Goji Berries, also commonly known as Wolfberries, are small, red-orange berries that grow on the Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinense shrub, which is native to China. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are commonly consumed as a food and dietary supplement.

Health Benefits of Goji Berries

Like many of the herbs and natural supplements that have been found in Asia, Goji Berry is known to have many positive effects for people who want to promote overall body health.

Goji has been around for more than 6,000 years and during that time, its virtues have been explored in various tests. Scientists have found that people can benefit greatly from the use of Goji for a number of reasons, which confirms the beliefs of the Chinese herbalists who have used the berry for decades to treat people with a host of different ailments.

Goji berries are renowned for their high nutritional content and are often touted as a superfood. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, zinc and various phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.

In addition to their nutritional value, Goji berries are believed to offer various health benefits, including; improved immune function, better eye health, enhanced skin health and potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits.

Goji Berry Cancer Study

A clinical study carried out on 79 cancer patients in 1994, found that a combination of immuno-therapy alongside Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (found in Goji berries) was more successful in treating patients with various forms of cancer than those who received immuno-therapy alone.

Antioxidants in Goji Berries

Goji Berries contain vitamin C as well as vitamin B2 , vitamin A, iron and selenium. The test tube experiments found that Goji berries are effective at promoting proper cell growth, and the antioxidants found within it are very powerful in disease prevention. One of the interesting finds was that Goji Berries can help lower glucose levels also lower cholesterol in some people.

The antioxidants in Goji Berries boost immune function and can improve long-term health. Having to constantly fight off cold or the flu can weigh on the body and make life difficult for people. In order to stay healthy for longer, the body has to stay sharp and this can only happen when you are free of disease. In this way, vitality and long term function is increased by consuming Goji Berries, for those who wish to take a holistic approach to their health.

What do Goji Berries improve specifically?

There are many different areas that have shown improvement because of the use of Goji Berries, which come with a pretty high price tag in China. The price is justified by the fact that Goji berries do so much for the body and most people see it is an investment in their long term health.

Goji Berries can help Fight Liver Disease

The antioxidants within Goji are most well known for fighting off disease within the liver. For people who want to protect their liver in the face of alcohol or drug use, the berry supplements can be especially helpful.

Goji Berries as a Sexual Enhancer

Though its primary role is in preventing disease, Goji Berry has also been found to help increase fertility in women and help improve sexual function in men. One reason for this is that it improves circulation throughout the body, allowing people to perform at their peak in a host of different activities. Sexual activity is one of those and although it is a nice side effect, it is not the focus of Goji Berry.

Goji Berries help the Whole Body

Improved eyesight is thought to be another positive effect of Goji Berries, as well as increased leg strength

This promotes the theory that the berry helps to improve the body as a whole, instead of just helping to improve any one particular area. With this knowledge, people have been much more likely to try Goji as a part of their daily routine. Those who use it daily have found that Goji increases their energy levels to a point where they feel more able and much more refreshed than in the past.

All in all, Goji is popular not just for one purpose, but because it helps to improve the body in lots of different ways. The tests have shown that it has significant power to both prevent and help cure diseases such as cancer, while other tests have proven Goji to be an effective holistic treatment. Total body health and keeping in tune for the long run is a concern for most, so it figures that those people would want to use Goji to not only lengthen life, but improve the quality of their life.

How to Take Goji Berries

Goji berries are typically consumed dried and can be eaten on their own as a snack, added to trail mixes, granola, or baked goods, or used as a topping for yogurt, salads, or cereal. They can also be brewed into tea or blended into smoothies.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Goji Berry Herb Notes / Side Effects

While goji berries are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts as a food or dietary supplement, there are some potential herb notes and side effects to be aware of:

Interactions with Medications: Goji berries may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) and drugs metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. If you’re taking any medications, especially blood thinners or prescription drugs, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding goji berries to your diet.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to goji berries or other members of the Solanaceae family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Allergic reactions to goji berries are rare but can occur in sensitive individuals, resulting in symptoms like itching, rash, hives, or swelling. If you experience any allergic symptoms after consuming goji berries, discontinue use and seek medical attention if necessary.

Digestive Issues: Consuming large amounts of goji berries may cause digestive discomfort in some people, including symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. To minimize the risk of digestive issues, it’s best to consume goji berries in moderation and drink plenty of water to help with digestion.

Blood Sugar Control: Goji berries have a moderate glycemic index, which means they can cause a gradual increase in blood sugar levels when consumed. While this can be beneficial for providing sustained energy, individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels should be mindful of their intake and monitor their blood sugar response accordingly.

Potential Contamination: As with any food or supplement, there is a risk of contamination with pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful substances. To reduce this risk, choose organic goji berries whenever possible and purchase them from reputable sources.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is limited research on the safety of goji berry consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While small to moderate amounts of goji berries are unlikely to cause harm, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before including them in your diet if you’re pregnant or nursing.

Overall, while goji berries offer potential health benefits, it’s essential to consume them in moderation and be aware of any potential herb notes or side effects, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. If you have any concerns or experience adverse reactions, consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.