5 Side Effects Of Goji Beeries On Your Health

Goji berries are delicious fruit berries that belong to either Lycium barbarum or Lycium Chinese, two closely related species of the boxthorn in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. They are native to Asia and are being used in Asian cuisine from the ancient time. They are used not only for the culinary purposes but also as an ingredient in the traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicines. They are also known as wolfberries.

Goji berries are very beneficial for us and provide a number of health benefits, and as well as beauty benefits to us because of the presence of a number of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc. in them. Although goji berries are good for us and provide numerous benefits, it is advisable to be on the safe side and consume goji berries in moderation. This is because too much of everything is bad, and the same goes for goji berries. In this article, we will know about the major side effects of eating too many goji berries.

# Too Much Dietary Fiber Is Bad For Stomach

Consuming goji berries on a regular and moderate basis have been found to be very beneficial for our stomach and helps in maintaining our digestive health. This benefit of goji berries is primarily due to the presence of dietary fibers in them. The dietary fibers present in the goji berries act as a natural laxative which means it improves bowel movement and ensures smooth elimination of stool from the system. This provides relief from constipation and also aids in the treatment of various gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas and bloating, etc.

# Too Many Antioxidants Are Bad

Goji berries are an excellent source of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenol, etc. These antioxidants and the relevant compound present in the goji berries fight with the free radicals of our body, stabilize them and prevents them from causing oxidative damage to our system, and thus reduces the risk of various cancers.

Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that get formed in our body during the oxidation process. As these are unstabilized, so they steal electrons from the neighboring molecules and while doing so, it causes oxidative damage to them. Antioxidants are also useful for proper elimination of toxins and other impurities from our system and this reduces the burden from vital organs like liver and kidneys etc.

# May Develop Allergic Reactions In Some Individuals

Being a good source of many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc. and presence of these compounds make them very beneficial for us as they provide a number of health and beauty benefits. However, the benefits of goji berries can’t be enjoyed by all in an equal manner. This is because some individuals might be allergic to goji berries and they should avoid consuming goji berries as it can otherwise give rise to allergic reactions.

# Eating Goji Berries During Pregnancy And Nursing Stage

Pregnancy is an important stage in the life of every woman, and at this stage, it becomes very important for her to make sure that she is eating a balanced diet full of nutrition. This is because what she eats and drinks not only determines her health but also the health and wellness of the baby developing in her womb.

Goji berry is an excellent source of many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fibers, phytonutrients, and polyphenols, etc. and presence of these compounds make them very beneficial for the pregnancy stage. The antioxidants like vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds present in the goji berries protects the uterus and the baby inside it from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals of the body. It also strengthens the immune system which further helps in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

# May Interact With Anticoagulants Such As Warfarin

Goji berries are anticoagulant in nature which means they are very effective for the treatment of blood clots. Blood clots are the clots of blood that gets formed in our veins and give rise to problems such as poor blood circulation past the clot, sharp pain, soreness, and swelling, etc. Goji berries help in the thinning of the blood and thus helps in getting rid of blood clots.

However, if you are already taking anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin, then it is advisable to keep an eye on your goji berries consumption and consume it only after having a word with your doctor about the same. This is because the anticoagulant nature of the goji berries may interfere with the medication and may thin our blood to a dangerous level and thereby increase the risk of heavy periods, bloody or discolored urines or feces, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, dizziness, muscle weakness, and rashes, etc.