Goji berry, also known as wolfberry, is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been consumed for generations to live longer.
These red berries are reported to help in boosting your immune system, boosting brain activity, protect against cancer, heart disease and improve life expectancy.
Goji berries contain vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin C, selenium, iron, and other antioxidants, notably polysaccharides.
Health Benefits of Goji Berry:
1. Cancer Prevention
Goji berries contain potential anti-cancer benefits, according to a recent study that was published in Life Sciences. Researchers tested goji berry extracts on cancer cells and reported that they induced apoptosis on the cancer, effectively stopping it from spreading further.
2. Detoxify the Liver
Goji berries are reported to help protect the liver, and are used alongside traditional herbs such as ganoderma, licorice, pentaphylla and gynostemna, in many liver cleanses. This is the reason goji berries are most frequently used as a tonic ingredient in sweet or savory porridges or soups for individuals who are sick.
3. Diabetes Management
Researchers have reported that goji berries contain hypoglycemic properties, which are beneficial for diabetics. This means that consumption of these berries may help in controlling your blood sugar levels safely.
4. Healthy Skin
Goji berries are loaded with beta-carotene, a pigment present in fruits and plants. Beta-carotene helps in promoting healthy skin and acts like a natural skin cancer treatment.
5. Healthy Vision
A recent study has reported that goji berries contain zeaxanthin, which is an antioxidant known for helping to maintain a healthy vision. Also, it is the compound responsible for providing berries with their distinctive bright red color.
Also, the researchers reported that the individuals who consumed goji berries regularly had less drusen and less hypopigmentation in their eye.
6. Increased Testosterone Levels
Goji berries are associated with sexual fertility. A study conducted in rats reported that goji berries significantly:
- Increased Sperm Movement and quantity
- Improved sexual ability
- Improved recovery of testosterone levels
- Research suggests that goji berries may be an alternative to prescription for erectile dysfunction like Viagra.
- Shortened erection, capture, and ejaculation response
7. Weight Loss
Goji berries are filled with healthy food energy in just small servings. Their high fiber content and sweet taste, can help you stay on track with eating healthy.
You can consume goji berry as a light snack to prevent over-indulgence at mealtime. You can add them in your salad or yogurt, in the same way you would use raisins.
Goji berries’ nutrition value as a low-sugar, low-calorie, option makes them a great substitute to other dried fruits having higher sugar content. A 1 ounce serving of goji berries contains only 23 calories.
Source:
Dr Axe
Healthline
Webmd
Related Articles:
1. Here’s Why You Should Eat Strawberries and Blueberries 3 Times per Week
2. What are the Health Conditions Cranberries Can Help You With?
3. 10 Proven Reasons to Eat Blueberries