The Surprising Health Benefits of Goji
The Goji (AKA “Goji Berry” or “Wolfberry”) comes from Asia and is highly prized by eastern medicine practitioners, and recently – by the rest of the world. Goji berries can be bought frozen or dehydrated, and scientists are generally in consensus about their many health benefits. In this article, you’ll find just a few of the many blessings this wonder-berry brings with it, some information you should know before adding it to your diet, and even a great recipe for a refreshing and healthy shake.
The health benefits of the Goji:
The Goji is considered a ‘superfood’ thanks to the many nutrients it
contains, including some very unique ones that are almost impossible to
find in other foods.
1. Eyesight improvement:
Age-related Macular Degeneration prevention.
Goji berries contain an abundance of zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that is
necessary for ocular health, especially in seniors. The antioxidants in
Goji are absorbed quickly and efficiently into the bloodstream and
prevent cellular degeneration throughout the body, and in the corneas in
particular. Chinese researchers tested the effects of consuming 14
grams of Goji per day in people over the age of 65, and discovered that
their eyesight was significantly improved, while their chances of
suffering from age-related ocular problems decreased considerably.
2. A rich source of nutrients:
In addition to all the antioxidants, the Goji also contains hefty
amounts of essential nutrients. Aside from proteins, various vitamins,
iron, trace elements (essential minerals) and dietary fibers, Goji’s
uniqueness comes from the plethora of amino acids it contains. Each
berry contains 19 different amino acids, and 8 of those are essential
amino acids that the body cannot create itself.
3. UV protection:
If you’re fair-skinned and easily get burned, Goji berries might be one
of the best fruits you can eat. It contains vitamins and antioxidants
that keep your skin healthy and radiant. Drinking Goji juice will reduce
the acute effects of solar radiation. Please note that this is not a
replacement for sunscreen, just an added layer of protection.
4. Boosts the immune system:
The many amino acids and minerals in Goji berries are highly beneficial
to the immune system. They increase the production of white blood cells
while protecting the liver, kidneys and other organs that deal with
toxin removal and blood filtration. This superfood won’t only help
prevent you from contracting colds or the flu, many people report that
consuming it has stopped chronic issues they had, such as headaches,
joint pains and ringing ears.
5. A solution for chronic lethargy:
The Goji’s many nutrients and antioxidants give our system an immune
boost and provide it with much-needed minerals. This allows the body to
relax instead of dealing with potential infections or trying to acquire
minerals it can’t produce. People who suffer from chronic lethargy will
see the most benefit from this change in their life and will experience
an improvement in their quality of sleep as well as a boost in their
energy levels during the day. For these reasons, Goji berries are some
of the best natural treatments for people suffering from fibromyalgia
and chronic lethargy.
6. Anti-carcinogenic:
While there’s no conclusive proof that Goji berries actively fight
cancer, the immunity boost helps cancer patients fight the disease.
Recent research tested the effects of the essence of Goji on cancerous
liver-cells, showed a near-complete halt in cancerous-cells growth. For
these two reasons alone, one should consider a daily intake of this
superfood, especially if you’re genetically prone to cancer (Be sure to
consult your doctor first).
7. Reduces glucose levels in the blood:
A study from 2004 shows that Goji berries effectively reduce the glucose
and fat levels of diabetics. Goji also helped people suffering from
high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. The control group
received a boiled essence of Goji, which contains the same levels of
vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids as in the natural form, and
showed significantly less impressive results.
8. Anti-aging qualities:
Last, but definitely not least, one of the Goji’s most incredible and
unique properties which makes it a true miracle-fruit. As we age, our
body produces fewer growth-hormones (HGH). Goji berries are the ONLY
food known to stimulate the pituitary gland and make it produce more
HGH, even in people of advanced ages. This amazing process occurs thanks
to the unique combination of the amino acids glutamine and arginine,
which effectively slows down the aging process.
Vital information about consumption of Goji
While Goji berries can do wonders for our body, too much of anything is
still bad for you, so it is important not to consume too much of it
every day. In addition, some of the fruit’s influences may not mix well
with some prescription drugs.
Interaction with prescription drugs:
People taking blood-pressure medication like warfarin or people taking
insulin or other medication meant to lower glucose levels should avoid
Goji. The main reason is that Goji berries perform similar actions to
these drugs, which leads to more harm than good. If you are regularly
taking these drugs or others that perform a similar function, consult
with your doctor before adding Goji to your diet.
Digestive sensitivity:
As Goji became popular, drug companies started marketing supplements
based on Goji. Many people who tried these supplements reported
side-effects that include a sensitive stomach and nausea. It’s
recommended that you be careful when taking such supplements before and
after eating and to generally prefer natural berries.
For recipes with Goji berry - kindly view my recipe blog