Goji berries are a rich source of antioxidants. According to the Goji Juices website, goji berries contain more of the antioxidant beta-carotene than carrots. Goji berries may have around 500 times the amount of the antioxidant vitamin C than oranges in addition to containing the antioxidant vitamin E. An article on the UK's Health Report website indicates that these berries also have the antioxidant selenium and a Natural News article indicates that goji berries contain the antioxidant lutein.
Beta-Carotene
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus online database, beta-carotene and other carotenoids are considered "pro-vitamins," which are substances that your body can use to make vitamins. Your body converts carotenoids like beta-carotene into vitamin A or retinol and retinoic acid. A study published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" indicates that beta-carotene and other antioxidants in foods may suppress the activity of free radicals, which may reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, the Vitamin Stuff website suggests that beta-carotene is a strong anti-aging antioxidant.
Vitamin C
The Office of Dietary Supplements online database suggests that vitamin C can improve nitric oxide production and vasodilation to help improve circulation. Additionally, vitamin C helps your body prevent plaque build-up and the arterial instability that occurs with atherosclerosis. It can also help protect people exposed to cold environments or extreme physical fitness regimens by enhancing immune system functioning.
Vitamin E
The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health suggests that vitamin E is associated with lower rates of heart disease and lower mortality rates. Additionally, vitamin E may block the formation of carcinogens in the stomach, while long-term intake may reduce the risk of death from bladder cancer. Vitamin E may also help reduce the risk or slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, as well as reduce the risk of cataract formation.
Selenium
The Antioxidant Guide website suggests that selenium may reduce the risk of cancer by signalling self-destruct mechanisms in cancer cells. Free radical molecules oxidize substances. Oxidized substances may contribute to cancer formation and growth, but selenium may help regenerate healthy vitamin C or ascorbic acid from oxidized forms of ascorbic acid.
Lutein
Lutein is, like beta-carotene, a member of the caratenoids, which your body can use to synthesize vitamin A or retinol and retinoic acid. Lutein is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect plants from toxic ultra-violet radiation and oxygen as well as the primary nutrient located in the central part of the retina of your eyes. Lutein may help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration, or from developing cataracts, because lutein deficiency may increase the risk of developing cataracts.
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