Beneficial properties and contraindications for the use of goji berries

Chinese goji berries (wolfberry fruit) are a popular dietary supplement, which is credited with a variety of benefits: from aiding weight loss to preventing cancer and extending life by 5-7 years. You can hear about the miraculous plant from nutritionists, bloggers, famous singers and actors, and supporters of alternative medicine. In this article we will look at the beneficial properties and contraindications of goji berries, how to consume them, and tell you about the best recipes and supplements with medicinal fruits.

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What are goji berries

Goji berries are the fruit of the wolfberry (Berber wolfberry), a creeping subshrub that grows in Asia. The largest plantations are located in China and Tibet. For medicinal purposes, wolfberry is grown in Russia and some European countries. The plant is short, has brown, rough bark and long branches with thorns. The shrub blooms in June-August, the flowers are small. The berries ripen from July to October. They have a rich red color, oval shape and sizes from 5 to 15 mm, which can be seen in the photo. There are small seeds inside.

Ripe fruits have a pronounced sour or sweet-salty tart taste. Calorie content – ​​309 Kcal per 100 g.

Other variations of the name of goji berries: Lycium barbarum, Goji berries and the common one - Tibetan barberry, which the fruits received due to their external resemblance to this plant. From the point of view of botanists, this name is incorrect, since wolfberry and barberry belong to different genera and families.

There are also black goji berries, which grow only on wild bushes in the mountainous regions of Tibet and appear smaller. Scientific evidence confirms that they contain more nutrients than red fruits. Due to difficulties in procurement and transportation, black berries are not very common on the European market.

Chemical composition

The healing properties of goji berries are due to a unique combination of active components that mutually enhance each other's effects.

The composition of wolfberry fruits includes the following substances:

1. Amino acids. Berries contain 19 different amino acids, 8 of which are important for the body.
2. Polysaccharides. Rare compounds that bind to cell receptors provide antioxidant effects.
3. Vitamins. The concentration of ascorbic acid is 500 times higher than in citrus fruits. Goji berries also contain all B vitamins, vitamin E and beta-carotene.
4. Microelements. It contains a large amount of iron; in moderate concentrations there is calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other minerals. The fruits also contain very high levels of germanium, a compound that has antitumor properties.
5. Fatty acid. Omega-3, -6, -9 are in the optimal ratio, which is necessary to normalize the blood lipid profile and accelerate weight loss.
6. Plant fiber.

Composition of goji berries - what determines their high healing and nutritional value?

So, it’s time to take a closer look at the composition of goji berries - and it is truly rich:

• 22 important minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, germanium, etc.)
• 18 amino acids.
• 6 essential vitamins - A, C, E, B1, B2, B6.
• 8 polysaccharides, 6 monosaccharides.
• 5 unsaturated fatty acids, including essential linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid.
• 5 carotenoids, including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin, lutein, xanthophyll.
• Thiocyanates and glycosinolates.
• Many phenols with antioxidant properties.
• Phytosterols.

Are you familiar with Goji berries? Share your feedback in the comments below!

Beneficial features

The fruits of Chinese wolfberry have a number of pharmacological effects:

• increase the speed of metabolic reactions, promote calorie burning;
• increase immunity - stimulate the production of immunoglobulins, normalize the leukocyte formula of the blood;
• support the cardiovascular system - stabilize blood pressure, improve trophism and blood supply to the myocardium, strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
• improve skin condition - the benefits of goji berries include a rejuvenating effect, protecting the epidermis from photoaging;
• normalize glucose levels, reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood;
• have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract - protect the liver from toxic damage, maintain healthy intestinal microflora;
• reduce the risk of developing tumor diseases.

Do goji berries help you lose weight, watch this video:

For the female body

The healing properties of goji fruits include eliminating pain during menstruation, maintaining reproductive function, and normalizing the production of sex hormones. Berries also improve your psycho-emotional state and help cope with depression and sudden mood swings during PMS.

In women during menopause, berries relieve unwanted manifestations of menopausal syndrome and protect against uterine and ovarian cancer.

For the male body

In men, goji berries affect sexual function: they improve sperm quality and increase the number of active sperm, normalize libido, and enhance sensations during sexual intercourse.

The herbal product also affects the functioning of the adrenal glands and testicles, and stimulates the synthesis of testosterone. Goji berries are very useful for athletes and people involved in intense physical labor, as the fruits saturate the body with energy and increase endurance.

How to consume freshly squeezed juice?

Next, consider the instructions on the topic “how to properly take goji berries” in the form of juice.

1. To squeeze juice, you must use only fresh berries;
2. The product is very juicy, it is easy to squeeze out using regular gauze or a soft strainer;
3. The daily intake of freshly squeezed goji juice is 3 tablespoons with meals.

We also recommend: Pomegranate peel decoction

The color of the finished drink is fiery orange, the smell is tart, slightly sweet. The composition is very concentrated, so drink it carefully.

The beneficial properties of the juice are as follows:

• It slows down the natural aging of cells;
• Increases immunity;
• Triggers weight loss;
• Improves brain activity, eliminates stress and tension;
• Normalizes glucose;
• The juice can be used as an antiseptic for treating external wounds;
• It effectively reduces temperature;
• Improves digestion.

Indications for use

Considering the beneficial properties of goji berries, nutritionists recommend their use as a dietary supplement for people with excess body weight. Fruits accelerate weight loss and normalize metabolism.

There are also a number of diseases that are treated with the help of wolfberry fruits:

• cardiovascular pathology – arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, circulatory failure;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• gynecological diseases - algodismenorrhea, chronic inflammation of the uterus and appendages, infertility, ovarian dysfunction;
• male diseases - prostatitis, prostate adenoma, impotence;
• decreased visual acuity, dry conjunctiva;
• neurological problems - insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression;
• skin diseases - allergic rashes, psoriasis;
• diabetes.

Goji can be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer after permission from a doctor. The berries are also used to reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy.

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If you regularly consume goji berries, then:

• Get rid of anxiety and depression, your mood will improve.
• Get rid of extra pounds without stress and long-term diets - and they won’t come back again.
• The function of the sex glands is activated, and libido and potency will be at their best!
• The metabolism in your body will noticeably improve and your metabolism will speed up.
• The aging processes of organs and tissues of the body will be stopped.
• The condition of your skin will please you.
• You will get rid of insomnia and the quality of your sleep will improve.
• Menopause in women will not be accompanied by negative symptoms.
• Melatonin levels will increase.
• You will be full of strength and will be able to easily endure any physical activity.
• Blood sugar will drop significantly, and the risk of diabetes will disappear.

Since the unique beneficial properties of goji have become widely known only in recent years, many Hollywood stars , getting healthy and rejuvenating by including them in their diet.

Famous athletes also readily consume goji berries , noting an increase in endurance and overall health of the body.

Contraindications

The main limitation to taking the supplement is an allergic reaction to wolfberry fruits or to all red fruits and vegetables. Fresh goji berries have a mild laxative effect, so they should not be taken by patients with gastritis or gastric ulcers in the acute stage.

Pregnancy is not an absolute contraindication to taking the drug; the issue is resolved individually after consultation with a gynecologist. Berries are also not given to children under 3 years of age.

Women during breastfeeding are strictly prohibited from eating fruits, as they change the taste of milk and can provoke allergies in the child.

Goji berries, benefits and harm

For a long time, many doctors have been controversial about goji berries, the benefits and harms of which go hand in hand and can both have a beneficial effect on the human body and cause irreversible processes. In order to prevent dangerous complications, it is imperative to first find out not only the positive qualities of the fruit, but also the negative aspects that can lead to serious manifestations.

Doctors are confident that the product will not cause danger if used moderately for the following purposes:

1. increase mental and physical abilities;
2. prolong the youth of internal organs, get rid of wrinkles, sagging and old age;
3. relieve sleep problems (usually prolonged insomnia);
4. reduce cholesterol levels;
5. have a positive effect on blood sugar levels;
6. improve your mood and give your body a boost of energy;
7. protect the liver from the harmful effects of toxins or waste.

In what cases can a product harm the body? It should not be taken while pregnant or nursing a baby. If you have a weak intestine, it is also better not to use the fruits - they can cause prolonged diarrhea. Allergic reactions also need to be taken into account - if the body reacts to berries with rashes, nausea and indigestion, be sure to stop treatment.

Release forms

The herbal supplement is available in different versions:

1. Dried goji berries. Natural dried fruits, taken independently or added to other dishes. Vitamin drinks and compotes can be prepared from whole fruits.
2. Powder. Crushed dried berries for oral administration. The product is added to porridges and salads, and used to brew healthy teas. The downside is the fine fraction of the powder, which is why it can irritate the mucous membranes of the pharynx and respiratory tract.
3. Berry juice. Concentrated liquid extract from the fruits of wolfberry is available in large volume bottles. The solution is taken in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach, dosing it in measuring spoons. The product contains sugar, which gives goji berry juice a pleasant taste. Minus - the juice can cause dyspeptic disorders.
4. Extract in capsules. The best release form, which contains a standardized berry extract. Thanks to the protective shell, the capsules do not irritate the stomach and do not cause side effects.

conclusions

If you prepare teas and dishes from goji berries and wisely limit yourself in food and exercise, then the weight loss effect will manifest itself. However, the fruits themselves do not have any fat-burning properties; it is just another advertised product, which is essentially no better than black currants, dried apricots, dried apples, prunes, blueberries and figs. So goji berries as an independent means for weight loss is a myth

, the proof is real reviews from people losing weight and doctors.

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Comments

• Marina | 2017-01-06 17:05:15 If you play sports, then goji berries reduce appetite well, and therefore promote weight loss. I brew a drink with ginger and goji berries.
• Genady |
  2016-12-15 12:01:13 We gave my wife a bag of dried goji berries. We ate it so simply - it didn’t taste very good, we made tea - it’s not for everyone, for those who like fruit teas, we made lard with goji berries - not bad. I wouldn’t buy it on purpose - it’s expensive, and as I understand, after reading the article, the effect is like dried fruit.
• Alice |
  2016-09-05 14:54:09 I love goji berries, I make tea, it’s very tasty and healthy, I also add a few fresh mint leaves and dried apples. Reduces cravings for sweets.

Goji Berry Recipes

Goji berries can be eaten raw or dried, but not everyone likes their taste. The following are various applications.

Cooking

Dried goji berries or powder from them are used as a dietary supplement, sprinkling porridge, cottage cheese or other dishes. The fruits add a pleasant flavor to foods. Berries can also be added to muffins and casseroles in place of other dried fruits. Before use, it is recommended to soak the fruits in hot water for 20-30 minutes.

Healthy marshmallow

To prepare marshmallows, take 0.5 kg of prunes and 100 g of goji, twist them in a meat grinder or grind them in a blender. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture, make a tight “dough”, which is then rolled out between two sheets of parchment. Place the pastille in the oven for 1 hour (temperature 100-110 °C), then cool and cut into portions.

Nutrition bars

The bars are made from 50 g of goji berries, 100 g of dates and 100 g of any nuts. All components are ground until smooth in a blender, rolled into small sausages and left in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to harden.

Vitamin drinks

A smoothie with goji is of great benefit. To prepare it, take a glass of kefir, half a banana and seasonal berries. For one serving, just mix a small handful of fruits in a blender with all the ingredients.

You can take goji berries in the form of a properly brewed drink: pour 2 tablespoons of dried fruits with boiling water (1 liter) and leave for 1 hour. Then strain the infusion and add a spoonful of honey to improve the taste.

Berry tincture

You can prepare a liqueur from dry fruits: place 50 g of the plant product, 500 ml of vodka or alcohol diluted to 40° in a jar, close tightly, and leave for 7 days in a dark, cool place. Drink 1 teaspoon of goji berry tincture in the morning and evening.

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What is the correct way and when to eat Goji berries?

It's better to eat in the morning. They take quite a long time to digest and if you eat them at night, you may have problems sleeping. Goji berries are usually eaten dry as an addition to yogurts, smoothies, porridges and breakfast cereals. Less commonly used for sauces, desserts and baked goods, salads and tea brewing. I repeat – the normal amount for the health of the body is 15-30 g/day.

Sold both fresh and dried. Before buying, taste it, because due to its similarity to barberry, sellers often deceive. The ideal option is to purchase dried goji fruits online from the producing countries. Many companies market them as a superfood.

The overseas product does not reach our shelves fresh. This has its advantage, since using fresh fruits in the diet can cause nausea or diarrhea. Fortunately, dried berries do not have such properties.

Dry reception

How to eat wolfberry fruits when they are purchased dried? It is enough to eat a handful of berries, which have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness. 15-45 g of dried product per day is quite a sufficient amount. If the fruits are very dry, then they are soaked in warm water and added to porridge, rice, fruit salad, and yogurt.

Recipe N1. The berries are washed and poured with boiling water, leaving for half an hour to let them brew. Take 1 tbsp per glass of water. l. berries Sometimes lemon juice is added for taste.

Recipe N2. The composition includes several berries, 3-5 chrysanthemum flowers and 1 tbsp. l. black tea. The composition is steamed with boiling water, allowed to stand for 10 minutes and drunk as a regular drink.

Recipe N3. “Eight Treasures” tea includes: 4-5 goji berries, walnut fruit, longan, jojoba, a handful of raisins, a spoonful of hawthorn fruit and green tea. The components are mixed and infused. They drink in small sips, observing the Chinese tea ceremony. The tea is not intended for a wide range of consumers, since most of the ingredients are not so easy to obtain.

Recipe N4. Goji acai tea is made from small pieces of apple and hibiscus petals. The composition also includes rose hips, raspberries, pomegranate inflorescences and acai fruit powder, which are famous for their dietary and antioxidant properties. The components are brewed and infused. This is an extremely healthy drink; it keeps the body healthy.

Rules of application

Regardless of use, dried goji berries should be consumed correctly - no more than 45 g per day. Children can take 15 g of fruit (no more), but only after consultation with a pediatrician. Pregnant women are allowed to eat no more than 10-15 g.

According to the instructions of Tibetan healers, the intake of the herbal remedy should be divided into 2 times: in the morning - 1/3 of the daily portion, and the rest should be taken in the afternoon. At this time, the body most actively absorbs all the beneficial components of the plant.

It is not advisable to take goji berries after 18:00, as they can cause insomnia.

The course of taking dried fruits or capsules depends on the disease and the expected results. Patients with pathologies of the cardiovascular system are recommended to take supplements for 1-2 months, then take a break. When using berries for preventive purposes and for weight loss, the course can be extended to 6 months.

Daily norm

The berries are quite high in calories, especially when dried - 100 g contains almost 260 kcal. Of these, carbohydrates – 43 g, fats – 37 g, protein – 11 g.

The product is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, as well as calcium, phosphorus and iron. It is recommended to consume dried goji berries to build muscle mass, because they contain about 20 different amino acids.

However, fruits have many contraindications, which are activated mainly by eating them excessively.

The daily intake of goji berries for adults is 30-40 g, and for children over 12 years old - 20 g. It is not recommended to give these fruits to younger children.

Next, let's look at how to properly consume goji berries, depending on their type:

• Fresh;
• Dried;
• Tincture or decoction;
• Juice;
• Food supplement (BAA).

We also recommend: Chapped lips: what vitamin is missing?

Adverse reactions

The most common undesirable consequences from taking it:

1. Digestive disorders. After eating berries, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea occur. Symptoms may not be caused by the fruits themselves, but by additional preservatives in the composition, so when purchasing, you need to carefully look at the list of ingredients.
2. Insomnia. Herbal supplements give vivacity and energy, so goji berries can only be eaten before 6 pm.
3. Allergy. Occurs rarely, usually in patients prone to allergic reactions, in children. Manifested by urticaria, itching, and dyspeptic disorders.

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Reviews

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Goji berries

Average rating: Number of reviews: 0

Most buyers respond positively to the supplements. They note the pleasant taste and many uses of whole dried goji fruits in cooking. After taking herbal remedies, there was an improvement in well-being and psycho-emotional state, blood pressure normalized, and evening eye fatigue disappeared. Women write about improved skin quality, decreased appetite and faster weight loss after starting to take goji.

In negative reviews, buyers mainly complain about the high prices of drugs. And some users do not notice any positive changes in their health after a course of eating berries.

How to brew Goji berries: The most popular methods

Very often, berries are used to prepare an infusion; to do this, pour boiling water over the dried product and let it brew, drink the drink, and eat the berries.

There are several ways to brew berries:

1. In order to reduce body volume and remove excess fluid, you need to brew Goji in several glasses and take it as follows: one mug should be drunk on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast, and the second before the last meal. In order to achieve maximum results, experts recommend eating right and engaging in physical activity.
2. When drinking black or green tea, add a few pieces of dried fruits, which will give a pleasant taste and aroma to the drink.
3. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a handful of berries, let it brew, then add a little honey and a slice of lemon - the drink is ready. This tea should be drunk once a day before lunch or dinner.

According to reviews from those losing weight, the use of berry infusions helps to lose up to 5 kg per month without much effort; in combination with proper nutrition and exercise, weight decreases more rapidly.

Storage rules

Supplements are stored in their original packaging, in a dry place protected from sunlight at a temperature of no more than 25 °C. The shelf life of dried fruits is 2 years.

Goji berries, mistakenly called barberries, have many positive effects on the body. But you shouldn’t expect rapid weight loss in a few weeks, but the fruits are quite capable of strengthening the immune system, improving the functioning of internal organs, and making the skin healthy and radiant. Application options: add berries to your favorite dishes, prepare smoothies or tinctures. For those who do not want to waste time on homemade recipes, high-quality supplements with dry berries and goji extract are available.

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Goji berries, how to take for weight loss: recipe and recommendations

If there are no contraindications, you can include Goji berries in your diet, but many do not know how to use them correctly. In order to lose weight and generally improve the health of the body, dried berries should be eaten in small quantities, combined with other products, which will bring not only benefits, but also taste pleasures. It is worth considering that no more than 30 g of fruits are allowed per day.

There are a large number of options and recipes for using berries, which allows you to choose the most comfortable and tasty one for yourself. For example, Goji can be combined with vegetables and fruits, making smoothies from them, or included in salads, porridges or even meat dishes. The berries have a pleasant sourness, which makes it possible to combine them with both fruits and meat.