Wellness Coaching ~ Restorative Herbs, Tinctures & Teas
Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) also known as wolfberries, are native to Asia. They have a sweet, slightly sour flavor and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. These bright red berries have been known to exert various biological activities that benefit health, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunostimulating, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and prebiotic effects. Goji berries are considered one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants, vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids especially zeaxanthin, quercetin, and rutin.
Nutritional Profile
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the following nutritional profile for five tablespoons, or 28 grams, of dried goji berries.
The following micronutrients are also found in goji berries:
Consuming goji berries may help manage diabetes. In a clinical trial, 67 people with type 2 diabetes took goji berries for three months. The results included lower blood sugar levels and an Increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, otherwise known as good cholesterol. Research also shows that goji berries balance insulin and glucose levels in the blood and could be a helpful part of the diet for those with diabetes.
Goji berries may also improve liver function. A trial of 90 adults with elevated liver enzymes consumed goji berries for 12 weeks. The result was a decrease in the liver enzymes Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Y-glutamyltransferase (GGT) showing an improvement in liver health.
Goji berries are also beneficial to eye health. A few clinical trials have studied the effects of goji berry on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. One trial of 114 older patients with early AMD showed that goji berry increased macular pigment and zeaxanthin compared to placebo. These increases may slow the progression of degeneration in the eye. Goji berry has also been shown to protect the retina and preserve vision.
According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, Goji berries have been extensively researched regarding cancer, where they’ve shown high immunoactivity. Human trials involving the use of goji berries as a cancer treatment have led to positive outcomes in tumor regression. They have demonstrated benefits in stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Goji berries may also offer benefits for brain health and memory due to the antioxidants and polysaccharides. They can potentially protecting against damage associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases, by stimulating nerve growth.
Goji berries have long been associated with weight loss, in part due to their status as a superfood, but also because of their unique nutritional composition that helps to promote the burning of fat and the production of lean muscle. Additionally, goji berries are great for this skin due to their bioactive polysaccharides. These have substantial antioxidant properties and help firm and tighten skin, while providing extra hydration.
Goji berries can also help reduce anxiety and stress. They can help to promote the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. This action may help cure depression over a period of time. Goji berries can also be used to treat and restore hormonal health and balance, especially during pre- and post-menopause phases. They can alleviate the symptoms of menopause and can increase blood cell production in case of a low red blood cell count in women due to malfunctions in their reproductive health.
Goji berries are available in juice form, whole dried berries and dried powder. The dried berry powder is the most convenient form, as it can be added to smoothies. As with any food, always choose goji berries that have been organically grown. Otherwise, the berries may contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium or be contaminated with pesticides.
Caution: Do not use goji berries if you are taking flecainide and warfarin, as they can cause medication toxicity by the inhibition of CYP2D6 and CYP2C9, which are the main enzymes associated with the metabolism of these drugs. Consult with your health care provider before consuming goji berries if you are currently taking any medications.
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