Goji berry, also known as goji berries, is the fruit of Asian plants called Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum, and is currently considered a superfood because it contains several bioactive compounds that are distinguished by their high antioxidant power.
In addition, it is an excellent source of fiber, monounsaturated fats, vitamins B1, B2 and B3, as well as minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese and selenium. This fruit can be consumed fresh, dehydrated or in capsules, and can be purchased in supermarkets, health shops and online shops.
- The properties of Goji Berry are fundamental in many situations and the benefits of introducing this fruit into the daily diet are numerous.
- As it is a fruit rich in nutrients.
- Vitamins and minerals.
- Used to:.
The benefits of introducing this fruit into the daily diet are numerous, as it is a fruit rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, being the main:
Goji berries are rich in carotenoids, mainly zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, the latter being a precursor to vitamin A, which help maintain eye health and prevent the onset of retinopathy, macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition, it also contains polysaccharides and proteoglycans that have a neuroprotective eye effect.
This fruit can also have a protective effect against UV rays, helping to care for the skin when the person is exposed to the sun for a long time.
Because they are rich in vitamin C and selenium, eating goji berries can help increase defenses and reduce inflammation in the body, stimulating immune system cells.
Because of its antioxidant effect and the amount of selenium, consumption of goji berries can help reduce bad cholesterol, LDL, and increase good cholesterol, HDL, thus preventing the onset of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis for example. In addition, its fiber content also helps to decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.
Goji berry is low in calories and helps improve digestion, increasing the feeling of satiety thanks to the fibers it contains. In addition, some studies suggest that it may also help control blood sugar, which promotes weight loss.
Goji berries can be eaten as a snack or incorporated into yogurts and juices.
Some studies have shown that the bioactive components of goji berry inhibit tumor growth and prevent the proliferation of cancer cells. In addition, they also prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, thus preventing premature aging and the onset of other chronic diseases.
Because it contains vitamin B6, eating goji berries can help increase Serotonin production, which is the health hormone, which helps reduce symptoms and improve mood.
The following table shows the nutritional composition of 100 g of dried fruit:
To get the benefits, it is necessary to consume 2 tablespoons of dried goji berries per day, 120 ml of juice or 2 to 3 capsules a day, however the amount of capsules may vary depending on the concentration of the supplement, it is important to read the label before consuming.
The recommendation is that Goji berry is consumed in moderation, as it has been found that this fruit can cause an allergic or anaphylactic reaction in people sensitive to its components. Therefore, if the person shows signs or symptoms of allergy, they should stop eating this food. In addition, goji berries may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants and hypoglycemic agents.
Goji berry should not be consumed by people who are treated with diabetes medications, high blood pressure or who use blood thinners, such as warfarin and aspirin.
In addition, it has been found that this fruit may also interact with antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, antivirals, cancer drugs, osteoporosis, hypolipidic drugs and hormonal control drugs.
Therefore, if the person has any of these diseases or uses any of the medicines, he or she should consult the doctor before consuming the fruit, either in supplement form or fresh.