If you are a health buff, you might already hear about goji berries and its manifold benefits. Its medicinal history is way back ancient China when it is being used for many medicinal purposes. People since olden times use this fruit to treat different ailments such as eye infection, liver issues, and illnesses related to kidney. Another name for it is wolfberries with a sweet and sour taste and available fresh or dried, similar to raisins. The health benefits of goji berry lie on its antioxidant component that comes from plant compounds. If you are looking for a healthy addition to your diet, then this berry is something you need to consider.
1. Immune Booster against Flu
Flu protection requires a healthy immune system. Goji berry benefits come from its rich source of vitamins that can support the immune system function to fight viruses that can cause the flu. A lab test was done in mice and found out that goji berries can aid in flu vaccines’ effectiveness. It is an essential breakthrough as some flu vaccine will not give you 100% protection against viruses that can cause the flu.
The study suggests that consumption of added goji berry nutrition can prevent the recurrence of infection to older adults with flu vaccine as to those who do not consume the berry. However, it is good to keep in mind that goji berry is not a replacement for the flu vaccine, so you and your family must get a yearly flu shot.
2. Weight Loss Management
Although goji berry is small in size, it is packed with healthy energy-giving nutrients due to its fiber and the sweet taste will aid you to stay on track of your healthy diet plan. It is a good substitute for sugary and high carbohydrate snacks to prevent you from eating too much during mealtime. You can easily add these berries together with yogurt or salad and replace your raisins. Goji berry nutrition makes them a great substitute for other dried fruits that are high in sugar as it is low in calorie. Just 1 ounce of the berry will only provide you 100 calories.
3. Good for Eyes and Skin
Many studies prove that it is high in antioxidants such as zeaxanthin that can offer great goji berries side effects to vision and skin. This antioxidant is the reason for its bright red color. Antioxidants like zeaxanthin can protect the cell from breaking down once exposed to environmental stress like radiation and pollution. The good thing about it is that it contains the right amount of fiber and healthy fats.
A study shows that older adults who consumed supplements made from goji berry for 90 days experienced lesser hypopigmentation and yellow deposits in the eyes.
4. Blood Sugar Management
Although it has a sweet taste, the goji berry is advisable for diabetes to substitute for sugary snacks. Health benefits of goji berry include a potential decrease in blood sugar level, increase tolerance to sugar, improve insulin resistance, and protect cells that help in the production of insulin in the body. However, health professionals encouraged diabetic patients to consult them first before adding some in their diet, especially for those in medication to maintain blood sugar levels.
5. Increase Level of Testosterone
Even in ancient times, goji berry benefits are related to sexual fertility, and studies in rats showed that goji berry could increase sperm count, increase sexual ability, and shorten the time of erection. Some scientific researchers suggest that it is an effective prescription for people who have erectile dysfunction.
6. Goji Berry as Superfood
Some commercial brands may coin goji berries as “superfood,” but you need to be very careful when taking over the counter supplements. A comparative study was done to people who consume goji berry juice for 14 days and those who did not. Those who drank the juice reported an increase in sleep quality, energy, overall performance, calmness, and overall well-being.
An older study in goji berries side effects claims that it can help treat tumors because of its component called beta-sitosterol that can decrease the size of tumors. However, more studies are needed to gather conclusive data to prove this claim.
