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Ask An Expert

The Health Benefits of Goji Berries

Deborah Kurzrock

Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Question:

What are goji berries and what are their health benefits? Can they promote weight loss?

Answer:

The goji berry is also called the wolfberry. It is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that is native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations in the hopes of extending the lifespan.

This fruit offers high amounts of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. Goji also provides high levels of many antioxidants, but especially beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Goji is related to the tomato, potato and eggplant, and offers many of the same antioxidants.

Research has looked at goji for a range of proposed health benefits, including immune function, metabolic syndrome, and neurological disorders - although not necessarily weight loss.

In rabbits, goji berry has lowered blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. In diabetic rats, goji has improved insulin resistance. Some studies using goji berry juice found benefits in mental well being and calmness, athletic performance, quality of sleep and feelings of good health. However none of this research is validated through expert-reviewed clinical trials.

A few cautions: If you take Warafin (a blood thinner), talk to your doctor before consuming any products containing goji, because it may cause an interaction. Goji berries may also interact with diabetes and blood pressure drugs. When eaten in moderation, goji berries appear to be safe. Before adding goji berries or supplements to your diet, discuss any concerns with your health care provider.

Goji berries can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines.

Research shows that eating berries, such as blueberries, acai berries, cranberries, strawberries and cherries, offers definite health benefits, mainly because of their powerful antioxidants.

Goji berries can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle and weight loss diet plan, although I would not claim that they will promote weight loss by themselves.

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