UV radiation damage. Furthermore, the protective possibilities of goji berry extracts on retina cells have been proven to be helpful against early stages of degeneration in both animals and humans.
2 – Provides Immune System Support
Goji berry supplements can support the immune system in several ways. First, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the symptoms of conditions like asthma and arthritis.
Second, it helps boost the body’s natural defenses against disease by providing antioxidants and other nutrients that help fight off oxidative damage. It can also improve circulation by opening up arteries and alleviating congestion.
Finally, goji berries can also help improve moods by boosting serotonin levels. All in all, what’s not to love?
These are just some of the many health benefits that goji berries have to offer. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your immune system, then you should consider incorporating this fruit into your diet.
3 – Protects Against Cancer
As we’ve mentioned, several studies have indicated that goji berries have been used effectively in preventing cancerous cells from growing and spreading. Some of these studies have shown that goji berries can help to improve the survival rates of patients who have had cancer, and can even shrink tumors in some cases.
Though there are still some questions remaining about the exact mechanism by which goji berries work, it is clear that goji berries are rich in powerful anti-cancer properties. Antioxidants are renowned for reducing tumor growth and removing harmful substances from the body. So stay tuned – you can expect many future studies into goji berries’ anti-cancerous properties.
4 – Promotes Healthy Skin
Do you want healthy, glowing skin? Then grab a bottle of goji berry juice. As we’ve illustrated, goji berries contain high levels of antioxidants, which help to protect the skin against harmful chemicals and UV radiation.
In addition, they are jam-packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy complexion.
Goji berries are also rich in beta-carotene which transforms into Vitamin A when entering the human body. The Beta carotene in goji berries helps to protect and repair your skin.
5 – Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Some studies have shown that goji berries can help to stabilize blood sugar levels in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, which can be a life-saving achievement. This is especially helpful in type 2 diabetes which can be controlled through a healthier diet and lifestyle.
Additionally, goji berries are linked to an increase in the production of glutathione (a powerful antioxidant), which can protect the cells in your body from damage.
6 – Improves Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep
Some of the most commonly cited health benefits of goji berries include improvements in depression, anxiety, and quality of sleep.
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems we face in the world today. One way that goji berries may help is by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and appetite. Additionally, goji berries have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory recall in people with depression.
Anxiety is another common mental health problem that can be debilitating and difficult to manage. Goji berries may be helpful in addressing this issue – they contain compounds that activate receptors in the brain associated with stress relief.
7 – Prevents Liver Damage
This comes as great news just after the festive season! If you have been jovial, your liver likely took the punishment for you. Drinking goji berry juice might be just the hangover cure you need,
These little helpers contain polysaccharides, which help improve liver function and protect it against inflammation. Studies have shown that goji berries can reduce the risk of liver cancer and improve overall liver health. This is because they help to expel toxins from the body and reduce inflammation. They also help improve the flow of bile, which is an essential component of digestion.
On a side note, the prebiotic prosperities found in goji berries have been proven to support Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria species in our gut.
What Makes Goji Berries so Good?
So, let’s recap. Why are they so good for your health?
Gojis have various benefits for the skin, hair, nails, digestion, moods… the list goes on! In fact, studies show that goji berries may help improve memory function and protect against age-related decline in cognitive performance. They’re also a great source of dietary protein (18%!), healthy fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), vitamins B6 and E., calcium, and iron deficiency symptoms such as fatigue or weakness.
Not only do they taste amazing (albeit with a sour hint)but you know you’re doing your body a favor by incorporating them into your diet!
Adding Goji Berries to the Diet
We’ve shown you that Adding goji berries to your diet can have a variety of health benefits. Who wouldn’t appreciate lowered blood pressure, improved cognitive function, and reduced inflammation?
They also improve cognitive function by boosting the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. And lastly, they reduce inflammation in the body by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
So, whether you’re looking for an anti-inflammatory agent or some additional nutrients for your diet, goji berries are a great option to consider. You can consume goji berries in a variety of ways including raw, in juice, tea, smoothies, and even with your breakfast. If you are opting for the dry variety, simply soak a handful of goji berries in half a cup of boiling water for a few minutes and viola! Sprinkle a handful over your cereal or yogurt, and you are set for the day.
Side Effects – Who Should Avoid Goji Berries
Goji berries may interact with some drugs, especially blood thinners and Type 1 diabetes drugs. Blood pressure drugs have also been known to be affected by goji berries.
Consuming through moderation may not cause any harm, but it is always wise to err on the side of caution. Because of its high antioxidant properties, it is important to consult with our doctor before consuming large amounts.
Berry Berry Nice
Goji berries could be a great addition to an already healthy lifestyle and when included in daily diets could help you reach greater potential for your health. With its versatile use in foods and drinks, you don’t have to worry about finding ways to use it as you could simply include it in your favorite meals and drinks. Introduce this rich in antioxidants fruit into your diet for maximum health potential.
Reinette Robbertze completed her diplomas in both Journalism and Nutrition respectively. With an impressive portfolio of health blogs and magazine articles behind her name, she shares her real-life experiences with her passion for healthy living. Her educational background guides readers with authentic, and sometimes anecdotal information. Stay tuned!
