31 Amazing Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji, Goji berries, or wolfberries are the delicious fruit berries belonging to either Lycium barbarum or Lycium Chinese, two closely related species of the boxthorn in the nightshade family. They are native to Asia and are used in Asian cuisines for ages. They are known for their culinary purposes and as well as an ingredient in traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicine. Goji berries provide many health and beauty benefits due to the abundance of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and dietary fibers, etc.
Health Benefits of Goji Berries
Following are the major health benefits of goji berries.
(1) Protection Against Various Cancer(s)
Goji berries contain several antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like flavonoids, etc.
These compounds protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and reduce the risk of several cancers such as colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.
Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Antioxidants in goji berries inhibit the growth of cancer cells and also enhance the abilities of pharmaceuticals responsible for reversing cancer growth.
(2) Improves Neurological Health
Goji berries benefit our brain and improve our neurological health.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like flavonoids, etc in goji berries protect our brain cells aka neurons from free radical damage.
This reduces the risk of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and folate, etc in goji berries improve our neurological health by enhancing cognitive functions such as sharper memory, better focus, increased alertness, and reduced confusion, etc.
Source-Pixabay.com(3) Increases Energy Level
Eating one cup of dried goji berries provide around 353 calories of energy for our day-to-day activities.
79 percent of the energy comes from carbohydrates, 5 percent comes from fat, and the rest 16 percent comes from protein, minerals, and amino acids.
Because of the high carbohydrates content, energy provided by goji berries sustains for a long time.
Goji berries keep us alert and energetic and reduce the general feeling of tiredness and fatigue. They are a better alternative to commercially available caffeinated energy drinks.
B vitamins in goji berries also contribute to enhanced energy levels as they improve the metabolism of fat, proteins, and carbohydrates.
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(4) Improves Muscle Health
During workouts, our muscles produce lactic acid that causes pain, inflammation, and soreness around the muscles.
Our liver plays an important role in getting rid of lactic acid.
Goji berries improve our liver health, and a healthy liver gets rid of the lactic acid in an efficient manner.
This improves muscular health and promotes physical well-being.
Goji berries also provide an abundance of energy ( 353 calories per cup of dried goji berries) that help with the workout session.
(5) Regulates Blood Sugar Level
Goji berries are beneficial for people with diabetes and for those who are at the risk of diabetes as it has a low glycemic index of 29.
Because of their low glycemic index, goji berries slowly release sugar into the bloodstream and prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level.
This helps in managing diabetes.
Dietary fibers in goji berries help in regulating blood sugar by reducing the rate at which sugar is absorbed by the bloodstream.
Despite this advantage, consume goji berries in moderation as otherwise they may drop blood sugar below the healthy range and cause shakiness, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, irritability, or moodiness.
If you take diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding goji berries to your routine to ensure there is no food-drug interference risk.
(6) Good For Eyes
Goji berries help in maintaining our ocular health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, etc in goji berries protect our eyes from free radical damage.
This reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for the eyes as it improves vision, prevents eye dryness, and reduces the risk of night blindness.
Polysaccharides in goji berries improve ocular health by minimizing the damage to the retina and optic nerve.
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(7) Strengthens Immune System
Regular and moderate intake of goji berries strengthens our immune system, the defense mechanism of the body that prevents and treats infections, injuries, wounds, and diseases.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in goji berries protect our immune cells or white blood cells from free radical damage.
This strengthens immunity and reduces the risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.
The antimicrobial properties of goji berries protect against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, and folate, etc also play a significant role in making our immune system healthier.
(8) Manages Cholesterol Level
Dietary fibers like pectin and antioxidants such as vitamin C in goji berries reduce LDL cholesterol and helps in cholesterol management.
It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls.
It is a leading cause of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, heart stroke, coronary artery disease,
(9) Regulates Blood Pressure
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common health condition that affects millions around the world and causes cardiovascular and other health problems.
Goji berries contain potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Enjoy goji berries in moderation as a high potassium level may drop our blood pressure below the normal range and cause dizziness, fainting, nausea, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, dehydration, poor concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.
Goji berries may interfere with the blood medication.
Eating goji berries while being on blood pressure medication should be considered only after consulting with a doctor.
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(10) Improves Cardiovascular Health
Goji berries improve our cardiovascular health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytochemicals, etc in goji berries protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Antioxidants in goji berries protect the red blood cells from lipid peroxidation which can otherwise lead to cell damage and heart attack risk.
The pectin fiber in goji berries reduces LDL cholesterol and helps in cholesterol management.
It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular issues.
Goji berries contain potassium, a vital mineral that relaxes blood vessels improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Regulating our blood pressure reduces the risk of various cardiovascular problems.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins in goji berries also play an important role in improving cardiovascular health.
(11) Improves Liver Health
The liver is a vital organ of our body that helps with detoxification and provides many other benefits such as the production of bile juice, the production of proteins for blood plasma, the metabolism of fats, protein, and carbohydrates, and storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.
Goji berries improve our liver health.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in goji berries protect our liver from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in goji berries remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances.
By helping with the detoxification, goji berries reduce the detoxification burden from the liver and allow it to focus on other functions it needs to perform.
Betaines in goji berries reduce fat deposits from the liver and improve liver health.
(12) Aids In Weight Loss
Goji berries are high in calories, and one cup of dried goji berries provides 353 calories of energy.
They are suitable for weight gain, but they also promote weight loss when consumed in moderation.
Dietary fibers in goji berries provide stomach satiety and control overeating, a major cause of obesity.
Fresh goji berries are about 77 percent water. They promote weight loss by improving our digestion and enhancing our metabolism.
(13) Increases Testosterone Level
The aphrodisiac properties of goji berries make it a natural viagra that makes erections stronger.
It increases the quality and movement of the sperm and improves testosterone levels.
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(14) Provides Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C, solvation, and beta-sitosterol in goji berries reduce pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma, and bronchial asthma, etc.
Solavetivon is an antifungal anti-inflammatory compound that reduces inflammation, and antibodies associated with many allergic reactions.
(15) Improves Respiratory Health
Goji berries are good for the lungs and improve our respiratory system.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds protect our respiratory system from free radical damage.
Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Goji berries strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of cough and cold.
Vitamin C and other anti-inflammatory compounds in goji berries protect the lung from inflammation and reduces the risk of asthma and bronchial asthma.
Other nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium, and iron in goji berries play a significant role in improving respiratory health.
(16) Balances Hormonal Health
Regular and moderate intake of goji berries helps in restoring our hormonal health and balance. As per traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries help in treating yin deficiency.
(17) Goji Berries Fight Depression
Stress can harm our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Goji berries help in reducing stress and anxiety because of their rich nutritious profile.
Magnesium in goji berries relaxes our nervous system, calms us, and provides relief from stress and anxiety.
Because of their anti-depressant properties, goji berries are widely used in traditional medicines for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
(18) Better Sleep
Not getting enough quality sleep can cause various health problems such as the increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart attack, and stroke.
Stress and anxiety are leading causes of poor sleep quality as they disturb our sleep cycles.
Compounds such as magnesium and manganese in goji berries relax our nervous system, calms us, and reduce stress and anxiety.
By reducing stress levels, improves sleep quality and allows us to enjoy quality sleep.
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Beauty Benefits of Goji Berries For Skin
Some major beauty benefits of goji berries are as follows.
(1) Keeps Premature Ageing At Bay
Goji berries improve our skin health because of their rich nutritious profile.
They contain antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc.
These compounds protect our skin cells from free radical damage and reduce the risk of various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C enhances collagen production.
Collagen is an essential amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and skin sagging.
(2) Maintains Skin Health
Goji berries maintain our skin health because of their rich nutritious profile.
Vitamins and minerals in goji berries nourish our skin and improve skin health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C in goji berries protect the skin from free radical damage and reduces various signs of aging.
It improves skin radiance and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
The detoxifying properties of goji berries remove toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from skin pores, and improve skin health.
Other compounds like potassium, magnesium and B vitamins in goji berries also play a significant role in improving skin health.
(3) Protects From Harmful UV Rays Of Sun
Prolonged exposure to the UV rays of the sun may damage our skin, and give rise to wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in goji berries protect our skin from free radical damage caused by harmful UV rays of the sun.
By protecting from UV damage, it reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Topical application of goji berries extracts helps in treating sunburn and skin tan.
(4) Reduces Skin Pigmentation
Goji berries improve skin pigmentation and bring out the natural glow of the skin.
These berries contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols.
These compounds protect our skin from free radical damage and reduce various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Goji berries are a wonderful skin exfoliator that removes dead and dry skin and improves skin radiance.
(5) Aids In skin Detoxification
Skin detoxification is the process of removal of toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our skin pores.
Goji berries help with skin detoxification as they contain detoxifying compounds such as dietary fibers and antioxidants.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C and dietary fibers remove toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our skin pores, and reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
It improves skin health and enhances skin glow.
(6) Helps In Treating Itchy Skin
The antimicrobial properties of goji berries protect our skin from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
It reduces the risk of skin problems like eczema, skin rashes, and skin itchiness.
The anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin C in goji berries reduce pain and inflammation caused by eczema.
(7) Helps In Treating Acne
Goji berries help in treating acne, a common skin problem that mainly occurs due to the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other impurities in our skin problems.
Dietary fibers and antioxidants such as vitamin C in goji berries are natural detoxifying compounds that remove toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in the skin pores. This reduces the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers in goji berries regulate the secretion of excess oil from the sebaceous gland and prevent acne from worsening.
(8) Treats Hyperpigmentation
The antioxidants in goji berries help in reducing uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds such as phytonutrients in goji berries protect our skin cells from free radical damage.
It reduces various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes.
They improve skin radiance and enhance skin tone.
Beauty Benefits of Goji Berries For Hair
Some major beauty benefits of goji berries are as follows.
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Goji berries promote hair growth because of their rich nutritious profile.
Vitamins and minerals in goji berries nourish our hair and scalp and encourage the growth of new hair follicles.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in goji berries protect our hair from free radical damage.
It reduces premature greying of hair, hair fall, split ends, and hair dryness, etc.
Free radicals are unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Iron and potassium in goji berries improve the blood circulation of the scalp and enhance scalp health.
Other nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, etc in goji berries also play a significant role in improving scalp health.
(2) Reduces Hair Loss
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds in goji berries protect our hair and scalp from free radical damage.
It reduces the risk of premature greying of hair, hair fall, hair loss, and split end, etc.
Nutrients in goji berries nourish our hair and strengthen them.
When our hair is strong, the risk of hair fall diminishes automatically.
Iron and potassium in goji berries contribute to healthy blood circulation in the scalp and play an important role in hair strengthening.
(3) Make Our Hair Strong And Lustrous
Goji berries make our hair strong and lustrous because of essential compounds like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in them.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in goji berries protect the hair from free radical damage.
Doing so minimizes the risk of premature greying of hair, hair fall, split ends, and hair dryness, etc.
Antioxidants bring out natural shine to hair and make them strong and lustrous.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin B complex in goji berries improve hair health by providing the required nourishment to our hair and scalp.
(4) Aids In The Treatment of Scalp Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions around the world.
They are mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances in our skin pores.
They may also breakout on the scalp, and are then known as scalp acne.
Detoxifying compounds like dietary fibers and vitamin C in goji berries remove toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins in our system, they are less likely to accumulate in our skin pores and reduces the risk of acne and scalp acne.
Dietary fibers control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
(5) Helps In Treating Dandruff
Goji berries improve scalp health and reduce the risk of scalp problems such as dandruff.
Vitamins and minerals in goji berries nourish our hair follicles and scalp.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidant compounds like phytonutrients, etc in goji berries protect our hair and scalp from free radical damage.
It reduces premature greying of hair, hair fall, and hair dryness, etc.
The antimicrobial properties of goji berries protect the scalp from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
It reduces dandruff and other scalp problems.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purpose only and shouldn’t be considered as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information contained in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the accurateness of the same.
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