Top 5 Health Benefits of Goji Berries!

Goji berries, also known as Wolfberries, are nutritious berries from a woody perennial plant native to Asia. You can find them at standard supermarkets or health food stores and they are comparatively priced to other dried fruits. Goji berries and have been used in Chinese medicine for years and have been claimed to boost the immune system, brain activity, and possibly protect against heart disease and cancer. So, let’s have a look at how this fruit can be beneficial to you and contribute to a healthier body, with these Top 5 Health Benefits of Goji Berries!

1. Source of Vitamin C
First of all, goji berries contain vitamin C, which helps to protect cells, keep cells healthy and help wound healing. Vitamin C also helps to maintain and support tissue and organ structure. Vitamin C is important in our diet, as a lack of vitamin C can lead to diseases such as scurvy (eg. anaemia, weak gums, bleeding under the skin etc).

2. Source of Vitamin B
Goji berries contain vitamin B, which helps to transport oxygen around the body giving you energy (that you can feel feel the effects of) from the food you eat as well as helping nervous system function. Vitamin B also keeps your skin and eyes healthy. An interesting fact is that thiamin and riboflavin, which are forms of vitamin B, cannot be stored in the body, so it’s certainly beneficial to consume it in your daily diet.

3. Source of Iron
Iron an essential mineral with several important roles in the body is found in goji berries. For example, it helps to form red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. A lack of iron in the diet can lead to iron deficiency anemia (where blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells). If women lose a lot of blood during their monthly period, they can be at higher risk of iron deficiency anemia, so goji berries, along with other foods high in iron, can be considered effective and helpful to their health at this time, by boosting iron levels.

4. Source of Amino Acids
Goji berries contain amino acids, especially the essential ones which the body needs but also some which the body does not produce. They are also high in protein whilst low in saturated fat unlike meats as a source of protein.

5. They contain antioxidants
Antioxidants function to help fight damaging particles in the body. Selenium is one such antioxidant mineral found in goji berries that assists cognitive function, a healthy immune system and fertility. Boosting your antioxidant intake can give you a shield of protection for your body, offering stronger immunity to illnesses and those ever-present viruses. Without antioxidants in your diet, free-radical particles can affect cell membranes and DNA and may contribute to more serious health problems, including heart disease and cancer.

Hopefully now, you have a clearer idea about why goji berries are good for you and the important elements and nutrients they possess. You can eat them plain, in cereal, pop them in your smoothies or simply combine with other berries for a berry powerful snack inbetween meals or anytime of the day!

Melanie Huber

Melanie is a nutritionist and health and fitness enthusiast. She's achieved various diplomas including personal, child and sports nutrition, diet and weight loss management. Melanie is passionate to motivate and inspire others by sharing her knowledge and guidance in an accessible way whilst promoting a healthy balanced diet. Melanie loves being active outdoors, from dog walking, to regular gym/gymnastics classes, skiing and scuba diving.

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