What Is Goji Berry?

The Goji Berry is also known as wolfberry or lycium fruit. It is grown in the Himalayan regions of Tibet and China and dried before consumption.

Goji berries contain, weight for weight, more: vitamin C than oranges, beta-carotene than carrots and iron than steak. They are a good source of B vitamins and are packed full of anti-oxidants rating high on the ORAC scale for fruits (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, which measures the antioxidant level in foods).

Goji Berry supplements unlike juices, are not full of sugar, they have a long shelf life and you can take them anywhere. Dried goji berries are an "acquired" taste, so to consume in an oral preparation form eliminates this issue.

What Is Goji Berry Used For?

Goji berries contain high levels of omega oils and polysaccharides and are the second richest natural source of Vitamin C in all known common foods. Goji berries contain 19 amino acids, which which have been found to be used by the body as building blocks for protein. The active ingredients within goji berries are believed to have general health-related and antioxidant benefits. A preparation high in antioxidants and nutrients which may help to maintain healthy immune and cardiovascular system. May help to maintain healthy vision.

Key Benefits?

May help as an antioxidant
May help the immune system
Thought to help to maintain healthy vision

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Goji Berry Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Goji Berries?
Goji berries, which are also known as wolfberries, are a type of naturally grown red berry in the boxthorn family of plants. Two main types of goji berries are well known: lycium barbarum and L. chinense.

What Conditions Do Goji Berries Treat?
Goji berries are known for their health benefits in China and are part of traditional Chinese medicine. The berries are often used to treat diabetes, fevers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and age-related eye problems. It is also used to help speed up the metabolism and promote weight loss when coupled with exercise and a healthy diet. Tonics made with goji berries are often used topically on the skin to help sooth burns, ulcers, bedsores or frostbite. As a healthy berry that is full of nutrients, phyto-nutrients and bio flavinoids, goji berries can help prevent cancer, treat hepatitis, lower stress levels and fights bacteria and fungus.

What Are the Uses of Goji Berries?
Goji berries are primarily used for the health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries treat numerous health problems from dizziness to fevers to high blood pressure. Though it is often used for treatment, goji berries are a fruit. As such, some eat dried goji berries as a snack or drink the juice. Beyond snacking and medicinal use, goji berries are also noted for their anti-aging properties. The antioxidants help maintain collagen in the skin, which results in young and healthier skin. Since goji berries are highly nutritious and have immune boosting vitamins, the berries are also used to improve the immune system.

What Are the Available Forms of Goji Berries?
Goji berries are available as a drink, dried fruit, fresh fruit and dietary supplement capsule. Consumers who want to drink goji berry juice should always look at the percentage of fruit juice and other ingredients before buying. Some juices might not have much juice in them. Traditional Chinese medicine also makes a tonic out of the berries.

What Dosage of Goji Berries is Appropriate?
The appropriate dosage of goji berries depends on the form. In general, around 150 grams of fresh fruit, 30 grams of dried berries, 60 ml of a high quality goji berry juice or one to two supplementary capsules is appropriate for the day. Since goji berries are a fruit, eating more than the amounts listed will not harm the body.

How Do I Store Goji Berries?
Fresh goji berries or goji berry juice is best stored in the refrigerator. Like any fruit, fresh goji berries will remain fresh for about a week in the fridge. Dried goji berries or goji berry supplements do not require refrigeration and it is appropriate to store the supplements or dried berries in the cabinets of your kitchen. Dried berries have a shelf-life of about one year and supplements have an expiration date written on the bottle.

Are There Safety Concerns Associated with Goji Berries?
While goji berries have numerous health benefits, consumers should note the potential safety concerns. The main concern associated with goji berries is allergies. Anyone who is allergic to pollen should have an allergy test before taking goji supplements or eating the berries. Another concern relates to the effect of lowering blood pressure and blood sugar. While it is uncommon, goji berries might bring blood pressure levels or blood sugar levels to dangerously low numbers if you eat too much or already have low blood pressure or blood sugar.

Do Goji Berries Interact with Medications?
Yes. Like many herbal supplements, goji berries will sometimes interact with medications. Anyone who is taking a blood thinning medication should avoid goji berries. Those who take diabetes medication or blood pressure medication should discuss goji berries with their doctor. If you are unsure whether the berries might interact with your medication, talk to a doctor beforehand.

How to Determine if the Berries are Bad?
Like most berries, goji berries will have mold growth or a bad taste when they go bad. Dried berries or supplements will have an expiration date on the package for consumer safety.

Where Can I Buy Goji Berries?
Dried goji berries, supplements or goji berry juice is available in many health stores, stores that sell
supplements or online. Fresh goji berries are often difficult to find. The most likely place to find fresh goji berries is a Chinese market or store.