What Are The Benefits Of Goji Berries?

Goji berries are small, reddish berries that are grown in China. According to Drugs.com, goji berries have been used by the Chinese to treat a variety of illnesses and health problems for approximately 2,300 years, and are reputed for having many health benefits. Goji berries and goji berry juice can be purchased online and in most health food stores. These berries should not be used to replace medical treatment. Consult with your doctor before integrating goji berries into your daily diet.

Emotional Benefits

Add goji berries to your diet to reduce stress and promote a more relaxed state of mind. According to Dr. Lindsey Duncan, author for Genesistoday.com, goji berries ease anxiety, facilitate a better nights sleep, promote a more positive outlook on life and help the body respond better to physical and mental stress. Individuals participating in a clinical study on the benefits of goji berries reported an enhanced sense of well-being and more restful sleep during the 15 day testing period, according to H. Amagase, lead author of "A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study of the General Effects of a Standardized Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Juice, GoChi."

Consult with your doctor if you have chronic anxiety or insomnia. Adding goji berries to your diet should not replace medical care for emotional or sleep disorders.

Cholesterol

Use goji berries to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. According to Dr. Duncan, adding goji berries to your diet may lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease and can also lead to high blood pressure, gallstones and cancer, writes Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, authors of Prescription for Nutritional Healing."

Consult with a health care professional if you have a history of high cholesterol. Adding goji berries to you diet to lower your cholesterol levels should not be attempted without the supervision of a physician.

Diabetes

Eating goji berries is reputed to help support healthy blood sugar levels. Chinese physicians recommend goji berries for adults with Type 2 diabetes to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and to regulate the body's response to insulin, writes Dr. Duncan.

If you have a history of diabetes, or have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, talk to your doctor before adding goji berries to your diet. Goji berries should not be used to regulate blood sugar levels, or to replace any current medications or dietary restrictions, without supervision from a health care professional.