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GOJI
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Goji berry: a superfruit that benefits the
eye and mind…
What is it?
Goji berry, or wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) is a fruit that has been used in England and China for many years as an ingredient in cooked meals, wines and beer as well as in tea. The berry has a sweet tangy flavour somewhere between a cherry and a cranberry. Historically in China, gogi was used to protect the liver, benefit the eyes, improve sexual function and fertility, boost immune function, improve circulation, and promote vitality and longevity. Currently, goji is considered to be a superfruit because of its high antioxidant capabilities and its relatively high protein, trace mineral, and soluble fibre content by weight. |
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GOJI BERRY |
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| Goji berries are delicious & versitile, enjoy them on salads, in trail mixes & more! |
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Antioxidant Effects of Goji
Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body, which are reactive substances that damage nutrients and body tissues. We are exposed to free radicals in air pollution, UV rays, cigarette smoke, and even as biproducts of our own metabolism. Free radical damage results in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and the visible signs of aging. One study found that goji supplementation for 30 days results in continued, and steady elevation in blood antioxidant levels. These antioxidant effects allow goji to be used to help protect us against cancer, cardiovascular disease and the effects of aging. Goji berry, when given to animals, has been found to protect heart tissue from chemotherapy drug damage, to protect brain cells from oxidative harm, and to protect the liver from alcohol excess. One study examined daily consumption of goji extract for 14 days, and found increased subjective feelings of general well-being, improved neurologic/psychologic performance.
Goji and Eye Health
Goji contains many different vitamins and nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, and carotenoids, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin that can help improve vision and eye health. Due to its high carotenoid content (particularly zeaxanthin), goji can help protect the eye against age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
How do I take it?
Goji berry is available in a number of different forms including: juice, powder, capsules, and whole berries, fresh or dried. In general it is recommended that the liquid extract be taken at between 30 and 60ml per day, with food. There is no generally recommended dose for supplementation with powder or capsules as more research is required. General dosage guidelines are between 500 and 2500mg daily. Fresh berries can be eaten directly or added to meals, although they may be hard to come by in North America. Dried berries can also be added to meals, trail mix, or eaten alone. The recommended dose for dried goji berries is between 10 and 30 grams (1/4-3/4cups) daily.
Adding Dried Goji Berries to Your Diet
Because goji berries are so versatile, it is quite easy to incorporate them into your daily living. Their tangy sweet flavour goes well in oatmeal, trail mix, yoghurt, salads, and even just eaten alone by the handful as a healthy snack. Many people bake with goji berries and incorporate them into muffins, cookies, snack bars, breads and cakes. In general, where you once may have used raisins, you can now incorporate goji berries into your diet.
Important Information
Goji berry supplementation should not be used by those on blood thinning medications or by pregnant or lactating women. Keep in mind that heating the goji berries while cooking or baking may cause a reduction in their antioxidant content. |
GOJI - QUICK FACTS |
PARTS USED |
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Berries |
APPLICATIONS |
· Eye health, mental wellbeing, cancer, antioxidant, cardiovascular disease, aging. |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE |
· 10-30g of dried berries per day (1/4-3/4cup). 30-60ml concentrated liquid extract daily. (Clinical doses may be higher as recommended by your practitioner). |
WORKS WELL WITH |
· Other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and other antioxidant rich fruits |
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· Goji should not be used by those on blood thinning medications or by pregnant or lactating women. |
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