Why take goji berries? Goji berries: benefits, harm, how to take. Goji berry cream

Goji berries– today this is to some extent a trend among people seeking to maintain and improve their health. There is a lot of talk about these fruits on the Internet, they sell well, often at fabulous prices, and many effects are attributed to them, often bordering on the fantastic. Let’s try to objectively understand what kind of plant this is, how it acts on the human body, who should take it and how.

“Goji berries” is a name that has become a brand. But it has many synonyms: the plant is also called Tibetan barberry, Chinese wolfberry, Wolfberry, Lycium Barbarum (Berber wolfberry). It belongs to the nightshade family, being a “relative” of such crops as potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, belladonna, and chili peppers.

And if we delve even deeper into botany, it turns out that goji berries grow not on one, but on two types of plants, although very close to each other: Lycium Barbarum (Berber wolfberry) and Lycium Chinense (Chinese wolfberry). These are woody perennial plants that can reach a height of 1 to 3 meters. Their homeland is Asia.

Traditionally, the Lycium Chinense tree is grown in the south of China and is shorter in height, while Lycium Barbarum is grown in the north and is taller.

Depending on the climate and landscape, in the Northern Hemisphere, Tibetan barberry blooms from June to September. And the goji berries themselves appear from August to October. These are small oval fruits with a bright orange-red color. There are small seeds inside.

Although goji berries are called wolfberries (in fact, this is not the name of a specific type of plant, but a collective term), they are not poisonous. In China, they have been grown, collected, dried and added to food for thousands of years, and used in folk medicine.

How are goji berries used in cooking?

Goji berries are included in many Chinese tonic soups. They go well with chicken and pork, and various vegetables. There are a large number of teas that contain these dried fruits. Goji berries are even added to wine to give it new taste and beneficial qualities.

Use of goji berries in folk and traditional medicine

In Ancient China, goji berries, like many other plants, were actively used to treat diseases of the liver, kidneys, spine, joints, and as a tonic and general strengthening agent.

In Europe and America, goji berries began to gain popularity only in the 21st century. They were presented in different ways: as a means of losing weight, preventing cancer, even as a universal panacea for all diseases. The secrets of famous Chinese centenarians were associated with them.

Today, quite a lot of research has already been carried out, on the basis of which we can talk about the main biologically valuable components and the associated effects of goji berries. Currently, the fruits of dried Tibetan barberry are included in dietary supplements and are widely represented in health food stores.

Properties of goji berries and biologically active substances that are part of them

Minerals

Goji berries contain 11 macroelements (minerals that are found in large quantities in the body) and 22 microelements (minerals that the body needs in microdoses).

Key Minerals Contained in Goji Berries:

Item name	Significance in the body
Potassium	The main cation (a positively charged ion) that is located inside cells and ensures their normal excitability. Participates in maintaining blood osmotic pressure. Participates in maintaining normal water and acid-base balance. Necessary for normal functioning of muscles, heart, and brain.
Sodium	The main positively charged ion found in the blood and intercellular fluid. Plays a critical role in maintaining blood osmotic pressure. Participates in maintaining normal blood pH. Together with potassium, it ensures normal excitability and cell function. Helps sugars, amino acids and negatively charged molecules pass through cell membranes. Takes part in the formation of gastric juice and activates it. Helps transport carbon dioxide in the blood from cells to the lungs.
Calcium	The most important component of teeth and bones, ensuring their strength. Necessary for normal muscle contraction and heart function. Ensures normal conduction of nerve impulses between nerve cells. Takes part in the process of blood clotting.
Magnesium	Part of the most important enzymes. Necessary for conducting nerve impulses and maintaining a constant heart rate. Necessary for brain function. Helps lower blood pressure. Participates in energy production in cells.
Iron	Part of the hemoglobin of red blood cells, it is necessary for the transfer of oxygen in the blood. It is part of some important enzymes.
Copper	Part of some important enzymes. Promotes better absorption of proteins and carbohydrates from food. Participates in the formation of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Promotes the synthesis of hemoglobin and the formation of red blood cells. Positively affects the condition of the skin and blood vessels.
Manganese	It is part of some important enzymes and activates others. Takes part in protein synthesis. Actively takes part in metabolism.
Zinc	It is part of about 300 enzymes. Has a positive effect on cell reproduction and growth. Has a positive effect on reproductive function (especially necessary for men). Takes part in hematopoiesis, nail and hair growth.

Amino acids

Goji berries contain 18 amino acids, including essential ones: valine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, lysine, tryptophan, threonine. They cannot be synthesized by the body, or they can, but in minimal, insufficient quantities. Therefore, essential amino acids must be constantly supplied from food.

Main functions of amino acids:

• Their main role is that they are able to connect into chains and form proteins. Which, as you know, are the basis of life.
• Some amino acids play the role of intermediaries that transmit impulses between nerve cells.
• During intense physical activity, amino acids become a source of energy for muscle tissue.
• Amino acids themselves are capable of activating metabolism and improving the absorption of minerals and vitamins.

Vitamins

Goji berries contain 6 vitamins: C, E, B1, B2, B6, B12. According to some reports, the content of individual vitamins in goji fruits is many times higher than their content in citrus fruits.

The importance of vitamins contained in goji berries:

Vitamin name	Significance in the body
C (ascorbic acid)	An important antioxidant that protects body cells from damage by free radicals. Necessary for neutralizing certain toxic substances in the liver. Promotes the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Necessary for the formation of certain amino acids and adrenal hormones.
E (tocopherol)	It is an antioxidant and protects body cells from damage by free radicals. Strengthens the vascular wall, making blood vessels less fragile. Protects the nervous system from damage. Increases the body's resistance to oxygen starvation. Helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
B1 (thiamine)	It is part of important enzymes involved in metabolism. Necessary for normal functioning of the nervous system.
B2 (riboflavin)	Necessary for the formation of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. Increases immunity by activating antibody synthesis. Essential for the growth of children and the maintenance of normal reproductive system function in adults. Provides normal condition and attractive appearance of skin, hair, nails.
B6 (pyridoxine)	Takes part in the formation of red blood cells in the red bone marrow. Necessary for normal absorption of glucose by nervous tissue. Takes part in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Reduces blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
B12 (cyanocobalamin)	Necessary for normal hematopoiesis. With its deficiency, B12 deficiency anemia develops. Helps reduce body weight in case of obesity. Helps improve immunity. Helps improve general condition.

Other components found in goji berries

Name of biologically active substance	Effects in the body
8 types of polysaccharides and 6 types of monosaccharides. The polysaccharides LBP-1 LBP-2 LBP-3 LBP-4 have the greatest biological value - they have a unique structure and are found only in goji berries.	Strengthens the vascular wall. Increases the elasticity of blood vessels and their resistance to damage. Helps normalize blood pressure levels and prevent hypertensive crises. Helps improve the functioning of the immune system. Increases the body's resistance to stress. Helps reduce body weight in case of obesity. They normalize the intestinal microflora and prevent dysbacteriosis, as they are a breeding ground for bacteria that normally live in the large intestine.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, including essential (not synthesized in the human body): linolenic, alpha-linolenic. Currently, they are classified into a separate group of vitamins - “vitamin F”.	Improves the functions of the cardiovascular system, normalizes blood circulation. Prevents the development of atherosclerosis. Protects heart muscle cells from damage and prevents the development of arrhythmia. Helps improve the flow of nutrients into body tissues. Suppresses inflammatory processes.
Phytosterols , including beta-sitosterol.	Strengthens cell membranes. Reduce blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes.
5 types of carotenoids: beta-carotene; zeaxanthin; lutein; lycopene; cryptoxanthin.	Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. Vitamin A is formed from beta-carotene.
Various phenols	They have pronounced antioxidant properties.

The effect of goji berries on the body

Effect	What is the reason?
Reducing blood cholesterol levels and normalizing blood pressure	Goji berries contain many active components that prevent the development of atherosclerosis and normalize blood flow. These are magnesium, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, pyridoxine, polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Reducing the risk of cancer	Malignant tumors arise from a combination of a large number of different causes. One of them is damage to cells and the genetic apparatus by free radicals. Ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids and phenols, which are part of goji berries, have pronounced antioxidant properties. They reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors in various organs. In addition, there is evidence that phytosterols, also found in berries, specifically reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Reducing blood sugar levels and preventing the development of type II diabetes mellitus	The main role in reducing sugar levels belongs to polysaccharides, which are contained in goji berries. They are able to improve the condition at the initial stages, when blood sugar is slightly elevated.
Improved sexual performance	Zinc is necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system in men. This mineral helps increase erection and improve sperm quality. The components that make up goji berries improve metabolism and increase the overall tone of the body. Thanks to this, they make a person more active, including in the sexual sphere, and slow down aging.
Weight loss	Polysaccharides, zinc, ascorbic acid, tocopherol - these substances take part in fat metabolism and contribute to the conversion of fat into energy. Thus, they help cope with extra pounds. Of course, taking goji berries alone will not help solve the problem of excess body weight. You need to eat at least a little right and be physically active.
Improved sleep	The quality of sleep largely depends on how much the body is provided with minerals, vitamins and other important substances. When a person cannot sleep for a long time at night and walks around drowsy all day, this may mean that his body lacks nutrients. By the way, “night trips” to the refrigerator can also be a sign of a lack of minerals. Goji berries provide the body with essential substances, and thereby normalize sleep.
Improved heart function	Calcium, potassium, sodium and other minerals contained in goji berries are necessary to maintain normal electrolyte balance, which affects heart function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids protect the heart muscle and normalize its functions. When taken regularly, goji berries help lower blood pressure and normalize heart rate.
Improved vision	Goji berries help improve vision and prevent eye diseases in the following ways: Antioxidants protect small blood vessels and the retina from damage. The substances contained in goji berries prevent the development of atherosclerosis and the deposition of cholesterol plaques on the walls of retinal vessels. Some components, in particular polysaccharides, lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus, a disease that is often complicated by retinal lesions.
Increased disease resistance	The antioxidants contained in berries protect cells from damage that can be caused by toxins from bacteria and viruses. B vitamins and polysaccharides increase immune strength, promote the formation of antibodies and restore normal defenses.
Improving the functioning of red bone marrow and normalizing blood composition	Goji berries contain almost all minerals (potassium, sodium, etc.), which help maintain normal osmotic pressure and acid-base balance in the blood. This helps to normalize the functions of the cardiovascular system and improve tissue nutrition. Calcium (more precisely, its compound – calcium citrate) takes part in the process of blood clotting. Vitamins of group B and zinc improve the functioning of red bone marrow and promote the formation of new red blood cells.
Restoring normal liver and kidney function	The minerals and vitamins that make up goji berries have a positive effect on the function of liver cells and enhance their regenerative processes. Thanks to the improvement of blood quality, urine formation is normalized. The kidneys cope more effectively with the function of removing toxic substances from the body.
Strengthening muscles and bones	Calcium is an essential mineral necessary for normal muscle contractions and bone strength. The amino acid complex contained in goji berries is a building material and, under certain conditions, a source of energy for muscle tissue.
Improving the functioning of the nervous system	Mechanisms for improving the functioning of nerve cells when taking goji berries: Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals that are necessary for the normal functioning of neurons and the transmission of nerve impulses. B vitamins are also necessary for the normal functioning of nerve tissue. Some amino acids that are present in goji berries can act as carriers of nerve impulses between individual neurons. Goji fruits contain biologically active substances that improve the supply of glucose to the brain, the main nutrient for nervous tissue.

Recent Scientific Research: Goji Berries Protect Against Flu

Flu vaccines are highly effective, but they do not protect against infection 100%. Therefore, researchers are busy looking for additional ways of protection. So, in 2013, an article appeared in the Journal of Nutrition with data from a study conducted at the American Tufts University.

Experiments were conducted with laboratory mice. Animals from one group were regularly fed goji berries. It was found that mice who ate these fruits had higher immunity, and if they did start to get sick, they suffered less from symptoms.

So far, scientists cannot say exactly what substances in the berries provide this effect. It is assumed that increased resistance to influenza is associated with vitamins, polysaccharides, carotenoids and flavonoids.

Myths about goji berries: a Chinese man who lived more than 200 years

There is one legend about the Chinese Li Qing Yun. Allegedly, this man ate goji berries every day, and thanks to this he lived 256 years. They even often name the years of his life - from 1677 to 1933. Official medicine believes that this is nothing more than one of the many myths about centenarians. At the very least, there is no evidence of Li Qing Yong's age. The record for longevity is recognized as the age of 122 years and 164 days, to which the French woman Jeanne Calment lived.

However, thanks to the combination of valuable biologically active substances, goji berries can actually improve the general condition of the body, slow down aging, and prevent and alleviate many diseases of old age.

When are goji berries used to improve health?*

So far, there have been no long-term studies that can accurately prove and quantify any medicinal effects of goji berries.

The components that make up the berries and their effects allow them to be used for the following purposes:

• Improving the general condition of the body, increasing resistance to infectious diseases.
• Slowing down the aging process.
• Increased blood sugar levels.
• Increased blood pressure, initial manifestations of atherosclerosis.
• Decreased immunity due to frequent colds.
• Impaired kidney and liver function.
• Visual impairment, especially age-related.
• Strengthening the body during periods of intense physical and psycho-emotional stress.

*Goji berries are not a medicinal product and no relevant studies have been conducted on them. This part of the text cannot be taken as a guide to treatment. If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before use.

Possible harm to the body from goji berries

Symptoms	Causes	What to do?
Headache, nausea, vomiting.	Goji seeds, like all nightshades, contain atropine, a substance that affects the conduction of impulses in the nervous system. Its content is most often insignificant, but if a large amount of berries is consumed, poisoning can occur.	Stop taking goji berries. Rinse the stomach with water at room temperature, to which activated carbon has been added. If the symptoms do not go away and get worse, call an ambulance.
Increased blood pressure, weakness, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, cold hands and feet.	These are symptoms of decreased blood viscosity. They are not caused by the goji berries themselves, but by their interaction with the drug Warfarin, which a person takes in parallel. Only two such cases have been described in the United States.	Do not take goji berries if you are prescribed medications that affect blood clotting. If symptoms have already appeared, visit a doctor or call an ambulance.
Itching, redness and swelling of the skin, rash, blisters, runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath.	Goji berries, like other plants, can cause allergies in some people.	Stop taking goji berries. Take the antiallergy drug you usually take in such cases. In case of a severe allergic reaction and suffocation, call an ambulance.
Increased drowsiness or, on the contrary, sleep disturbance.	An individual reaction to goji berries that rarely occurs in some people. The reasons are unknown.	Stop taking berries. If symptoms persist, you should visit a doctor.
Feeling of discomfort, bloating, loose stools.	Similar symptoms occur when a large amount of goji berries is eaten by a person with weak digestion.	It is necessary to reduce the number of berries eaten at one time and take them less often. If symptoms do not go away for a long time, stop taking goji berries completely and consult a doctor.

Contraindications to the use of goji berries:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The fruits contain large quantities of selenium, a mineral that is essential for adults, but there is evidence that it can negatively affect the growth and development of the fetus.
• Taking Warfarin and other medications that affect blood clotting. The effects of the medicine and goji berries may overlap, resulting in severe blood thinning.
• Taking medications to treat high blood pressure and diabetes. Goji berries are most often used only for minor increases in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, while the disease is not yet present, in order to prevent it.
• You should not take goji berries before bed if you are taking sleeping pills.. The effect of the drug may be reduced.
• Allergy to all yellow, red and orange fruits. Cross-allergy to goji berries may occur.
• Age up to 3 years. Young children are not recommended to take goji berries.
• Tendency to diarrhea. In people with “weak” intestines, goji berries can cause loose stools.

In what forms are goji berries produced?

The most popular forms in which goji berries are produced:

• whole dried berries;
• dried and crushed berries;
• whole canned berries;
• preserved in the form of jelly or paste;
• goji berry juice;
• dried and crushed goji berries in tea bags, often combined with tea and other dried herbs.

How many goji berries can you eat per day?

It is usually recommended to take 25 grams of berries daily, and continue the course for 10 days. But each person’s body is individual, and the needs of different people often differ. Therefore, before starting your appointment, try to find a specialist who is competent in this matter and consult with him.

Every year the popularity of goji is growing, although rarely does anyone know what kind of berry it is. Some believe that these are the fruits of barberry. Indeed, the berries are very similar in appearance, but in fact they have nothing to do with the barberry family.

What are goji berries

Goji berries are the fruit of the wolfberry tree, which grows primarily in China. Nixia Gouqi is the Chinese name for these berries. Dereza is an ordinary shrub with lilac flowers and coral-red fruits. The plant belongs to the nightshade family.

People started talking about the beneficial properties of goji berries 5,000 years ago. Ancient healers of China used them to treat diseases of the liver and heart. Until now, in Chinese medicine, berries are used to maintain blood pressure and blood sugar levels. This is an excellent strengthening and rejuvenating agent. Proper intake of tea with goji berries promotes weight loss with regular exercise and following the basics of proper nutrition.

Composition of goji berries

• iron
• phosphorus
• selenium
• manganese
• cadmium
• calcium
• germanium
• potassium
• antioxidants
• 18 types of amino acids
• 4 polysaccharides (LBP 1-4)

Useful properties of berries

Goji berries are beneficial for the human body, especially for women. They have the following properties:

• improve vision;
• cleanse blood vessels;
• accelerate metabolism, promoting weight loss;
• normalize brain nutrition;
• make breathing easier;
• have a rejuvenating effect.

In China, goji berries have been used for several thousand years; in Europe they began to be used relatively recently and research into their beneficial properties is still ongoing. You should not replace the main treatment with berries; it is enough to use berries, juice and decoction of them as a source of vitamins, amino acids and additional energy.

Goji Berry Tea Recipes

The berries themselves have a sour but pleasant taste. For some, the taste resembles cranberries, for others, dried raspberries. There are several ways to prepare a healthy drink with the addition of goji berries. We present the most popular and affordable ones.

Based on black tea. You need to take good black tea, berries, lemon, walnuts. The tea leaves, chopped walnuts and berries are placed in a heated kettle, poured with hot water and infused. After straining, a circle of lemon is added to the tea with goji berries.

Based on green tea. To get one serving of the drink, you will need 15 g of goji berries, 0.5 tsp. green tea and 1 g chopped ginger. Green tea is brewed according to the traditional recipe; you immediately need to add berries and ginger. Infusion time is 15 minutes.

Based on white tea. The aromatic tea is made from Chinese white tea. 10 g of goji berries and 10 g of chrysanthemum flowers are added to it. Water temperature - no more than 90°C.

Goji tea with any type of tea. Everyone has their own preferences, so you can take your favorite tea (blue, turquoise, red), add dried chamomile flowers, crushed dried dates, and goji berries to it in equal quantities. Brew with hot water. The result is an aromatic tea drink with a sweetish taste and slight sourness.

Vitamin tea “Eight Treasures”. Tea prepared according to this recipe is rich in vitamins. This is a good remedy for weight loss and disease prevention.

Hawthorn - 10 g

Dates - 1 pc.

Goji berries - 10 g

Raisins - 3-4 pcs.

Honey - 0.5 tsp.

Berries and fruits must be crushed and brewed with 200 ml of hot water. You can use a thermos or just a tightly closed container. After half an hour, you can drink the drink by adding honey. Add ginger and lemon juice to taste. It is not recommended to exceed the amount of honey. Steamed berries can be thrown away after straining the drink, or you can eat them; they are healthy and have a pleasant taste.

Tonic drink. 40 g ginseng root and 1 tbsp. l. Brew 1.5 liters of boiling water in a thermos with fresh ginger root. Leave for 10-12 hours. Pour the drink into another container, add 100 g of goji. It will take another 2 hours to get the drink. Those who are engaged in hard work can prepare an isotonic drink based on this drink by adding 100 ml of orange juice and 0.5 liters of mineral water. To raise the tone, the drink is taken in 400 ml doses.

Cleansing tea with goji and lemon. 1 tbsp. l. green tea or rooibos tea, brew 500 ml of water (90°), adding a pinch of cayenne pepper when brewing. Then add the juice of one lemon. Wait 15 minutes, add 1.5 tbsp. l. goji berries, leave for another 15 minutes. Drink with a slice of lemon, use maple or other organic syrup as a sweetener.

How to drink goji berry tea

In order for the drink to be beneficial, several points need to be taken into account. Following the brewing rules will help preserve all the valuable substances and beneficial elements.

Water temperature. It is better not to brew berries with boiling water. The water should reach the stage of heating when bubbles begin to run through the water.

Infusion time. Any tea based on goji berries should be steeped for 15 minutes. You can wrap the vessel with tea, after covering it with a lid.

One-time brewing. Goji berries should not be re-brewed. The drink is prepared in such an amount that can be drunk at one time.

Goji berry tea should be drunk warm three times a day. If the drink is made only from berries, then the quantity is one glass per serving. A drink made from a tea mixture is drunk in half a glass. At the very beginning of taking it, there is an improvement in digestion, a surge of energy and strength. Due to the tonic properties of the drink, it is better to avoid drinking this tea in the evening.

Goji berries contraindications

You need to be careful about your health. It is worth paying attention and taking into account the contraindications of wonderful berries. It is not recommended to combine tea and goji berries:

• Women carrying a baby, during breastfeeding, children.
• People suffering from gastrointestinal diseases.
• Hypertensive patients.
• For kidney diseases of any etymology.
• It is not recommended to exceed the dosage.

Not so long ago, goji berries entered the Russian market for weight loss drugs. And they immediately became very popular. This article will look at the reasons for this popularity, how to eat goji berries for weight loss, and whether they are harmful.

Benefits of goji berries

Goji berries are small red fruits that look like raisins. This shrub grows in different places on the planet, but it is the berry grown in Tibet that has a unique composition. This is precisely the reason for the long life of the inhabitants of this area.

This miraculous berry has a whole range of useful and important substances for the body, such as:

• vitamins A, C, E and group B;
• amino acids;
• polysaccharides;
• 21 minerals.

Useful properties that this plant has:

• Germanium and selenium, which goji berries contain in abundance, help fight tumors.
• Goji is a very powerful natural antioxidant that perfectly reduces the effects of free radicals on the body. That the latter lead to aging is well known.
• They perfectly stimulate the acceleration of metabolism, which helps solve the problem of excess weight.
• Effectively thins mucus and helps remove it from the body.
• Increases the body's ability to resist viruses and bacteria. This means it strengthens the immune system.
• Stimulates and restores the nervous system, helps much less harmful to the body.
• Activates brain function. A real find for knowledge workers.
• Invigorates the body, increases physical endurance and performance. That is, it is perfect for those who train in the gym.
• Glycosides in the product help control blood sugar levels.
• Strengthens potency and stimulates the feminine.
• Removes excess and prevents fat deposition.
• Rich in fiber and has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
• It has a low energy value - 253 kcal per 100 g.
• Thanks to vitamin C, it strengthens the heart and blood vessels.
• Removes bile from the body.
• Fights the manifestations of thrush in girls.
• Normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system, regulates the level of hormone production.
• Increases visual acuity and is generally beneficial for the visual organs.

Harm of goji berries

Of course, this product is not a panacea. It is stupid to think that just eating these berries will completely solve the problem of excess weight or cancer. Goji berries should be used in conjunction with proper nutrition and the use of medications prescribed by a doctor if you want to overcome a specific ailment.

It is known that in small quantities even poison can be beneficial. Therefore, you should not abuse any product or medication.

If you overdose on these berries, you may encounter problems such as:

• nausea;
• increased gas formation;
• diarrhea;
• attacks of pain in the gastrointestinal tract, especially if there are any problems in this area;
• allergy.

It is not recommended to take this product before bed. This is a fairly powerful natural stimulant, so insomnia is guaranteed in this case. It is best to consume goji in the morning, it will provide a boost of energy and saturate the body with useful substances for the whole day.

There is an opinion that the parallel use of this product with medications can both enhance or minimize the effect of the drug, and aggravate side effects. Be sure to consult with your doctor about combining treatment and taking berries.

Goji berries contraindications

Since this, although natural, is a very strong remedy, goji berries have their contraindications. Namely:

• the period of bearing a baby and breastfeeding;
• increased body temperature;
• increased blood pressure and taking medications against this disease;
• children under 3 years old;
• intestinal upset, tendency to diarrhea;
• allergy to exotic fruits of bright colors;
• problems with blood clotting;
• taking medications to regulate blood glucose.

Remember that a quality product cannot be cheap. The real berries of this plant are grown only in China. A product manufactured elsewhere may contain a large number of preservatives. Which will definitely have a negative impact on health.

If this substance is not used wisely, a decrease in effectiveness is observed.

Goji berries: properties

In addition to the above properties of the product, when consumed internally, this berry is often used for cosmetic purposes.

For example:

• as a good drainage agent against cellulite;
• for skin rejuvenation;
• as part of nourishing creams that saturate the skin of the entire body with vitamins.

Try preparing these home remedies for skin care and rejuvenation using this product:

• Grind the dry product in a coffee grinder and add 1 teaspoon per application. Goes well with baby cream, essential and base oils, sour cream or fruit puree.
• Brew chamomile, sage or another herb with a soothing and antiseptic effect. Add a spoonful of goji powder to the broth and let it brew. After 15-20 minutes, strain the liquid and wipe your face with it as a toner. You can freeze it in ice cube trays and wipe your face instead of washing it. Well suited for those with oily skin types.
• A triple whammy for the signs of aging. Morning - apply cream or lotion with berries to your skin. At lunch, drink any drink with them, and in the evening, wipe your skin with the healing composition again.

How to take goji berries

You can use this product in the following ways:

• in dry form, for example, as a snack;
• brew and take as a decoction;
• externally, as a component of homemade anti-cellulite creams or for facial skin rejuvenation;
• add to food, as a filler for porridges or as a “zest” in salads.

Goji goes well with almost any dish:

• meat;
• porridge;
• bakery;
• Dessert;
• salads;
• compotes.

This berry tastes like barberry, that is, it is quite sweet, with a slight sourness.

We bring to your attention simple recipes using this product. To improve overall tone and strengthen the body, try the following compositions:

1. Berry cocktail. Take 100 g of goji, 2 kiwis, a few mint leaves, ripe orange pulp and grind with a blender. It is good to drink in the cold season and during stressful situations.
2. Brew your favorite tea, add lemon juice and a few berries to the cup. It is better to use honey as a sweetener.
3. To maintain immunity during colds, try simply adding a few berries to ready-made dishes.

Goji berries for weight loss

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

What are goji berries and where do they grow?

For Americans and Europeans Goji berries are a fashionable novelty, but in China they have been known for several thousand years. Goji, or Chinese wolfberry, is also called Tibetan barberry and wolfberry. This plant from the nightshade family is a creeping shrub with soft vines hanging down, reaching a length of 3-8 meters. The fruits of the bush are red, juicy berries.

Although this plant has more than 40 varieties, only one variety is believed to have miraculous properties. This variety grows on plantations in Tibet and the Himalayas at 3000 m above sea level. On the Internet you can find information that Chinese wolfberry is a fairly widespread medicinal plant. Mostly wild varieties or varieties of goji grow in Russia, but in terms of their beneficial properties they are almost in no way inferior to their exotic relative. In addition, not only the fruits, but also the roots and bark of the plant are used in medicine.

Goji is a poisonous plant! It is not recommended to pick up fresh berries: the skin will immediately turn black due to a strong oxidative reaction. To collect berries, a cloth is spread on the ground under a bush and the ripe fruits are knocked down with a stick, which are then dried in the shade.

Berries after drying do not pose any danger. The fruits taste sweet and salty, but may be sour. But it's not their taste that matters. Goji berries have a unique composition.

Researchers found in them 18 amino acids (8 of which are essential), 21 minerals (calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, germanium, selenium, zinc and others), vitamins (B1, B2, B6, E, C), carotene, polysaccharides and a significant amount of other biologically active substances.

Just one tablespoon a day of these miraculous berries is enough to provide the human body with the necessary amount of all vitamins.
Juices and extracts from goji lose their healing properties and ability to strengthen the body.

The benefits and harm of goji berries

Goji berries have many beneficial properties:

• the beta-carotene they contain (a precursor to vitamin A) helps improve vision and skin condition;


• due to the high level of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and iron, goji berries strengthen the immune system and are a means of preventing acute respiratory diseases; for example, lemon contains 500 times less vitamin C than goji berries;


• berries are also used in the treatment of anemia - after all, they contain several times more iron than apples, beef liver, buckwheat, spinach and other products;


• adaptogens (biologically active substances) contained in fruits improve the adaptation of the human body to the adverse effects of the environment, increase resistance to stress, help improve memory and increase physical endurance;


• antioxidants contained in the fruits slow down the aging process of the body, which is why goji berries are called the berries of longevity;


• eating goji berries lowers blood sugar levels, so they can be used in the treatment of diabetes; regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and improvement of digestion with the help of miraculous berries contributes to a small extent to weight loss - it is no coincidence that nutritionists recommend using an infusion of goji berries for any diet;
• According to some reports, the berries have anti-cancer properties due to their high content of selenium and germanium.

Based on the above, goji fruits are recommended for regular consumption for liver and kidney diseases, and for patients with hypertension and diabetes. The berries of the common wolfberry will be beneficial to all unbalanced people and, in general, to everyone who is concerned about their own health and wants to live a full, long life.

But longevity berries can also cause harm to the body. First of all, this concerns allergic manifestations, because... Goji berries are quite strong allergens.
Some people may experience loose stools and increased gas formation after eating berries, especially in large quantities.

Exceeding the dose of berries can lead to insomnia even in those people who have never had sleep disorders. If sleep disturbance occurs when eating wolfberry fruits, it is better to eat them in the morning.

There are no clear studies on the interaction of goji berries and medications, but there are reports of increased effects of drugs that lower blood pressure. Berries may interact with and alter the activity of medications used to treat diabetes. Therefore, patients with hypertension and diabetes should consult a doctor about the possibility of including goji berries in their diet. Berries can enhance the effect of anticoagulants (drugs that reduce blood clotting) and cause bleeding.

Uses of goji berries

Indications for use

Goji berries can be recommended for use for:
• atherosclerosis and hypertension;


• diabetes mellitus;


• kidney and liver diseases;


• anemia;




• headaches and dizziness;


• chronic fatigue and frequent stressful situations;


• constipation (due to intestinal atony).

Contraindications

There are few contraindications for taking goji berries:
• They should not be taken if you are hypersensitive or at high temperatures.


• Persons with allergies to vegetables and fruits that are red, yellow or orange, as well as people with a tendency to diarrhea, should also refrain from eating berries.


• It is not recommended to give berries to children under 3 years of age.

You should not rush to consume the fruits of wolfberry if you have malignant tumors. This is explained by the fact that malignant diseases develop against the background of a serious malfunction in the immune system. Therefore, the stimulating effect on the immune system that goji berries have can have a negative effect on the course of the disease. Before you start eating berries, you should discuss this issue with your doctor.

Opinions about the possibility of using goji berries during pregnancy and breastfeeding are controversial. Proponents of the widespread use of berries recommend that pregnant women consume berries as a source of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. And nutritionists recommend a very cautious approach to such advice, citing the fact that berries contain large amounts of selenium, which can lead to delayed development of a child.

How to take goji berries correctly?

Goji berries can be obtained in our country most often in dried form. A handful of berries can provide the body with all the necessary substances. Berries are consumed in different ways: simply in dry form, adding to yogurt, cocktails, ice cream, meat dishes, baked goods, or brewing tea with berries.

In dry form, eat 15-45 g once a day.
To prepare tea (infusion) with goji berries, you need to take 1 tbsp. dry berries, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them, leave for 30 minutes. The prepared healing drink should be drunk 0.5 glasses 2-3 times a day. You can simply eat the berries from the infusion, or you can add them to soup or porridge.

Goji berries for weight loss

It’s unlikely that anyone will be able to lose a few extra pounds using goji alone. The fruits will only help if drinking tea with goji berries (without sugar) is combined with diet and exercise.

The main merit of the healing drink is that it will have a beneficial effect on metabolism and increase vitality. It is precisely because of the effect of normalizing metabolism and normalizing digestion that goji is recommended to be used for losing weight. This effect does not lead to weight loss, but to its normalization: thin people gain weight and fat people lose weight.

But we must not forget that you can lose weight if you follow a diet selected by a nutritionist and do not forget about sports training. You will not be able to lose weight if you drink chocolate candies with this healing drink. But in any case, goji tea will give you strength and improve your mood.

Recipe for weight loss: 1 tablespoon of goji berries, pour 400 g of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. Divide the drink into 2 doses and drink half on an empty stomach in the morning, and the other half before bedtime.

Appetite reduction effect

Sugary and starchy foods that are high in calories do not have much nutritional value, but trigger a hormonal response leading to increased appetite.

How does this happen?

1. You consume sweets and starchy foods and the body quickly absorbs sugar into the blood;


2. Blood sugar levels rise;


3. Because of this, the pancreas suddenly releases a large amount of insulin into the blood;


4. Sugar levels drop quickly;


5. You again feel the need to refresh yourself - “drink tea with something sweet”;


6. Everything repeats itself in a circle.

Therefore, if you eat something sweet, it should be natural, have high nutritional value and a low glycemic index.

Glycemic index of goji and other foods:

• Goji-29


• Apple - 38


• Orange - 42


• Banana - 25


• Raisins - 64


• Watermelon - 72

In addition, berries are a source of dietary fiber and chromium, which help effectively control blood sugar levels.

Recipes

Despite the fact that only the berries themselves, and not their extracts or juice, have healing properties, people use goji berries both in the form of wine and in the form of tinctures.

The most common recipes for healing drinks: Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Olya Likhacheva

Beauty is like a precious stone: the simpler it is, the more precious it is:)

Only lazy people don't talk about goji berries. Among their fans are many politicians, show business stars, athletes and writers. Their popularity is so great that the word “gojimania” would be quite appropriate. But few people know how to eat goji berries, because they came to us from Chinese Tibet only 10 years ago. The goji plant is poisonous, so you should not pick up ripe berries. The berries are shaken from the bush onto a cloth and dried in the shade, after which they are absolutely safe. But the fruits of the goji bush are valuable not because of their taste.

How to eat Chinese goji berries for quick weight loss

Goji berries (Tibetan barberry) are rich in a vitamin cocktail that is not found anywhere else in nature. Their effect on the human body is beneficial:

• vision improves;
• blood sugar levels decrease;
• hormone production stabilizes;
• DNA structure is restored;
• the body's protective functions increase;
• diseases of the genitourinary system are eliminated;
• the walls of blood vessels are strengthened;
• toxins are removed from the body;
• excellent product for weight loss.

Which is better - before or after meals?

The berries have a sweetish-sour taste, somewhat reminiscent of raisins, cranberries, and raspberries. When consuming them, you should give preference to a proper and healthy diet: boiled meat, steamed fish, cereals, fruits, vegetables, herbs. Be sure to avoid fatty foods and fried foods, and the amount of sweets and starchy foods should be reduced as much as possible.

Eating goji for weight loss is simple: pour one tablespoon of dried fruit into 400 g of hot water, then let the drink brew in a dark place for half an hour. This amount of tea should be divided into two doses: drink the first on an empty stomach in the morning, and the second part before bed. Many people use them in dry form, 15-45 pieces a day: crush them and eat them like dried fruit. They are used to make baked goods, yoghurts, breakfast cereals, and add berries to smoothies, salads, desserts and other products.

Goji fruits are an excellent ingredient for pork liver or soup. If there are no contraindications, preparing healthy and tasty dishes from Tibetan fruits will help not only lose weight, but also completely strengthen the body. If you want to enhance the effect of consuming Chinese fruit tincture, then you need to regularly exercise, walk in the fresh air and monitor your emotional state.

For how long and in what portions

No two people are the same, so berries can give different results for different people. If you don’t know how to take goji berries for weight loss, then use them without harm to the body until you see the first results. But, believe me, you won’t have to wait long for this. For some, the result is already visible after taking the first pack. Consumption does not require effort, because goji drink has a pleasant aroma and taste, unlike other weight loss drugs. The effectiveness of berries depends on several criteria:

1. quality of raw materials;
2. correctness of reception;
3. individual characteristics.

If the body's metabolism is disturbed, there are endocrine pathologies or chronic diseases, then eating Chinese goji will not radically affect the process of losing weight, so first you need to eliminate the very cause of the extra pounds. But if there are no pathologies, then with long-term use of the berries of this plant you will definitely feel a positive effect.

Can children eat goji berries?

Unique fruits from the territory of Chinese Tibet contain 18 amino acids and 21 microelements:

• manganese;
• selenium;
• calcium;
• germanium;
• iron;
• zinc;
• phosphorus;
• copper and many others.

Goji is rich in proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, antioxidants, vitamins and other healthy substances. The fruit has many times more vitamin C than citrus fruits, more iron than spinach and much more protein than whole wheat. Since our children are susceptible to various infectious diseases, eating goji fruits will help strengthen children's unstable immunity, reducing the risk of all other diseases.

Long-term use of Tibetan barberry by a child will help:

• improve vision;
• protect against cancer and cardiovascular diseases;
• strengthen the intestines, urinary and respiratory tracts;
• promote healthy hair and teeth;
• lose weight for an obese child.

But if your child takes blood thinners or anticoagulants, has diabetes, is sensitive to certain foods, suffers from allergies, or is taking other treatments, you should consult your pediatrician before using the berries as food.