Anti-aging & Nutritional Value Of Goji Berries

Goji berries, also known as wolfberry, have been used in Asian countries for 2,500 years as a herbal medicine and food with a number of health benefits. In recent years goji berries and goji juice have gained popularity in North America for their health benefits, such as the possibility of anti-aging properties.

Nutritional Information

Goji berries contain 110 calories per 30 g serving. This serving contains 25 g of carbohydrates, and 5 g of these are dietary fiber and 15 g are sugars. Your body uses carbohydrates as a source of energy for all bodily functions. The daily recommended carbohydrate intake is 130 g. Goji berries contain 4 g of protein and 1 g of fat per serving. Fat and protein have a number of roles in the body including acting as building blocks for your cells. The daily recommended protein intake is 46 g or women and 56 g for men. The daily recommended fat intake is 25 percent of your caloric intake -- approximately 46 g.

Antioxidant Properties

Goji berries are some of the highest antioxidant-containing foods in the worlds, reports David Wolfe, Master of Nutrition, in his book, "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future." Antioxidants help protect your body against free radicals. Free radicals are electrically charged molecules that cause damage to your cells on a cellular level, which contribute to signs of aging.

Research

Consuming goji berries for 14 days may result in increased feelings of general well-being. Some people consuming goji berries reported increased energy levels, athletic performance, quality of sleep, ease of awakening, ability to focus on activities, mental acuity, calmness and feelings of health, contentment, and happiness as compared to those taking placebo, reports a double-blind study of the effects of goji berry published in the May 2008 issue of "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine."

Human Growth Hormone

As you age, you produce less Human Growth Hormone. Decreasing levels of this hormone is linked to signs of aging. Gogi berries are the only food known to stimulate your body to naturally produce human growth hormone, states, David Wolfe. However, more evidence is needed to support if human growth hormone can help otherwise healthy adults regain youth and vitality, according to MayoClinic.com.