What are Goji Berries? Benefits, Nutrition, & Side Effects

The goji berry plant has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is predominantly cultivated in the northwestern regions of China, specifically in Ningxia and Xinjiang. The goji plant belongs to the boxthorn species, and is part of the nightshade family.

It is commonly referred to as the wolfberry and there are two distinct varieties: Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense. The L. Barbarum variety tends to be sweeter with larger fruit than L. chinense, which is more fibrous.

Around 2020, goji berries gained popularity in the United Kingdom as a superfruit. Several studies indicate that goji berries offer numerous health benefits and can improve certain skin and hair conditions.

But, are they worth the hype? Note: The original text was already concise, precise, free from errors, and maintained a logical structure.
Let us explore the following aspects of goji berries: their benefits, nutrition facts, consumption methods, side effects, and purchasing tips. Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries have been utilized in Chinese medicine for many years due to their numerous health benefits. Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries have been utilized in Chinese medicine for many years due to their numerous health benefits. Here are some potential advantages of adding goji berries to your diet: improved wellbeing.
Let
us explore the following aspects of goji berries: their benefits, nutrition facts, consumption methods, side effects, and purchasing tips.
Benefits of Goji Berries

Goji berries have been
utilized in Chinese medicine for many years due to their numerous health benefits.
Therefore, emphasis was placed on formality and language variants. Here are some potential advantages of adding goji berries to your diet: improved wellbeing.

Have you been feeling fatigued, low-spirited or generally under the weather lately? Incorporating goji berry juice into your diet for a period could alleviate your symptoms.

A study observed two groups for 14 days to analyze the effectiveness of goji juice in enhancing their conditions. 16 individuals ingested the juice whilst 18 served as the placebo group. Both groups responded to a questionnaire on the first and fifteenth day to compare outcomes.

Therefore, goji berries
can contribute positively to eye health. Protecting Eye Health

Certain properties in goji berries have also been shown to improve the health of the retina.

Retinal disorders are often hereditary and can ultimately result in blindness over a person’s lifetime.
Whilst exploring disorders in rats, researchers discovered that goji berries possess properties that safeguard photoreceptors. Moreover, they might exhibit the ability to restrain the formation of specific proteins in the retina.

In addition to the LBPs, goji berries also

contain
other
neuroprotective
compounds such as Zeaxanthine, Beta-carotene, Cerebroside and Lutein.
Zinc,
iron
and copper, along with Goji berries, may safeguard the retinal ganglion cells.
Zinc, iron and copper, along with Goji berries, may safeguard the retinal ganglion cells. Zinc, iron and copper, along with Goji berries, may safeguard the retinal ganglion cells. This protection helps prevent the onset of glaucoma for those who are susceptible to it. With the progression of diabetes, individuals may experience poor eyesight as well as other health challenges. Studies in rodents have demonstrated that goji berries have protective effects against diabetic retinopathy and early-stage retinal abnormalities in individuals with diabetes.