Gorry (wolfberry), is used in
traditional Chinese medicine and in food preparations in China. Wolfberry is
actually divided into two sub-species, which are known as Lycium barbarum and
Lycium chinense, both belonging to the Solanaceae family. Wolfberry is native
to China but is also grown in warmer regions around the world. China is the
biggest exporter of wolfberry in the world. The English name goji is derived
from the Mandarin name gouqi. The berries are small, up to 2 cm, dark red or
orange, and oblong shaped.
It’s not only
used as food & medicine in China, but also in Asian countries such as Korea,
Japan, and Vietnam. The whole plant, including the berries, leaves, roots, and
root bark, has been used for medicinal purposes. Dried goji berries contain
calories, carbohydrates, fat, dietary fiber, sugar, and protein. The minerals
and vitamins found in goji berries include sodium, potassium, calcium, iron,
zinc, selenium, vitamin C, carotene, thiamin, riboflavin, lutein, lycopene,
zeaxanthin, polysaccharides, betaine, and peptidoglycans.
Health Benefits of Goji Berry
Skin Care: We can reduce this risk by consuming goji berries.
Studies have shown that goji berries significantly reduce skin inflammation
& immune suppression, owing to their antioxidant potential.
Improves Sleep Quality: Research has shown that goji berry, when
given to human subjects, improved their quality of sleep significantly without
having any adverse effects.
Free Radical Scavenging: Research has suggested that the
consumption of goji may help in the reduction of medical conditions related to
free radicals. The antioxidants present in goji berry also help in boosting the
immune system.
Cardiovascular Protection: It contains anti-oxidant chemicals that
protect the heart from the attack of free radicals. Recent studies have noted
significant free radical scavenging in the heart by goji berry extracts.
Maintains Healthy Body: Results of a study conducted suggest that
consumption of goji berry enhances and improves gastrointestinal functions and
reduces stress and fatigue. It also improves neurological and psychological
performance as well.
Anti-cancer Properties: Scientific investigations about goji berry
extracts revealed various anti-cancerous properties. Apoptosis, or sudden cell
death, was observed for cancer cells when goji berry extracts were administered
on human cancer cells.
Protects Brain Cells: Extracts from Goji berry have shown
significant neuroprotective activity. Research ascertained that goji berry
possesses anti-aging effects and has suggested it as a preventive medicine.
Prevents Liver Damage: Goji berry has been used traditionally in
Chinese medicine to treat liver diseases. The extracts of goji berry showed
free radical scavenging and other protective properties in terms of maintaining
liver health.
Prevents Diabetes: One of the major health benefits of consuming
goji berries is that it can help in controlling diabetes. Recent studies
suggest that the fruit extracts of goji berries possess considerable
hypoglycemic properties.
Controls Cholesterol Levels: Recent studies have shown that the
intake of goji berries reduces low-density lipid cholesterol levels.
Increases Semen & Sperm Quality: Scientific studies on the
aphrodisiac properties of goji berry concluded that it can reduce damage caused
to the testes and provide protection against oxidative stress due to the presence
of hydrogen peroxide in it.
Vision Improvement: The antioxidants protect the eyes from free
radicals that may cause loss of eyesight, cataracts, and other eye-related
disorders.
Side Effects of Goji Berries
Allergic Reactions: They are
known to be allergenic to some people, causing allergic reactions such as
facial angioedema, itching in the mouth or ears, axilla, skin rashes,
anaphylaxis, etc.
Happy NewYear ....
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