We all know some of the most nutritious, antioxidant-packed (super)foods are berries – from blueberries to mulberries – and everything in between. How does the goji berry or “wolfberry fruit” stack up against its humble competitors?
Goji has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. It is a popular superfood for fighting free radical damage, aging, and disease.
Typically, goji berries are eaten raw and dried. It can also be used in a powdered form for smoothies, bowls, and shakes.
Goji Nutrient Breakdown
Before even getting into the polyphenol and antioxidant content of goji berries, the nutritional content alone is quite impressive. ¼ cup provides (depending on dried or powder form, and how they’ve been processed) approximately:
70 Calories
12g of Sugar
9g of Protein
6g of Fiber
150% DV Vitamin A
84% DV Copper
75% DV Selenium
27% DV Vitamin C
21% DV Potassium
15% DV Zinc
42% DV Iron
Goji berries are also extremely rich in “phenolic acids,” “polysaccharides,” and “flavonoids” – biologically active compounds with beneficial health properties. These compounds are responsible for many of the health benefits attributed to goji berries.
Medicinal Benefits of Goji Berries
Various studies and literature denote the many health-promoting properties of goji berries, such as those documented and compiled here.
Vision Support, Macular Degeneration, and Eye Health
Goji berries have protective effects on vision and eye health! Goji contains many ‘carotenoids’ – the natural pigments that give fruits bright orange and red colors, such as carrots (and goji berries).
This is why you have probably heard the adage that carrots are great for vision health. They are extremely high in Vitamin A, and this is due to the beta carotene content. Research shows this compound protects the retina and improves retinal function.
Further, human and animal studies looking at goji berry extract (not just zeaxanthin) found that goji was protective and restorative in the early stages of the retina and macular degeneration.
Cardiovascular Protection, Lipid and Cholesterol-Lowering Support
Studies demonstrate goji berry extract as having a notable reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to non-goji berry treated animals with elevated blood pressure and hyperlipidemia.
Meanwhile, “good” cholesterol levels, HDL, were unaffected or increased with a dosage of goji berry extract.
Aside from the high antioxidant levels of goji, they have also demonstrated the ability to lower blood lipid levels effectively in diabetic animal studies.
Goji appears to also be beneficial for diabetes to other studies. Which point to its ability to lower blood glucose levels significantly and impact the rate of glucose uptake.
Anticancer and Neuroprotective
Not only are goji berries beneficial for heart health, cholesterol levels, and lipids. It can also have potent benefits in the fight against neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. It can even in protecting against cancer cell growth.
The whole goji berry seems to have a better preventative effect than just extracts of specific compounds alone (those most commonly sold as supplements).
The polysaccharides which are present in goji (polysaccharides are also extremely beneficial parts of what make medicinal mushrooms great) can inhibit and prevent tumor growth without negative side effects.
Treatment with goji showed a reduction in neurological deficits in stroke models and improved cognitive performance.
Goji for All
Similar to many other potent ‘superfruits,’ goji berry offers a natural, whole-food antioxidant powerhouse that does not require supplementation or medication to confer benefits against cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, cancer, neurological disorders, and vision degeneration.
Goji is easy to incorporate into daily diets. It comes with a wide variety of dried forms, powders, and extracts for any need. And the best thing is all available at Healthy Planet Canada.
