"Goji" Grab Some Berries!

"Goji" Grab Some Berries!

Photo by Sambazon on Unsplash

What’s the deal with goji berries? Well, this tiny berry is packed with some powerful health benefits! So powerful in fact, goji berries are being studied as a potential natural antioxidant medicine (2). 

The Goji Berry Background

Goji berries have already been used for thousands of years as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and food supplement to take advantage of their properties (3). Their bright red colour indicates that they are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals that are important for several mechanisms in the body (2). 

These chemicals are important to protect our body from oxidative stress that can cause damage to our cells and DNA (2). Oxidative stress can act in several ways in the body, which is why goji berries have such a wide range of positive effects in our bodies. 

The Amazing Benefits of Gojis:

  • Eye protection. A specific antioxidant called zeaxanthin in goji berries is found to be especially helpful in protecting against eye diseases related to aging, as well as glaucoma (1, 2). 
  • Immune system support. Antioxidants are powerful in fighting free radicals and inflammation, both of which are damaging to our immune system (1, 2). They are rich in vitamins A and C, which assist the immune system fight a variety of diseases from a virus or even cancer (1, 2)!
  • Protects the liver. Goji berries have been used in traditional chinese medicine to treat liver disease, and there is evidence that they can inhibit tumour growth in liver cancer cells (1,3). Not only can they protect against cancer cells in the liver, but they can protect from other types of cancers as well (1, 2, 3).
  • Promotes healthy skin. Beta-carotene is a phytochemical that has been known to promote healthy skin and reduce the impacts of aging (1, 2, 3). 

    • "Goji" Get Your Berries!

    In addition to the list above, goji berries can improve mental health, sleep, and blood sugar levels (1). Goji berries are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle, however those who are on medication for blood thinners, blood pressure, diabetes or have other berry allergies should consult their doctor prior to adding goji berries to their diet (1, 2). 

    Looking for fun ways to add more goji berries to your diet? True NOSH has some great Gluten-Free Granola and Goji Granola Bites right up your alley!

    Written by: Devon Philpott
    Edited by: Ev Wong

    1. Barhum, L. (2018, August 7). 7 goji berry benefits backed by science. Retrieved December 23, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322693
    2. Ma, Zheng Feei, Zhang, Hongxia, Teh, Sue Siang, Wang, Chee Woon, Zhang, Yutong, Hayford, Frank, Wang, Liuyi, Ma, Tong, Dong, Zihan, Zhang, Yan, & Zhu, Yifan. (2019). Goji Berries as a Potential Natural Antioxidant Medicine: An Insight into Their Molecular Mechanisms of Action. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2019, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2437397
    3. Ye, X., & Jiang, Y. (2020). Phytochemicals in goji berries : applications in functional foods / edited by Xingqian Ye, Yueming Jiang. (First edition.). CRC Press.
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