Goji berry
Possible benefits of the goji berry:
- Creates serotonin
- Protects the eyes
- Provides immune system support
- Protects against cancer
- Promotes healthy skin
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Improves depression, anxiety, and sleep
- Prevents liver damage
Agricultural origin: China
Allergens
- Wheat: possible cross contamination
- Gluten: possible cross contamination
- Egg: absent
- Milk: absent
- Nuts: possible cross contamination
Nutritional values ( per 100 gram from supplier )
- Energy: 1478 Kj / 349 Kcal
- Fat: 3.2 g / of which saturated: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 67.7 g / of which sugar: 51.4 g
- Fibers: 6.8 g
- Protein: 11.9 g
- Salt: 0 g
Creates serotonin
Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide variety of functions in the human body. It is sometimes called the happy chemical, because it contributes to wellbeing and happiness. The scientific name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT. It is mainly found in the brain, bowels, and blood platelets. Serotonin is used to transmit messages between nerve cells, it is thought to be active in constricting smooth muscles, and it contributes to wellbeing and happiness, among other things. As the precursor for melatonin, it helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycles and the internal clock. It is thought to play a role in appetite, the emotions, and motor, cognitive, and autonomic functions. However, it is not known exactly if serotonin affects these directly, or if it has an overall role in co-ordinating the nervous system. It appears to play a key role in maintaining mood balance. Low serotonin levels have been linked to depression.
Protects the eyes
Studies have found that goji berries may help reduce the risk of glaucoma. Goji berries are believed to protect against age-related eye diseases. Goji berries can help vision because they contain high levels of healthy antioxidants, especially zeaxanthin. The same antioxidants can also stop damage from: UV light free radicals oxidative stress. One study reported in the American Academy of Optometry’s journal Optometry and Vision Science found that seniors who drank goji berry juice for 90 days increased zeaxanthin and other antioxidant levels significantly. A second study reported in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy shows goji berries protect the retina from the ganglion cells responsible for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss.
Provides immune system support
Goji berries contain healthy antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their immune-boosting qualities and their ability to fight harmful free radicals and inflammation. Goji berries contain large amounts of vitamins A and C, similarly to other berries, including blueberries and raspberries. Vitamins A and C are vital for building immunity and preventing illnesses, ranging from the common cold to cancer.
Protects against cancer
High levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, are responsible for fighting cancer cells. Antioxidants slow tumor growth, reduce inflammation, and help to remove harmful substances from the body. Research on mice, reported in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy, finds goji berries may inhibit tumor growth and boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Promotes healthy skin
Goji berries contain beta-carotene, which is an essential plant phytochemical. Beta-carotene is known for its ability to promote healthy skin. Beta-carotene is an ingredient used in skin creams to: improve skin health, reduce skin irritation, manage the effects of the sun and manage the impact of aging.
Stabilizes blood sugar
Goji berries may be helpful in controlling the release of sugar into the blood. Research from 2015 shows that goji berries balance insulin and glucose levels in the blood. The same study linked goji berries to increased HDL levels in people with type 2 diabetes. HDL is known as good cholesterol.
Improves depression, anxiety, and sleep
Goji berries may help to improve mood and quality of sleep. Research from 2016 shows goji berries can improve depression and anxiety-like behaviors.
Prevents liver damage
Goji berries have been used to treat liver disease in traditional Chinese medicine. Research on animal models indicates goji berries can help with managing liver health and preventing the progression of alcohol-induced fatty liver disease. Research on human liver cancer cells has also found the goji berry can inhibit tumor growth.
Source reference
We have consulted scientific studies to substantiate additional information. You can find the source here:
