Healthy Facts About the Goji Berry What’s a goji berry? You might have heard of goji berries and their health benefits. But do they live up these claims? Their history as a medicinal plant has roots in ancient China. Many people use goji berries to treat eye, liver, and kidney ailments. Also known as wolfberries, these festive red berries have a sweet, slightly- sour taste and often come in dried form, like raisins. ![]() ![]() If you’re looking to add more nutrition to your diet, read on to decide if goji berries are right for you. Make your pantry healthier »Nutrition Nutritional information. Goji berries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including: vitamin Cfiberironvitamin Azincantioxidants. These berries contain all 8 essential amino acids. A single 4 ounce serving provides nearly 1. For fruit, this is a surprising amount of protein. The carbohydrates in goji berries are also complex carbs.
![]() This means your blood sugar will raise slowly, reducing your risk of a sugar crash afterwards. Side effects Before you add goji berries to your diet. Always talk to your doctor before you begin eating goji berries. Some companies may say they have less side effects than medications. ![]() But goji berries can interact with any medications you’re currently taking. You should avoid adding goji berries to your diet if you: have low blood sugarare using blood thinners such as warfarinhave low or high blood pressureare breastfeeding or pregnant (can cause miscarriage)are allergic to the fruit. One- fourth cup of goji berries also fulfills 3. A. You may want to limit how much you eat to reduce the risk of vitamin A toxicity. Health benefits Goji berry health benefits. 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 testing in laboratories shows that 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. The 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 that you and your family members get your flu shot every year. More foods that boost your immune system »Potential weight loss aid Goji berries pack healthy food 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 to other dried fruits with higher sugar content. See 123 complex carbs + 50 high protein foods + 4 dairy products + 23 spices foods you can eat to lose weight for faster weight loss. News Obese to Beast: Guy Bravely Strips Down to Show What Extreme Weight Loss Does to Skin Youtuber John David Glaude gives an inside look at the other transformation. A one ounce serving of goji berries has only 2. 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 are 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 9. Maintain blood sugar. Sweet goji berries may your new favorite food if you have a particular sweet tooth. ![]() ![]() Is Quick Slim beneficial for weight loss? Detailed review of ingredients, results & Quick Slim diet. The reviews, research and honest facts you deserve.Goji berries can help: potentially lower blood sugarimprove sugar tolerancealleviate insulin resistanceimprove and recover cells that help produce insulin. Talk to your doctor before you start adding goji berries to your diet, especially if you already have low blood sugar. If you do start eating them regularly, you may want to check your blood sugar more often. Increased testosterone. Goji berries have a long history tied to sexual fertility. One study in rats showed that goji berries significantly: increased sperm quantity and movementshortened erection, capture, and ejaculation responseimproved sexual abilityimproved recovery of testosterone levels. Research suggests that goji berries may be an alternative to prescription for erectile dysfunction like Viagra. Superfood status Are goji berries a superfood? Some brands may market goji berries as a superfood. A recent study compared the results of participants who consumed goji berry juice daily for 1. People who drank goji berry juice reported an increase in: energyathletic performancequality of sleepability to focuscalmnessoverall well- being. The same group also reported significantly better outcomes for issues of fatigue, stress, and digestion. But the results were also self- reported and didn’t account for other conditions. Some health claims also state that goji berries can: increase life expectancylower heart risks lower blood pressurereduce arthritis pain. One popular Chinese study also claims that goji berries can treat cancer tumors. Goji berries contain a chemical component called beta- sitosterol. This can help decrease the size of overgrown cells and can cause apoptosis, or “cell suicide” in tumor cells. But according to the National Health Services (NHS) in the United Kingdom, these studies are poorly designed, or have inconclusive and insignificant results. More studies are needed to confirm the health benefits of goji berries. Use How to use goji berries. Most supermarkets sell dried goji berries prepackaged and in the bulk section. You can also find them fresh. Treat them like raisins or fresh berries. Mix them into your breakfast cereal or yogurt, add them to your trail mix, or drink it as juice or tea. Goji berries also taste great cooked with lean pork or turkey, adding a savory sweetness to hearty dishes. Plus, their vitamin C content also will help your body absorb the meat’s iron. Eating two or more servings of fruit a day is usually recommended for optimum health benefits. Be sure to buy your goji berries from a reputable source, even though they tend to be expensive. Cheaper or imported brands have been known to contain sulfites. Sulfites can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Goji berries are generally considered safe for most people. Although some people report mild digestive issues when they first starting eating them. This can be a common side effect. If you have any chronic digestive or gastrointestinal issues, ask your doctor before using goji berries as a remedy. Alternative eats. Goji berries can be more expensive than other berries. If you’re looking for other foods that offer the same nutritional value, the NHS recommends: berries like strawberries and blueberriesbell peppers, tropical fruits, and dark leafy greenswheatgrass for maintaining weight losspomegranate juiceoily fishgreen tea. Takeaway Goji berries are good for you. If you’re looking for a new nutritious food to add to your diet, goji berries may be a good source. Packed with a high vitamins and minerals, and a dense protein value, they may help increase your overall well- being. Plus they can provide a welcome change from the other fruits or berries that you regularly eat. Research suggests that goji berries can help you feel better and boost your health. Their health benefits seem to be particularly helpful for older adults. But claims about their ability to reduce arthritis pain and their anti- cancer effects need more clinical evidence. Goji berries are more expensive than other fruits. If they are cost prohibitive to you, the NHS recommends wheatgrass, and green tea for their health benefits. Always talk to your doctor before trying a supplement. Goji berries may lower your blood sugar even more, if you already have low blood sugar. Serious Side Effects Of Goji Berries. Serious Side Effects Of Goji Berries. Renold Rajan. May 8, 2. In the wake of growing awareness regarding health and fitness, most people are now turning towards healthy and natural food. The stress is on eating organic products that are devoid of any chemicals and preservatives. Goji berry is one of the most touted natural super foods. These berries are known to maintain a good blood circulation and a healthy heart. It also boosts the immune system, increases longevity, protects against cancer and so on. However, a recent study by the British Dietetic Association has revealed that all such claims are weak and many are far from reality. This orange- red colored berry is mostly grown in the western and north- central parts of China and belongs to the nightshade family. Since the ripe berries are tender, they are dried and preserved before exporting. Even though goji berries have been used since ages in Chinese medicine to cure high blood pressure, diabetes, eye problems, fatigue and fever, the recent findings suggest that the benefits of these berries are limited. The side effects of goji berry include the following: 1. Interaction With Warfarin: Goji berries can possibly cause drug- herb interactions, especially in patients who regularly take medications for blood thinning, such as warfarin. Warfarin is used to treat blood clots that are formed because of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus condition. That is why if you are taking warfarin, you must avoid eating goji berries as it can adversely affect your health. Interaction With Diabetes Medications: Diabetic patients have to take a daily dose of medication for keeping their blood sugar level under control. Goji berries have been found to affect the functioning of the pancreas and the production of insulin. This reaction is exactly opposite to that caused by the medication. That is why diabetic patients must avoid taking these berries. Causes Hypertension: Goji berries, if eaten in excess, can disturb the blood pressure levels of the body and lead to hypertension. Bad For Pollen Allergies: Those suffering from pollen allergies may have to face serious health problems, such as sneezing, itchy skin, wheezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and hives, if they eat goji berries. In case of severe health problems, you must immediately consult your doctor. Disturbs Sleep: Goji berries should be taken only during the day. When eaten at night, they interfere with the regular sleeping pattern and can cause sleepless nights. This usually occurs if you eat the berries in excess. Increases Energy Level: Excessive goji berries can interfere with the energy level of a person. Although an increase in the energy level, to some extent is good for carrying out your activities, too much energy can make you more hyperactive and restless, causing disturbance in your concentration and working patterns. Increases Blood Flow: Goji berries can increase the blood flow in the body. When eaten in excess, the speed of the blood flow goes up beyond normal and can cause adverse conditions, such as hemophiliacs that especially affect the senior citizens. Causes Dizziness: Goji berries contain atropine in good amounts. Excess intake of goji berries can lead to severe side effects, such as dizziness, eye discomfort, blurred vision, and hallucinations. High Selenium Levels: Goji berries contain selenium in large quantities and can affect the growth of the fetus. That is why pregnant women should avoid eating these berries. Selenium has been known to cause serious birth defects, abnormal sperm production and lowering of sperm count. Digestive Disorders: Goji berry consumption can cause indigestion and mild digestive disorders in people with a weak digestive system. Excess intake of goji berry supplements can cause indigestion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. So, if you want to enjoy the health benefits of goji berries, you should limit your intake. Too much of goji berries can lead to some serious health issues. So, weigh in the pros and cons of eating these berries before you make them a part of your diet! And do talk to your doctor! Hope you liked this article highlighting the goji berries side effects. Do share your valuable feedback in the comments section below. Recommended Articles: The following two tabs change content below.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
August 2017
Categories |