by
Stepy —
November 7, 2018
- Goji berries are known for their high nutritional content and health-boosting properties and are often called “the cure it all berries”
- They are native to the Himalayan mountains, and are grown in many other parts of the world as well. Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, have been used in Asia through many generations for their medicinal benefits. They are fast becoming a super-food.
- Let’s look at the health benefits of goji berries.
- Better sleep:
- These berries contain melatonin, the hormone that helps the body maintain its internal clock. A collection of studies in the journal “Sleep“ showed that melatonin may help bring better sleep. More studies need to be done to confirm these benefits.
- Cancer prevention:
- Goji berries, like most berries are packed with antioxidants that fight the effects of oxidative stress. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, “Oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).” Oxidative stress has been linked to many diseases, including many types of cancers.
- Eye health:
- This superfood is packed with nutrients like vitamin A, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin, which all help keep the eyes healthy and protect against age related eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
- Heart health:
- Colorful berries are great for the heart. The antioxidants in goji berries help reduce the effects of excess LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood by preventing plaque from being formed in the arteries. Foods that are high in dietary fiber are known to reduce cholesterol as well. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for serious heart conditions. American Heart Association (AHA) explains, “High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.” More studies show that berries may reduce the heart attack risk in women.
- Slows aging:
- We have seen how antioxidants fight the effects of oxidative stress. The damage that free radicals cause can accelerate aging, and antioxidants kill these free radicals. One specific antioxidant common found in most berries called ellagic acid has shown to be a potent anti-ager. A Korean study showed that ellagic acid might help alleviate skin wrinkling and inflammation caused by aging.
- Stress fighter:
- Goji berries may help fight stress. They reduce the amount of cortisol that is released into the blood when a person is stressed. Cortisol is a hormone that is linked to stress.
- “Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues,” Mayo Clinic explains.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- Berries may decrease the risk of heart attack.
- For the power of berry colors in heart health.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Dietary Compound Ellagic Acid Alleviates Skin Wrinkle and Inflammation Induced by UV-B Irradiation.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2010. Web. 05 Sept. 2013.
- 2. “Why Cholesterol Matters.” Heart.org. American Heart Association, n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2013.
- 3. “Potential Action of Melatonin in Insomnia.” Sleep. Sleep, 2003. Web. 5 Sept. 2013.
- 4. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Chronic Stress Puts Your Health at Risk.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 July 2013. Web. 05 Sept. 2013.
