Goji Berry Health Benefits

Before understanding goji berry health benefits, we should start from the beginning.

Grown on a shrub that is indigenous to China, goji berries have been by traditional Chinese healers for a vast array of health issues. These Chinese healers use goji extracts, tinctures, and goji berry juice to treat their patients.

The traditional Chinese healers used goji berries to treat many different health conditions they felt goji berries supported.

Western medicine is now conducting various studies to show the health benefits of goji berry. These studies are ongoing and continue to show promise and proof of what the Chinese already knew about goji berry, and that it works to improve your health.*

The history of goji berry dates back more than 2000 years. Traditional Chinese healers have been using goji berry to help boost immune system response, improve blood circulation, support healthy eyesight and it has even been used to support healthy male fertility.*

In addition to these believed health benefits, the Chinese healers used goji berries to increase longevity and protect the liver, help treat various forms of body pain, such as back pain, and goji has been used to treat dizziness, eliminate chronic coughing and help with dry skin.*

Today the uses of goji berry continue as well as they have expanded to treat other health concerns.

Currently, individuals are taking goji berries to help treat eye conditions such as macular generation, high cholesterol, and sexual dysfunction. Goji berry also shows promise in helping to treat the effects of dementia and it is still used today to protect and the liver.*

Goji berries contain the active substances polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, and cerebrosides, which are responsible for goji berry health benefits.

The polysaccharides in goji berries, specifically lyceum barbarum polysaccharide, have potential cancer-fighting powers. The polysaccharides are also responsible for goji berry’s antioxidant effects and actions in reducing blood sugar levels, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. In addition to this, they also help to combat fatigue and boost immune system function.

The beta-sitosterol component in goji berries also helps to support healthy cholesterol levels by inhibiting absorption in the stomach and intestines. The polysaccharides and cerebrosides help to protect the liver as well. Finally, goji berries also contain zeaxanthin, which helps to support healthy eye function.*

The research into goji berry health benefits is ongoing. To date, the majority of the goji research has been conducted on animals with very few research studies completed with human subjects. While the number of studies is limited to humans, animal studies have shown much promise.

With respect to the liver-protecting abilities of goji berry, a 2002 study showed that the zeaxanthin in goji berry helped to protect the liver in rats, while a 2007 study revealed that goji’s polysaccharides prevented rats from developing fatty liver.*

In 2004, a study was published that highlighted that goji berries have hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects. These can help those who suffer from diabetes and high cholesterol. A published 2005 study concluded that goji berries provided neuroprotective effects that may have the ability to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Based on all these findings as well as the new studies that are published on a frequent basis, you should always consult your family doctor before adding goji berries to your treatment for any ailment. While goji berries have proven to be very effective and have many health benefits, your doctor will know if any conflicts may occur between the medication you are currently taking and goji berry.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.