Goji berries can be eaten dried.
The goji berry is also known as the Barbary wolfberry, Chinese wolfberry and the Chinese desert-thorn. The bright, orange-red berry comes from a shrub native to China. Goji berries have been eaten in Asia for generations to ensure a long life, according to WebMD. Over time, people in Asia began to use the berries to treat health problems, such as high blood pressure, fever, diabetes and age-related eye problems.
History
Use of the goji berry, known in China as gou qu zi, dates back about 2,300 years and is listed in the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China, according to Drugs.com. Goji berries are eaten dried, raw or cooked and used to make juice, tea, wine and medicine.
Traditional Medicine
Goji berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine for a range of health issues, such as preventing hyperlipedia, hepatitis, male infertility, diabetes, thrombosis and disorders of the immune system. Goji berries are used for their anti-aging properties and ability to quench thirst and tranquilize. The core ingredient in many eye remedies, goji berries also help nourish the blood and is used as a tonic for the lungs, kidneys and liver.
Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Benefits
Eating goji berries offers some known health benefits, according to WebMD. Goji berries are filled with antioxidants which may help slow the aging process by minimizing damage to the cells from free radicals. This, in turn, reduces the risk of certain serious diseases. By boosting brain health, goji berries may offer protection against diseases, such as Alzheimer's. Goji berries have compounds that are abundant with vitamin A. The special compounds may help protect vision, boost immune function and aid in the prevention of heart disease.
Nutritional Benefits
Goji berries are used to add nutritional value to the diet, such as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, several B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E. Major compounds include several carotenoids: lutein, beta-carotene, lycopene and polysaccharides. Goji berries also contain volatile compounds, such as steroids and flavonoids.
Safety
When eaten in moderation, goji berries appear safe, according to WebMD. However, people with pollen allergies may want to stay away from the fruit. There may be herb-drug interactions for people using the blood thinner warfarin and those taking blood pressure and diabetes medicines.
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