When you think of healthy berries, you may consider blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries — but have you ever tried goji berries? Goji berries have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and continue to be widely known as a superfood for the incredible nutrient profile and accompanying health benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 of the benefits of eating these delicious, dried healthy berries.
1. Boost Immunity
Goji berries contain high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are two key nutrients in building a strong, resilient immune system. These antioxidants may also act as anti-inflammatories, which leads to improved immune protection as well.
2. Improve Skin
Thanks to these healthy berries containing high amounts of beta-carotene, they help protect against skin cancer as well as other skin disorders. They also protect cells from excess damage caused by UV rays from the sun.
3. Assist in Weight Loss and Stabilize Blood Sugar
Goji berries are naturally low in calories and sugar and are packed with fiber. When you pair that with being high in nutrients, you get a high-quality snack that helps you feel full longer from a very low caloric intake. Goji berries also have a positive effect on glucose responsiveness, which keeps them from causing blood sugar highs and lows.
4. Boost Fertility
A common use for goji berries in traditional Chinese medicine, they are believed to improve sperm count as well as optimize the life of sperm. They also can help testosterone levels recover, and some integrative practitioners even recommend these healthy berries as a replacement for the popular prescription medicine Viagra!
5. Improve Energy and Focus
In studies conducted on the effects of goji berries, participants who drank the juice of the berry reported having higher energy levels and a stronger ability to focus.
6. Regulate Digestion
Thanks to this superfood being packed with fiber, they help to optimize the digestive system and relieve constipation.
7. Promote Eye Health
Again, thanks to the high levels of antioxidants, eyes are protected from damage from UV light, free radicals, and oxidative stress. But, the nutrients also help protect eyes from macular degeneration, which leads to blindness. Some studies have even likened goji berries to be a natural remedy for glaucoma.
8. Reduce Depression and Anxiety
Interestingly, goji berries can provide instant mood boosts after eating them, and when used long-term, can reduce behaviors caused by anxiety and depression.
9. Promote Liver and Kidney Health
The liver and kidneys act as the body’s natural detoxification system, and goji berries optimize their ability to detox, according to traditional Chinese Medicine. As such, goji berries are thought to be a good natural remedy for kidney stones.
