Are Goji berries really that good for you?

Question

I have been eating stacks of them every single day and I haven't noticed a blind bit of difference to my health. Me think's the benefits are exaggerated... and you??

Answer 1

If you just want an opinion, I think Goji berries are overrated and overpriced. Same goes for Noni juice & other "exotic" fruits and veggies being promoted in the U.S.

That being said, they are very good for you. (See previous answers for all the benefits.) Myself? I prefer the good old huckleberry. Also tons of health benefits and they grow right here in the Ouachita mountains.

Answer 2

Yes! One of natures perfect foods.
The famed Li Qing Yuen, who apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930), consumed Goji berries daily. The life of Li Qing Yuen is the most well-documented case of extreme longevity known.

Goji berries, sometimes called Wolfberries, are perhaps the most nutritionally-rich fruit on the planet. Goji berries contain 18 kinds of amino acids (on par with bee pollen) and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).

Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).

Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Mature fruits contain about 11 mg of iron per 100 grams, beta-sisterol (an anti-inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone), tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%).

Goji berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be an anti-aging secretagogue.

Goji berries have been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and potency food of the highest order. In several study groups with elderly people the berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, many beneficial results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results showed that all the patients spirit and optimism increased significantly, appetite improved in 95% of the patients and 95% of the patients slept better.

These Goji berries grow in protected valleys in million year old soil in wild and cultivated areas. The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, then dried in the shade.

The Goji berry is a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin. The Goji berry tastes somewhat like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.

A good daily intake of Goji berries is 10-30 grams (a small handful). Goji berries may be used as snacks or mixed with recipes or smoothies like other dried fruits.

http://www.rawfood.com/?item_id=0572&d=single

Answer 3

"Goji berries and lycium bark play important roles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where they are believed to enhance immune system function, help eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other effects. In TCM terms, Goji berries are sweet in taste and neutral in nature; they act on the liver, lung, and kidney channels and enrich yin. Goji berries can be eaten raw, brewed into a tea, or prepared as a tincture."

http://www.health-report.co.uk/goji_berry.html

But TCM will also tell you that there should be balance. Too much of a good thing is not balance either.

Answer 4

Make sure they are the tibetan goji berries, and in answer to your question they certainly do work .After having a heart attack the consultant put me on blood thinning tablets as I have hardening of the arteries. For 6 months I suffered quite bad bruising with even slight pressure on my skin ,so my viens obviously werent in good condition either. Ive been eating goji berries for 2 months now and not only has it stopped the bruising, it has made my skin less wrinkled and smoother. As I am 60 years old now Ive found they have a marked affect on the aging process. So keep taking them you may live much longer.

Answer 5

Goji berries have been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order.

Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus) and are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth!

Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Personally I think they are great and use the capsules. I guess the bottom line is that it's down to the individual. Not all plants have the same effects on everyone.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

yes i believe so BUT i do believe its what you leave out rather than what you eat that can make a huge difference - so if you are not eating well just adding gogi berries isnt necessarily going to make that much difference.

Answer 8

yeah they seem way overpriced! get a pot of blackstrap molasses its full of healthy vits and iron and its dirt cheap.