Dried Goji Berries: How To Best Use This Miraculous Fruit?

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

Considered one of the most popular anti-fatigue foods, dried goji berries are literally packed with countless health and beauty benefits. Extremely rich in vitamins and minerals, this small red fruit has been used for millennia by the Chinese. Today, Deavita.fr begins to explore the many benefits and medicinal properties of goji while presenting you several tips for use and curious facts.

Goji berries: origin, popular forms and properties

Also known as common wolfberry, goji berries originate in China and are recognized as one of the most nutrient-dense foods around the world. As mentioned above, goji berries are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals namely vitamin C and A, fiber, iron, and zinc. What's more, they contain all eight essential amino acids and offer a surprising amount of protein. Only 30g of goji provides around 10% of the protein intake needed for daily life. And thanks to their high fiber and complex carbohydrate content, blood sugar will rise more slowly.

Goji, in what other forms is it available?

Typically, goji comes in a few forms: dry, fresh, powdered, and juice. Whatever your choice, opt for a high quality organic product to avoid toxic substances from pesticides. However, dried goji berries are the most consumed thanks to their ability to integrate perfectly into various culinary recipes. On the other hand, goji juice is also popular, but due to the different transformations that the berries undergo, the health benefits of the fruit are greatly reduced. Ditto for the powdered goji.

Can we consider goji as a super food?

Bright red in color and dubbed the fruits of longevity, goji berries are one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, giving them a well-deserved place among superfoods. More specifically, these small fruits contain amino and fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2, C and E, calcium, phosphorus, zinc etc. And in addition, according to some studies, goji is 3 times richer in vitamin C than oranges.

What are the properties of dried goji berries?

In addition to boosting the immune system, dried goji berries have many other medicinal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Berries are also very beneficial for eye health, help prevent cardiovascular disease, and help fight anxiety and stress. Here is a small list of other properties of dried goji berries:

• Improved memory.

• Regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

• Anti-tumor and anti-aging properties.

• Increased energy and endurance.

• Stimulation of hormone secretion.

And after deciphering the incredible properties of goji, let's focus on its many benefits that will leave you speechless!

Benefits of dried goji berries

As we have already suggested, dried goji berries have multiple health benefits. From their ability to delay aging to the action of detoxifying the body, through the benefits for the skin… Deavita.fr begins to examine the many nutritional qualities and not just small red fruits with an infallible tangy taste.

Protection against age-related eye diseases. The high levels of healthy antioxidants, and in particular zeaxanthin, contained in goji berries promote healthy eyes. Antioxidants can also prevent certain conditions caused by UV light, free radicals, and oxidative stress.

A stronger immune system. Known for their immune system boosting qualities, antioxidants are in abundance in goji berries. Added to this is also the ability to fight harmful free radicals and inflammation. What's more, vitamins A and C have a vital role in strengthening the immune system as well as preventing diseases like hay fever and even cancer.

Cancer prevention. The high levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C, zeaxanthin and carotenoids, are responsible for fighting cancer cells. Antioxidants therefore slow tumor growth, reduce inflammation and help the body get rid of harmful substances.

Healthier skin. As explained above, dried goji berries are a powerful antioxidant, which is indeed the secret to youth and longevity.

Stable blood sugar. Thanks to the polysaccharides, the dried goji berries could decrease hypoglycemia thus reducing the risk of diabetes.

Fight against depression, anxiety and fatigue. There are many studies done on human beings that have proven the benefits of dried goji berries on mental health. Scientists also report improved energy, concentration, athletic performance and better quality of sleep. This is mainly due to the large number of nutrients fighting against deficiencies and thus stimulating the immune system.

Protection of the liver. Do you know that traditional Chinese medicine has used dried goji berries to treat liver disease? So, it's no surprise that these miraculous berries are among the foods that are good for the liver to include in your menu.

Slimming benefits. Thanks to their richness in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, dried goji berries can help us stay in shape while promoting weight loss. They stimulate transit, fat burning, satiety and help prevent snacking.

What should you know before consuming red berries?

Goji berries can interact with blood thinners as well as blood pressure and diabetes medications. But regardless of their nature, it is better to consult your doctor before starting to eat the fruits, especially if you have allergies. Also note that ¼ cup of dried goji berries provides a large amount of vitamin A. So limit its consumption to reduce the risk of vitamin A toxicity.

But is there a certain group of people who should avoid consuming dried goji berries? So, according to some studies miraculous fruits are not recommended for pregnant women because they could cause contractions of the uterus. In this case, it is essential to consult your doctor!

How to incorporate goji in your menu?

Eaten mainly dried, goji berries are available in most health food stores and can easily be added to many recipes for healthy smoothies, light snacks, salads, diet desserts and so on. Easy to transport, all you need to do is place dried goji berries in a small food bag to be able to carry them everywhere when you need a snack during the day.

How many goji berries per day and what is their calorie content?

The recommended dose of dried goji berries per day is one tablespoon. In other words, from 10 to 20 grams daily. Calorie side, we are talking about 370 kcal per 100 grams. 20 gr per day therefore provide us with around 70 calories. This high content is due to the drying method which aims to concentrate as many nutrients and vitamins as possible.

Goji berries side effects

As long as you stick to the dosage and don't overdo it, dried goji berries are healthy and have no side effects. However, given the high content of fiber and vitamin C, diarrhea can occur. Rarely, some people report nausea, headaches and stomach aches, but these are rather fleeting signs of the detox effect. In such a case, consider reducing the consumption of berries.