[tr-shareit]fun fact: Daily intake of Goji berries gives you a perfect glowing skin. The oil extracted from Goji berries with other components is a nice ingredient for skin care products.[/tr-shareit]
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Introduction
An all-star in terms of its nutrients, Goji berries are widely used in both the culinary and traditional medicine arena. The use of Goji berries by China and Tibet as a major element in medicine has been observed for thousands of years. Today, many people Goji berries more particularly in its dried form, which is a good addition to oatmeals. At times, raw Goji berries are infused to make teas.
Dried Goji berries are also good snack options especially that ¼ cup of Goji berries contain only 90 calories. It also yields a significant amount of protein that plays a vital role to maintain healthy cells. And because it is used in numerous processes, the amount of protein in the body must be replenished.
For those who are watching their weight, this is good news, because Goji berries feature high quantity of dietary fiber. Food rich in dietary fiber makes you feel full faster and thus prevents the person to overeat. Eating the required quantity of dietary fiber likewise improves bowel movement.
More than anything else, Goji berries are considered as superfood, because it is a rich source of antioxidant like vitamins A and C. Every ¼ cup of Goji berries has 180% of the daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin A and 30% DRI of vitamin C. Functioning as antioxidant, these two vitamins protect the cells from the harmful free radicals.
Goji berries, because of vitamin A, help improve vision and aid to maintain healthy skin and cells. Meanwhile, vitamin C makes this berry a recommended food to build strong body resistance that fights infectious agents from getting into the body. Vitamin C is also involved in collagen production and healing of wounds.
Goji berries are also excellent source of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and selenium.
These berries can provide you inasmuch as 13% of the daily recommended intake of iron per 100g serving. Iron finds importance in manufacturing both hemoglobin and myoglobin, which are used primarily to transport oxygen throughout the body.
The benefits of Goji berries to the teeth and bones become possible through the calcium it contains. Aside from that, calcium also performs a specific job in muscle contraction.
Also playing a role in normal growth and wound healing is zinc that is found in goji berries. Moreover, selenium, which the body needs in a minimal amount, is involved in improving thyroid health and immune system.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Goji Berries
Boosts Energy Levels
Various studies about the benefits of goji berry consumption proved that it improves overall wellbeing. It makes you feel lighter and more productive in your everyday life. Juicing goji berry would make a very effective detoxifying drink because it increases your energy levels without causing significant weight gain. It has been proved that drinking goji berry juice positively affects mood, quality of sleep, and generally would make you feel happier. Its properties reduce and manage fatigue and stress.
Defies Harsh Effects of UV Radiation
Too much sun exposure has harmful effects on the skin not only from the outside but on a cellular level. Ultraviolet radiation stimulates inflammation in the body that compromises the condition of the cells and tissues in the body. Goji berry contains powerful antioxidants that are able to prevent inflammation caused by UV radiation. Regular consumption of this fruit prevents oxidation that is the host of inflammation. Thus consumption of goji berry will eliminate the root cause of inflammation.
Good for the Eyes
Eating goji berry or drinking its juice on a regular basis has popular healthy effects on the condition of the eyes and clarity of vision. It is advised to at least consume this type of berry three times a week. This will result to a clearer and sharper vision even as you age as well as prevention of eye fatigue, age-related eye issues such as blindness, macular degeneration and the likes. If you don’t want to subject your eyes to impairment, make sure to associate goji berry in your diet.
Contains Anti-Cancer Properties
Good thing with goji berries is that they contain significant amounts of antioxidants. High level of antioxidants does so much good in the body. Antioxidants assure that harmful toxins are not housed in the body and that they do not cause damage to the cells. Goji berry is concentrated with polyphenol that prevents free radical formation in the body. Free radicals cause the irregularities in our systems that lead to serious illnesses such as cancer. Polyphenol positively affects our health through maintaining healthy cells, repairing damaged ones, and protecting them from further damage. Intake of fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols discourage tumor and abnormal mass growth. If you have family members that have been diagnosed with cancer or tumor growth, this means that you are highly exposed to cancer risks. You must find importance in indulging yourself with healthy and all-natural foods that have high amounts of antioxidants just like goji berries.
Promotes Fertility
Studies and research by established health institutions all over the world found that goji berry consumption can promote fertility especially among men. Goji berry can help in prevention as well as treating impotence. Health experts say that impotence is sometimes genetic so if you have family history regarding infertility, you should always consume goji berry to negate that. This is proven effective because this fruit is even used as a primary ingredient for men’s fertility supplements.
Nutrients and Vitamin Powerhouse
Goji berries contain various vitamins and minerals essential for our health. They are concentrated wit Vitamin A, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Riboflavin, Fiber, and many others. This would greatly benefit the condition of our body. This will help boost our body’s functions to prevent different types of disorders. Consumption of goji berry is of great significance to achieve your health’s maximum potential.
Rich in Antioxidants
As mentioned above, goji berry is concentrated with strong and very effective antioxidants. These antioxidants are essential to the optimal health of the body because they are responsible with the removal of toxins and protection as well as reparation of cells. Goji berry’s antioxidants are very unique that they cannot be found in just any type of fruits and vegetables. To be specific, goji berry possesses carotenoids, flavanoids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Carotenoids and Vitamin A are very healthy for the eyes, flavanoids are good for the heart, Vitamin C boosts the immune system, and Vitamin E protects skin cells and tissues. With the presence of these powerful antioxidants, the body is protected from irregularities that lead to sickness.
Boosts the Immune System
Mentioned above is the richness of goji berry in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important compound playing important role in our overall health. Vitamin C’s most important role is that it boosts the immune system thus optimizing the establishment of the body’s defense against bacteria and toxins that lead to sickness. Many health experts attest that Vitamin C is the most needed antioxidant to be considerably healthy. Lack of Vitamin C intake highly exposes you to so many diseases either common or serious. It is important to always consume foods rich in Vitamin C on a daily basis because this Vitamin is flushed from the body through sweating and excretion. If you want to be healthy and free from sickness, consumption of goji berry is of great help.
Books on Goji Berries
- 5 Different Types of Berries & The Important Health Benefits They Provide
- Health Benefits of Blueberries
- Health Benefits of Strawberries
- Health Benefits of Blackberries
- Health Benefits of Raspberries