Goji berries: the nutritional profile, health benefits, and side effects

The goji berry or wolfberry is an orange-red colored fruit obtained from a special shrub native to China.

In Asian countries, goji berries have been consumed for centuries with the hope of increasing lifespan. Globally, scientific communities have been trying to prove the health benefits of this fruit due to its huge popularity. In ancient China, the consumption of goji berries started to enhance immunity and decrease body weight. In this article, we will discuss the potential health benefits of goji berries. Read on.

Goji Berry: Nutritional profile:

Goji berries provide a vast amount of vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and dietary fiber. Goji berries are enriched with antioxidants and essential amino acids.

Goji berry is good for your eyes:

Bestowed with vitamin A, Goji berries are good for eyesight. Due to the abundance of zeaxanthin, goji berries protect your eyes from Ultraviolet rays, free radicals, and oxidative stress. Also, the risks of cataracts, macular degeneration, and senile blindness decrease due to the consumption of goji berries.

Goji berry boosts immunity:

Goji berries are enriched with healthy antioxidants, famous for their immune-boosting properties and their effectiveness against inflammation caused by harmful free radicals. Vitamin C is essential to treat simple fever to lethal cancer. Thus, regular consumption of goji berries makes your body immunologically stronger.

Goji berry is effective against cancer:

Plant-based sources enriched with antioxidants are a must to fight against cancer. Similarly, the Goji berry, bestowed with vitamin C, carotenoids, and zeaxanthin prepares your body to fight against cancer cells. They decelerate tumor growth, decrease inflammation, and eliminate harmful toxins from your body.

Goji berry promotes skin health:

Suffering from frequent skin irritation? Here's the potential remedy in the form of Goji berries. They contain beta-carotene, a crucial element to promote skin health. Regular consumption helps to prevent sunlight-related damage, redness, and irritation. By promoting collagen production, goji berries make your skin look radiant and younger. Various research studies are going on to understand its impact to prevent skin cancer. We can only hope for the best results.

Goji berries promote weight loss:

Due to low calorie and high fiber content, Goji berries prevent frequent hunger or overeating. Consuming goji berries is suggested by many nutritionists inthe morning or evening. Consume them with yogurt to get maximum benefits.

Side effects of goji berries:

Goji berries interact with blood-thinner medicines like warfarin. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes and hypertension drugs. So, if you are on those medications, stay away from goji berries.

Nowadays, goji berries are found as herbal tea or supplements. You can also prepare juice or consume it after cooking.