Goji berries (commercially known as wolf-berries) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. True goji berries originate in Mongolia, but goji and wolf berries are very similar and hence are both considered goji berries. They’re rich in antioxidants that help to protect the cells in your body. In fact, some experts believe they’re even more powerful than blueberries, which are at the top of the super food chart for antioxidant properties.
Goji berries from Tibet has a sweeter flavor than the more bitter tasting wolf berries of China. Both are the same nutritionally. Most goji berries you’ll find in the stores and online are wolf berries, and they will most commonly be cheaper than true goji berries.
Goji berries fall into the recommended five-to-nine daily servings of fruits and vegetables, but they’re most often taken as a drink. It’s recommended to take 4 ounces of goji juice or one serving of berries daily.
Rich in Antioxidants. Goji berries contain large amounts of phytochemical antioxidants like beta carotene and zeaxanthin (which are related to vitamin A) and vitamin C. Goji berries are also rich in iron and fiber. Goji berry juice is packed with the same nutrients, but without the fiber. One ounce or 28 grams of goji berries has about 110 calories and 24 grams of carbohydrates.
Lowers LDL Cholesterol. Goji berries also contain the phytochemical betaine and a plant sterol called beta sitosterol. Plant sterols are similar to the cholesterol found in animals, but sterols actually lower your ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol when you eat them. These compounds may also have powerful anti-aging effects by protecting your nerve cells and the retinas of your eyes.
Eat Dried Goji Berries or Drink Boji Berry Juice
Goji Berries Helps You Lose Weight. Your body needs betaine to make choline and methionine (natural compounds found in your body). Both these compounds are lipotropic; that is, they help to carry fat away from the liver and burn excess calories. Goji berries have an abundant amount of betaine.
Fights Cancer. The phytochemicals found in goji berries may have powerful anti-cancer effects. Studies have found that goji berries had a positive effect on treatments when used along with other medical cancer regimens.
Protects Your Heart. Beta-sitosterol helps lower your LDL cholesterol by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract. Goji berries have been found to boost the amount of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant, which the cells make as a natural defender against damage from free radicals. Betaine can help reduce high levels of homocysteine, a protein associated with a higher risk of inflammation and heart disease.
Boosts Your Libido. Goji berries have been known to help boost testosterone levels in both men and women, thereby increasing your sex drive. Beta-sitosterol may also help to prevent swelling of the prostate in men.
CAUTION: Before you add goji berries to your diet, it’s advisable to talk to your doctor because goji berry has blood-thinning properties. This is very important if you take any heart medications or blood thinners.
