Benefits of Goji Berries

Dried goji berries have a similar texture to raisins and can be eaten plain or as an added ingredient to recipes and food products. Goji berries taste somewhat like a cross between olives and cranberries, and were originally found in the Himalayan mountain valleys. Goji berries contain 18 amino acids, B-vitamins, antioxidants and more C-vitamins than citrus fruits. Dried goji berries are nutritious and beneficial in maintaining a healthy diet and even used to treat some health conditions. Always talk to your physician before self-treating with herbal remedies.

Decrease Prostate Enlargement
According to Hamna Riaz of George Mason University, goji berries contains beta-sitosterol, a compound that can decrease the size over overgrown cells. Due to this compound, goji berries are used in the treatment of prostate enlargement in men. Goji berries work by reducing the size of the swollen cells in the prostate, providing relief from the effects of its enlargement. Talk to your doctor prior to using dried goji berries as a treatment for an enlarged prostate to rule out possible drug interactions or side effect

Antioxidant

Dried goji berries are full of vitamins and minerals that reduce free radicals in the body which can damage cells and cause fatigue. The high levels of vitamin C are antioxidants in goji berries that decrease blood serum percentage of free radicals, and prevent free-radical induced fatigue and aging, according to Hamna Riaz of George Mason University.

Anti-Inflammatory
Columbia University's health services states that dried goji berries are beneficial because they contain a class of molecules called phenolics that have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Studies on goji berry effects have not been done yet, but CUHS expects studies on these possible benefits of phenolics found in goji berries to happen in the near future.


Heart Healthy
According to Hamna Riaz of George Mason University, the beta-sitosterols in goji berries may decrease LDL or bad cholesterol absorption in the body by over 40 percent. Goji berries contain natural vasodilators which widen blood vessels, promoting blood flow in the body.

Other Benefits

Dried goji berries may have protective benefits related to aging, liver function and vision health, according to Columbia University's Health Services. The consumption of goji berries may give people a better sense of well-being and increase energy levels. Goji berries may also regulate bowel movements and help with quality of sleep. Goji berries have few risks, but if using to treat a specific ailment or illness, always discuss using it with your physician first.