Top 8 Health Advantages
of Goji Berries

Why Are They Called ‘Happy Berries’?

Eating goji berries regularly has long been known to promote cheerfulness and lift the spirit.  It is an important remedy for the eyes in Chinese Herbal Medicine and is a long time favorite of athletes and martial artists.  It is also an important sexual tonic.

Goji berries have been extensively researched for their promotion of general feelings of well-being, improvement of neurologic/psychologic conditions, helping gastrointestinal health and bowel functions, and building of stronger musculo-skeletal systems.  They are a great source of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, and contain other phyto-nutrients that improve skin and eye health. Thanks to their ability to reduce blood glucose, regulate cholesterol levels and keep triglycerides at an ideal balance, they’re also shown to prevent heart disease and naturally treat diabetes.

Fresh Goji berries have the highest content of beta-carotene of any food in the world.  This very high Vitamin A content helps to account for its long use for eye diseases.  They contain a wide range of phytonutrients, vitamins and trace minerals and have been called “superfood berries” by many health experts.

In Use For Over 2000 Years

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. It is widely used throughout Asia and is one of the most popular herbs in the world.  Goji berries or Lycium has been used as a longevity tonic for at least hundreds of years.  The highest quality Goji berries is the world come from Heaven Mountain.

Dragon Herbs Heaven Mountain Goji Berries — 8 oz  are grown naturally in the pristine foothills of Heaven Mountain, a remote mountain range in Central Asia.   Heaven Mountain possesses the precise qualities for producing the best Goji on Earth. Every drop of water in the growing fields is derived from the melted snow and glacial runoff from Heaven Mountain. The virgin land is rich in alkaline minerals, and it is a thousand miles away from industrial activity.  (As an Amazon Associate I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.)

The extreme daily temperature fluctuations on the mountain makes the Goji grown there superbly adaptogenic. The extended sunshine and intensive heat produce an incredible sweet flavor. The Dragon Herbs Goji plantations have been officially certified by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture as an ‘Authentic Source of Goji.

Studies have shown Goji berries to regulate T-cell and B-cell lymphocyte functions in animals and humans significantly increasing immune functions while improving mental state, appetite and sleep in elderly patients.  The benefits of goji berries include the ability to help fight disease, effectively manage weight and improve digestion. Goji berries can be eaten raw or dried.  They are also prepared in liquid or powder form and included in herbal formulas and superfood blends.

Research published by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, reported benefits including, ‘…increased ratings for energy levels, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ease of awakening, ability to focus on activities, mental acuity, calmness, feelings of health, contentment, and happiness and significantly reduced fatigue and stress.’

Goji berries grow on a type of boxthorn plant that belongs to the Solanaceae plant family. This plant family also includes other fruits and veggies like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and chili peppers. An excellent snack, dried goji berry also offer a good dose of fiber, over 20 different vitamins and minerals, and a wealth of antioxidants.  Look for uniform red-orange colored dried fruit that is firm not mushy for the freshest, most beneficial Goji berries.  Larger fruit has a more powerful herbal effect.

Learn more about the top 8 health advantages of Goji berries!

Boosted immune system and flu protection

A boosted immune system and flu protection can go hand-in-hand. The vitamins in goji berries may be able to increase and support both.

Early lab testing found goji berries help enhance the effectiveness of flu vaccinations in aged mice. This is important, because the flu vaccine doesn’t always provide adequate protection against the virus.

This study suggests that goji berries may prevent subsequent infections for older adults who’ve received a flu vaccine. But remember, goji berries aren’t a replacement protection against the flu. Be sure you and your family members get your flu shot every year.

Potential weight loss aid

Goji berries pack healthy energy into small servings. Their rich, sweet taste, along with their high-fiber content, can help you stay on track with eating healthy. Turn to them for a light snack to prevent overindulgence at mealtime. Add them in your yogurt or salad in the same way you would use raisins.

Their nutrition value as a low-calorie, low-sugar option makes them a perfect substitute for other dried fruits with higher sugar content. A 1-ounce serving of goji berries has around 100 calories. 

Antioxidants for eyes and skin

Studies have cited the high level of antioxidants in goji berries, especially zeaxanthin. It’s the zeaxanthin that gives goji berries, saffron, and bell peppers their bright color.

Antioxidants protect cells against breaking down when they’re exposed to elements such as smoke and radiation. What’s more, foods with healthy levels of antioxidants are often high in fiber and low in unhealthy fats.

The same study also found that older adults who ate a daily dietary supplementation with goji berries for 90 days had less hypopigmentation and less drusen, or yellow deposits, in their eyes.

Thanks to Healthline for these 8 health benefits of goji berries...