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6 Health Benefits Of Goji Berries
By: Kratika Sat, 25 Mar 2023 12:00:06
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small, bright red berries that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. These berries are packed with nutrients and are believed to have numerous health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a powerful addition to any diet. Some of the health benefits of goji berries include boosting the immune system, improving eye health, reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting healthy skin. In this era of health-consciousness, the popularity of goji berries has grown exponentially as people are turning to natural remedies to maintain their health and wellbeing. In this context, let's dive deeper into the health benefits of goji berries.
# Better athletic performance
Known as a “longevity food,” goji berries contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. Goji berry is a unique fruit in that it has all 9 essential amino acids. They increase energy, endurance, and vitality. They enhance stamina and strength and assist in recovery from intense workouts and promote cardiovascular health. Before your next workout grab a handful of goji berries for an energy boost.
# Weight loss
Goji berry fruit juice has been reported in several randomized clinical studies to significantly increase energy expenditure after eating and has been observed to be effective in controlling waist circumference. Hence, may reduce the risks of metabolic syndrome.
The nutrients in goji berry juice powder such as vitamin B1 and calcium promote a quicker burning of carbohydrates that helps with weight loss. Goji berry juice has a sweet taste but is low on the glycemic index. They may also help reduce cravings for sugary, starchy foods that can add to weight gain.
# Supports the immune system
Like most berries, goji berries have high levels of antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C. These key nutrients are essential in helping build a healthy immune system by fighting harmful free radicals and inflammation. They can help protect from infection, and also help speed up wound healing that will help you recover from infections or wounds faster.
Further studies have shown that goji berries have a wide variety of immunomodulatory functions, including activation of various immune cells. In one study, test subjects who supplemented with goji berry juice fought against the flu more effectively than those who were given a flu vaccine.
# High in antioxidants
Goji berries are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals, including carotenoids, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. The carotenoids present in goji berries are responsible for the characteristic orange-red color of the berries. Goji Berries provide 26.822 IU of Vitamin A and 48.4 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams. This superfood is also high in minerals such as copper, selenium, iron, potassium, zinc, as well as vitamin B2 and thiamine.
These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the cells in your body. When free radicals oxidize, they damage the DNA and tissue cells, opening the way for many diseases.
# Goji Berries for Eye Health
Goji Berries are one of the highest sources of antioxidants and have been used to improve eyesight or age-related macular degeneration. These superfood berries are also packed with antioxidants like zeaxanthin, which help protect your lenses and retinas against damage
Wolfberries are the richest plant source of zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid antioxidant that greatly benefits the eyes. Human supplementation trials have shown that daily intake of wolfberries increased plasma levels of zeaxanthin.
# Stabilizes blood sugar
Goji berries have been used in traditional medicine to help lower blood sugar and thus manage symptoms of diabetes.In a 3-month study, Goji berry supplements were administered twice daily in 300 mg capsules to diabetic type II patients. Findings from the studies showed improvements in after-meal glucose levels.
The Goji berry supplements helped control the release of sugar into the bloodstream. It prevented spikes and dips due to problems balancing glucose levels. Evidence shows that gojis exhibit significant hypoglycemic effects and insulin-sensitizing activity by increasing glucose responsiveness. According to this study, goji berries may be a natural diabetes remedy as a way to increase insulin sensitivity. Therefore, goji berries might be one of the best choices for those with trouble balancing blood glucose levels and their effects.