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The health benefits of goji berry include the control of
diabetes, the lowering of cholesterol, free radical scavenging, cardiovascular
protection, and possible cancer control, protection of brain cells, protection
of the liver and skin protection from UV radiation. It also helps in improving
eyesight, general well-being and strengthening the immune system.
Research shows
that eating berries -- like blueberries, acai berries, cranberries,
strawberries, and cherries – may offer health benefits. Berries like the goji
berry are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds. The British
Dietetic Association says some phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glucosinolate
and phyto-oestrogens "act as antioxidants, which may reduce damage to cell
DNA and cell membranes. Other phytochemicals are thought to influence the
activation of carcinogens (cancer causing agents), or increase the level of
protective liver enzymes."
It’s possible but
not proven that eating foods high in antioxidants may slow the ageing process.
A Japanese study of 1,000 people over 70 found that those who drank the most
green tea (containing catechins – a type of flavonoid) showed the least signs
of the cognitive decline associated with ageing. It’s believed antioxidants
work by minimising damage to your cells from free radicals that injure cells
and damage DNA. When a cell's DNA changes, the cell grows abnormally.
Goji berries also
have compounds rich in vitamin A that may have anti-ageing benefits. For
instance, one recent Cochrane review published in the journal Dermatologic
Therapy argues, "Retinoid are capable not only of repairing photo aged
skin at both the clinical and biochemical levels but their use may prevent photo
aging." NHS Choices says vitamin A has several important functions from
strengthening immunity against infections to helping vision in dim light as
well as maintaining cell growth in some areas of the body. Vitamin A has
also been studied as a treatment for many other conditions, including some
types of cancer, cataracts and HIV. However, the results for these are
inconclusive and more research is needed.
Some researchers
suggests that goji berry extracts may boost brain health and may protect
against age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. But more studies are needed.
While goji
berries are a rich source of antioxidants -- and early research shows a
potentially powerful health benefit -- it's still unclear how they stack up
against other berries. Researchers also don't know whether goji berry
supplements have the same health benefits as the actual berries.
Diabetes Control: Diabetes has emerged as one the major
diseases in the world in modern times. Controlling or preventing diabetes is
absolutely necessary, as it can lead to the development of several other
diseases such as obesity, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and
ocular diseases. 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 hypoglycaemic properties. Studies
also indicate that using goji berries to control diabetes will yield no
negative side effects.
Cholesterol Control: Cholesterol is one of the major reasons
for the development of heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol
forms plaque-like structures inside the blood vessels and arteries that
obstruct the blood flow. This in turn causes the heart to pump with higher force,
resulting in heart weakening, which can be followed by a heart attack. For
starters, cholesterol is one of two types. One is HDL or high density lipid
cholesterol, which is good cholesterol, and the other is LDL or low density
lipid cholesterol, which is bad cholesterol. It is the LDL or the bad
cholesterol that forms plaque and leads to heart weakening. Recent studies have
shown that the intake of goji berries reduces high cholesterol levels. In
particular, LDL cholesterol levels are reduced.
Free Radical Scavenging: Antioxidants, as the name suggests,
are a wide range of chemicals that react and neutralize the action of free
radicals that are produced in our body. Free radicals, if left alone, can
damage our tissues, cells, cell membranes, and DNA over time, resulting in the
development of various diseases. Research studies have suggested that the
consumption of goji may help in the reduction of medical conditions related to
free radicals. The antioxidants present in goji berry may also help in boosting
the immune system.
Cardiovascular Protection: Free radicals can also attack the
heart, just as any other organ. When heart muscles are attacked, the result can
be that the heart will be weakened. Although this happens over a long period of
time, it is still required to take precautionary measures. Goji berry can act
as a protective measure, as it contains anti-oxidant chemicals that can protect
the heart from the attack of free radicals. Recent studies have noted
significant free radical scavenging in the heart by goji berry extracts.
Healthy Body: The health benefits of goji berry also include
general well-being and a healthy body. Results of a study conducted suggest
that consumption of goji berry enhance and improve gastrointestinal functions
and reduce stress and fatigue. It also improves neurological and psychological
performance as well.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Goji berry has not only been eaten
as food; the Chinese also used it to treat cancer in their traditional
medicine. Scientific investigations into goji berry fruit extracts revealed
various anti-cancerous properties. They were tested on human cancer cells,
which showed considerable control over the growth of cancer cells. Apoptosis,
or the sudden death of cells, was observed for cancer cells when goji berry
extracts were administered.
Protects Brain Cells from Damage: We have mentioned that
unstable chemicals called free radicals attack our body from the inside.
Sometimes, they can also attack neurons or brain cells. The damaged brain cells
can develop neurodegenerative diseases. These neurodegenerative diseases can be
effectively countered by consuming goji berry. Goji berry extracts have shown
significant neuroprotective activity. The team that conducted research
ascertained that goji berry possesses anti-aging effects and has suggested it
as a preventive medicine.
Protects Liver from Damage: The liver is one of the most
resilient organs in our body and it can protect itself from chemical, free
radical, and physical damages. However, this cycle of damage and regeneration
can ultimately result in liver damage. Goji berry, on the other hand, has been
used traditionally in Chinese medicine to frequently treat liver diseases. The
extracts of goji berry showed free radical scavenging in the liver and
protective properties.
Skin protection: Ultraviolet radiation is one of the threats
that we are all facing, due to the depletion of the ozone layer in several
parts of the world. The exposure of the skin to UV radiation can result in skin
damage and skin cancer in extreme cases. We can reduce this risk by consuming
goji berries. Goji berry extracts can protect our skin from damage caused by UV
radiation. Studies have shown that goji berries significantly reduce skin
inflammation and immune suppression. The antioxidant potential in goji berries
has been attributed to this action.
Improves Sleep
Quality: Some of the Chinese traditional uses of goji berry were to induce
sleep and to reduce stress. Research has shown that goji berry, when given to
human subjects, improved their quality of sleep significantly without having
any adverse effects. Apart from this, easy awakening was also observed,
compared to the control group.
Vision Improvement: Goji berry, due to its antioxidant
properties, also helps in improving eyesight. The antioxidants protect the eye
from free radicals that may cause loss of eyesight, cataracts, and other
eye-related disorders.
A Word of Caution Regarding Goji Berry
Although goji berry possesses many health benefits, a word
of caution about the side effects of goji berry is necessary.
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