Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are tiny red fruits. These tiny fruits are rich in antioxidants and medicines, as well as being colourful and flavorful. They are available in two varieties: powdered and dried. They are also a nutritious addition to a variety of supplements and juice blends.
Lycium barbarum is their scientific name. Goji berries are Asian in origin and have a sweet and slightly sour taste. They have been used in traditional medicine since the beginning of time. They are necessary for slowing the signs of ageing and maintaining eye health. They also help to strengthen your liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Goji Berries Come in Many Varieties
Goji berries are available in five different varieties around the world. They are simple to grow because they do not require a specific climate. Nonetheless, some of them require specific growing conditions in order to produce yield.
Boxthorn of Africa
Lycium Ferocissimum is their scientific name. Ferocissimum is a Latin word that means “ferocious.” It is called ferocious because its branches are covered in thorns.
They are indigenous to Africa. In Africa, they are a fruiting plant, but in Australia, they serve as a fencing shrub.
Goji Berries in Black
Lycium Ruthinicum is their scientific name. They are the most rare varieties of Goji berries and can grow to be 4 to 6 feet tall. They are native to the Northern Himalayas, and their popularity among cultivators is gradually increasing.
Boxthorn australis
Lycium Australe is the scientific name for this plant, which is related to the African boxthorn. The only difference is that in Australia, African boxthorn is considered a weed. It prefers a dry climate with fine sand and clay soil.
Thorny Desert in Arizona
Lycium Exsertum is their scientific name. It’s a thorny shrub.
It produces an abundance of green leaves, which are usually 2 centimetres long and covered in tiny white hairs.
Thorn of the Pale Desert
Lycium Pallidum is their scientific name. In appearance, they resemble Arizona Desert-Thorn. They require a similar climate to the Arizona desert-thorn but are half the size. They produce lilac-colored flowers with a diameter of an inch.
Goji Berry Nutrition Facts
Goji berries contain the following nutrients in 100 grammes:
349 kilocalories
Carbohydrate: 77 g Fat: 0.4 g Protein: 14.3 g
13 g of fibre
Minerals and vitamins
Goji berries are also high in vitamins and minerals.
- 190 mg calcium
- 6.8 mg iron
- 48.4 mg vitamin C
- 8040 mg vitamin A
Goji Berry Advantages
Goji berries have a number of health benefits that are supported by scientific evidence.
1. It is anti-inflammatory.
Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial compounds are found in goji berries. They have the highest protein content of any fruit. Furthermore, they contain more than 15 times the iron found in spinach. They also contain a lot of calcium and zinc. Goji powder can be mixed into smoothies. They can also be eaten as a snack.
Goji berries, according to one study, improve overall health. They improve the performance of your immune system. As a result, it is extremely beneficial to people suffering from arthritis.
2. Promotes Hair Growth
When it comes to hair, Goji berries have numerous advantages. Goji berries are high in vitamin A and C, according to research. They aid in the absorption of iron. Furthermore, vitamin A increases blood flow to the scalp. It also boosts memory power. Vitamin C promotes nutrient absorption.
Massage your scalp with Goji berry juice, essential oils, and almond oil. Leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes before washing it off for beautiful hair.
3. Reduces depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality
Goji berries can help with depression and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, drinking one cup of Goji berry juice daily can improve energy, mood, and digestive health. Furthermore, according to one study, it improves focusing ability and athletic performance.
It improves your mental acuity and feelings of calm. Goji juice produces immediate results and can be consumed on a daily basis.
4. Enhances Kidney Function
According to studies, goji berries contain active agents that help remove toxins from the body and improve kidney function. When the kidney function is disrupted, waste materials can accumulate in the body. These berries help the kidneys by removing free radicals and toxins from the body.
Goji berries and fruits, salads, and pulses are all excellent immune boosters.
5. Controls Blood Pressure
Polyphenols abound in goji berries. They aid in the elimination of free radicals from the body and are thus extremely beneficial to people with high blood pressure. Furthermore, according to one study, they contain phytonutrients that boost immune system response.
Furthermore, because of their antioxidant properties, they may be able to repair DNA damage caused by pollution, smoking, and other factors. They also aid in vitamin A conversion. As a result, eating moderate amounts of berries on a regular basis would be beneficial.
6. Increases Fertility
Goji berries are used in Chinese medicine to help with fertility and IVF success. They are superfoods that are high in antioxidants, vitamins A and C. They also contain calcium, iron, and amino acids.
Goji berries benefit both men and women’s fertility. According to research, they may boost sperm count and strength, sex drive, and reproductive hormone function. Furthermore, they benefit the ovaries, improve egg quality, and reduce fatigue to increase sex drive.
Here are some exciting Goji berry recipes.
- Goji Berries in Recipes
- Juice from Goji Berries
- Nutrition Facts, Benefits, and Side Effects of Goji Berry – HealthifyMe
- Time to prepare: 10 minutes
1 serving
Ingredients
- 100g fresh Goji berries
- 100ml water
- Method (salt to taste)
- Wash the berries after separating the stems from them.
- Blend all of the ingredients on high for about 30 minutes.
- As needed, add more water.
- Pour it into a glass and enjoy.
- Tea with Goji Berries and Ginger
- Nutrition Facts, Benefits, and Side Effects of Goji Berry – HealthifyMe
1 hour of preparation
1 serving
Ingredients
- 15 grammes goji berry
- 100 mL hot water
- 1 piece ginger (thinly sliced)
- 5 gramme rock sugar
Method
Drain the Goji berries after washing them in cold water.
In a container, bring 100ml of water to a boil.
When the water has boiled, turn off the heat and remove the container.
To the boiled water, add the Goji berries, ginger, and rock sugar.
To maximise flavour, cover them with a lid for about an hour.
If you’re short on time, you can cover it in 10-15 minutes. Uncover the tea and share it with your family and friends.
Goji berries can be harmful to your health if consumed in large quantities. So, let’s take a look at the disadvantages of eating Goji berries.
Potential Drawbacks
Goji berries have a distinct nutritional profile and numerous health benefits. They can help you as long as you take them in moderation. They may, however, cause specific side effects if taken in excess.
Allergies
Individuals who have a history of allergic reactions to other fruits should exercise caution when consuming Goji berries. According to research, such people may cause an allergic reaction. As a result, if you are allergic to other fruits, it is critical to determine if you are allergic to goji berries.
Drug-Drug Interaction
People who take diabetes or blood pressure medications should avoid them. Certain drugs, including blood thinners, may interact with goji berries. Goji berries should not be added to your diet if you are taking medications or receiving treatment for any underlying health conditions. Before making any personal decisions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider. As a result, understanding the negative effects is just as important as understanding the benefits of Goji berries.
Pregnancy
There is insufficient evidence to explain how Goji berries affect pregnant women. Betaine, a compound commonly found in them, has been suggested in studies. As a result, it is safer not to have them. They may be harmful to foetal health, leading to complications.
Conclusion
Goji berries are tiny red fruits that are indigenous to China. You can use them to flavour your food and even as a traditional medicine. They are available in five different varieties around the world and are extremely healthy; including them in your diet is a good idea.
They have anti-inflammatory properties, promote hair growth, and alleviate depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. They are also beneficial to your kidneys, treat high blood pressure, and improve fertility. You can use them to make exciting recipes. People with certain exceptions, such as those who are allergic to certain fruits or have diabetes or high blood pressure, should exercise caution when consuming them. They should not be consumed by pregnant women because they may harm foetal development. So, keeping the benefits and drawbacks in mind, you should strike a balance in your diet to achieve the best results.