Health Benefits of Goji Berries

The health benefits of goji berry include the control of diabetes, the lowering of cholesterol, free radical scavenging, cardiovascular protection, possible cancer control, protection of brain cells, protection of the liver and skin protection from UV radiation. It also helps in improving eyesight, general well-being and strengthening the immune system.

The English name Goji is derived from the Mandarin name gouqi. The other name, wolfberry, is thought to have originated from the Greek name of the plant Lycium, from Lycos or “wolf” in Greek. The Goji tree grows up to a height of about 3 meters. The berries of Goji are small, up to 2cm, dark red or orange, and oblong shaped. These berries taste anywhere from bitter to sweet.

Nutritional Value of Goji Berries :-

Dried goji berries contain calories, carbohydrates, fat, dietary fiber, sugar and protein. The minerals and vitamins found ingoji berries include sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin, polysaccharides, betaine, and peptidoglycans.Though goji berries are best-known for their antioxidant activity, they also contain an impressive number of vitamins and minerals.

Cholesterol Control :-

Cholesterol is one of the major reasons for the development of heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol forms plaque-like structures inside the blood vessels and arteries that obstruct the blood flow. This in turn causes the heart to pump with higher force, resulting in heart weakening, which can be followed by a heart attack. For starters, cholesterol is one of two types. One is HDL or high density lipid cholesterol, which is good cholesterol, and the other is LDL or low density lipid cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol. It is the LDL or the bad cholesterol that forms plaque and leads to heart weakening.

Free Radical Scavenging :-

Antioxidants, as the name suggests, are a wide range of chemicals that react and neutralize the action of free radicals that are produced in our body. Free radicals, if left alone, can damage our tissues, cells, cell membranes, and DNA over time, resulting in the development of various diseases.

Cardiovascular Protection :-

Free radicals can also attack the heart, just as any other organ. When heart muscles are attacked, the result can be that the heart will be weakened. Although this happens over a long period of time, it is still required to take precautionary measures. Goji berry can act as a protective measure, as it contains anti-oxidant chemicals that can protect the heart from the attack of free radicals.

Healthy Body :-

The health benefits of goji berry also include general well-being and a healthy body. Results of a study conducted suggest that consumption of goji berry enhance and improve gastrointestinal functions and reduce stress and fatigue. It also improves neurological and psychological performance as well.

Anti-Cancer Properties :-

Goji berry has not only been eaten as food; the Chinese also used it to treat cancer in their traditional medicine. Scientific investigations into goji berry fruit extracts revealed various anti-cancerous properties. They were tested on human cancer cells, which showed considerable control over the growth of cancer cells.Small, fleshy berries like the goji berry contain antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols that could protect against the development of cancer.

Protects Brain Cells from Damage :-

The damaged brain cells can develop neurodegenerative diseases. These neurodegenerative diseases can be effectively countered by consuming goji berry. Goji berry extracts have shown significant neuroprotective activity. The team that conducted research ascertained that goji berry possesses anti-aging effects and has suggested it as a preventive medicine.

Protects Liver from Damage :-

The liver is one of the most resilient organs in our body and it can protect itself from chemical, free radical, and physical damages. However, this cycle of damage and regeneration can ultimately result in liver damage. Goji berry, on the other hand, has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine to frequently treat liver diseases.

Skin protection :-

The exposure of the skin to UV radiation can result in skin damage and skin cancer in extreme cases. We can reduce this risk by consuming goji berries. Goji berry extracts can protect our skin from damage caused by UV radiation. Studies have shown that goji berries significantly reduce skin inflammation and immune suppression. The antioxidant potential in goji berries has been attributed to this action.

Immune System & Anti-Aging

Goji berries are known to have a unique polysaccharides known as “Master Molecules” – LBP1, LBP2, LPB3 and LPB4 – which work together to fortify the immune system, and are not found in any other known plant.Then polysaccharides also stimulates the pituitary gland in the anterior of the brain to produce more Human Growth Hormone, the master hormone in our bodies.