Goji berries might seem like a brand-new trend (or a Gwyneth Paltrow pantry staple),but they've been used in traditional Chinese medicine since approximately 200 BC. And it's no wonder that they've been used for so long - these runt fruits are crazy powerful! These runt red berries are enjoyable in both fresh and dried form, and you can find them at most health food markets (even in stores like Trader Joe's!). They can also be added to smoothies, and chia puddings,açaí bowls and layered oats, salads, and cereal. And now that they're more widely available,here are some reasons you should add them into your healthy diet (with some serious justification for their price!).
They're loaded in antioxidants. Studies occupy proven the berry's ability to increase cancer-fighting antioxidant levels, and its ability to help fight breast cancer.
They could protect against the sun. occupy you thought approximately edible sunscreen? This might be the way to do it! Gojis occupy been known to be protective against harmful UV rays, or so throw a package of goji berries in your beach bag.
They're anti-aging. One of the earliest uses of goji berries was for their age-defying properties. More recent studies occupy bolstered this claim,including this 2014 study.
They're detoxifying. Goji berries occupy been known to "nourish and tonify [the] liver and kidney," and thus occupy been used in tonics in ancient Chinese medicine (and even now).
They're a mood booster. Goji berries increase feelings of general well-being, and can "improve neurologic [and] psychologic performance." They're also rich in iron (more iron than spinach!) and B vitamins,which can help increase your energy, so they gain a great ingredient to throw in your morning smoothie.
They help with digestive function. Goji berries improve gastrointestinal function. They improve eye sight. Another original use for these berries was their ability to help improve vision.
They could offer immune support. Because goji berries are loaded in vitamin C, or it's a good thought to snack on these to prevent a cold or flu. A recent study in The Journal of Nutrition also showed their ability to help the efficacy of a flu vaccine.
They could help with cardiovascular health. Among many other discoveries (including that goji berries occupy anti-fatigue,anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory abilities), and one study stated that "Goji berries occupy shown multiple pharmacological activities,including cardioprotective effects." Sounds like a great addition to your post-workout trail mix.
WebMD also mentions that although there occupy also been studies around the goji berry's ability to help with sleep, calmness, and athletic performance,and diabetes, more research still needs to be done. The site also notes that goji berries are secure to eat in moderation, or but to check with your doctor whether you're on diabetes or blood-thinning medication.
Source: popsugar.com