Goji berries, which appear throughout Chinese history as a medicinal plant, are among the world's superfoods, according to David Wolfe in his book "Superfoods." Goji berries are deep red and about the same size as a raisin. They taste like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry, with a slightly herb-like aftertaste, Wolfe notes. Consult your physician before using goji berries or juice as a supplement.
History
Throughout history, goji berries were commonly used to make tea, soup and wine, and dried similar to raisins. In the Chinese culture, goji berries are viewed as a tonic adaptogen food, which means it helps normalize the body in response to stress, Deborah Klein says in her book "The 200 Superfoods That Will Save Your Life." Folk medicinal reasons for using goji include improving eyesight, circulation, sexual function, fertility and longevity, Klein says.
N-Caffeoyldopamine and N-Couraroyldopamine
N-caffeoyldopamine and N-Couraroyldopamine were discovered in goji berries by Dr. Jae Park in 2006, Wolfe says. These are plant compounds that inhibit blood clotting, which can help reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. It is believed these compounds function by suppressing the adhesive molecule P-selectin that glues platelets to white blood cells and blood vessel walls. Further research is needed to conclusively illustrate the effectiveness of these compounds.
Carotenoids
Goji berries are rich in carotenoids, which are natural fat-soluble antioxidants. The two key carotenoids in goji berries are zeaxanthin and lutein, which help to protect your eyes from free radical damage. Zeaxanthin and lutein can repair eye damage and also protect against further degradation, Stephanie Gailing says in her book, "Planet Apothecary." Also, goji berries contain more beta-carotene than carrots. Beta-carotene is an essential nutrient that helps to decrease symptoms of exercise-induced asthma, heart disease, cataracts, certain types of cancer, depression, high blood pressure and psoriasis, among others, MedlinePlus says.
Additional Nutrients
Goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges and more iron than steak. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is necessary for the growth and repair of bodily tissues, as well as in the production of collagen -- the protein used to create blood vessels, skin, tendons and scar tissue. Vitamin C can also prevent the early onset of aging and may prevent the development of health conditions such as cancer, arthritis and heart disease. Iron helps your body make proteins required for red blood cells and healthy muscles.
Goji berries are also an excellent source of the protein-building amino acids leucine, tryptophan arginine and isolecuine; the vitamins B1, B2 and B3, which help enhance metabolism and immunity, as well as maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, and even lower your risk of pancreatic cancer; selenium and zinc, the antioxidant minerals that boost immunity; betaine, a compound that can reduce your risk of fatty liver disease and heart disease; beta-sitosterol, which can help reduce cholesterol levels; and gamma-linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that plays an important role in brain function. Wolfe recommends eating a handful of goji berries a day to benefit from the nutrition they offer.
References
- "Superfoods"; David Wolfe; 2009
- "The 200 Superfoods That Will Save Your Life"; Deborah Klein; 2009
- "The Sexual Herbal"; Brigitte Mars; 2010
- MedlinePlus: Beta-Carotene
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin C
- MedlinePlus: Selenium in Diet
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