Goji Berries are full of antioxidants, and powerful medicinal properties. These tiny red fruits are easy to find in any health store, or pharmacy because they contain lots of antioxidants and numerous health benefits. Let’s talk about them!
Goji Berries Health Benefits, and How to Eat Them
Goji adds flavor, and color to my morning oatmeal. These delicious berries can be found whole dried or as a powder. Furthermore, they are often added to juice mixes, and supplements. Here’s everything you need to know about goji berries.
What Are Goji Berries
Native to China, goji berries are small red fruits, with a sweet and sour taste. They have been used in Chinese traditional medicine since ancient times because it was believed to promote longevity and maintain the body healthy.
28 grams of goji berries offers:
- Calories: 98
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 3.6 g
- Sugars: 21.8 g
- Iron: 11% daily value (DV
- Vitamin A: 501% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
Iron is an essential mineral for oxygen transportation and the production of healthy red cells. Vitamin C and A play main roles in our immune function and act as antioxidants in the body.
The compounds found in these antioxidants help prevent cells damage by neutralizing the harmful molecules known as free radicals.
In a study, it has been discovered that treating the cells with goji berries extract, increased the antioxidant levels and diminished many oxidative stress markers in the body.
Experts suggest increasing the antioxidant intake by diet or supplements because this way we can reduce inflammation and fight/prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart conditions.
Also Read: Sage Tea Health Benefits
Why Goji Berries Are So Healthy
Goji is considered a super-food because it had vegetal phytochemical compounds. These compounds found in the goji berries include polysaccharides, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin.
Polysaccharides are the main compounds found in goji, and they provide a good source of fiber. A study made on old rats concluded that these polysaccharides helped improve immune function and increased total antioxidants activity in the organism.
Zeaxanthin supports the immune system. Many researchers believe that zeaxanthin can prevent macular degeneration, a progressive affection of sight.
Beta-carotene is responsible for the red-orangish pigment in the goji berries. Beta-carotene is good for the eye’s health, skin, bones, and cells development. The amount of beta-carotene in these berries is probably the highest amongst other edible plants out there.
The Health Benefits of Goji Berries
1. Good for Eyes
Since ancient times in China, people used to eat these delicious goji berries because they had the potential of improving eye-sight, especially in older people. Sprinkle daily a small amount of goji into your warm bowl of oatmeal to benefits from its properties.
2. Antioxidant Effects
As we mentioned, goji berries are full of vitamin A, C, and E – which fall into the antioxidant category, that helps protect the body from oxidative stress caused by the free radicals.
3. Supports Healthy Liver and Kidney
For our body to function normally, we need a healthy liver and kidneys. Fortunately, goji berries can improve or maintain their health. Traditional Chinese medicine used them to treat yin deficiency in the liver, and kidneys.
Yin Deficiency Symptoms:
- Dryness: dry throat, dry lips, dry, cough, dry, eyes, dry mouth
- Constipation with dry stools
- Hot palms, soles, and chest
- Feeling hot, especially afternoon
- Night sweat
- Mild fever
- Red face, especially on the cheeks
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Irritability
4. Improves Fertility
Goji berries are extremely beneficial for people who want to conceive a baby because they have this positive impact on the body:
- Improves sperm quality
- Regulates testosterone level
- Increases the libido
5. Good for Weight Loss
According to naturopathic doctor Nadia Musavvir, goji berries might help with weight loss. She says – “As a fiber source, goji can help you feel fuller for longer and support the sugar levels, which might lead to weight loss.”
How to Eat Goji Berries
Tastes great on their own, but if you want, add them to a bowl of oats, in salads, or smoothies. They will add natural sweetness and flavor. You can also have a goji juice if dried is not your top choice.
Another great way to eat them is by rehydrating them. Spread some almond butter on a piece of toast, sprinkle chia seeds, and goji berries then enjoy it for breakfast.
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