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GOJI BERRY

Goji Berry, known in Chinese as “Gou Qi” (枸杞), is a vibrant red berry that has been treasured in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Revered as a powerful rejuvenating herb, goji berries have long been valued for their wide range of health-promoting properties and are commonly used as a nourishing ingredient in many traditional Chinese dishes.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), goji berries possess a neutral nature and are believed to nourish the blood, support kidney function, and promote eye health. They are traditionally used to help increase vitality and are often recommended for individuals experiencing fatigue, low energy, dizziness, blurred vision, lower back and knee discomfort, chronic cough, anemia, or weakened liver and kidney function.

Benefits of Goji Berry

Goji berry is officially included in The Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, the official reference for Traditional Chinese Medicine published by the Chinese health authorities. It has long been recognized for its broad range of traditional health benefits and is widely used to support overall wellness and various aspects of health.

Eye Health Support

Goji berries contain several highly beneficial bioactive compounds that support eye health through the following mechanisms:

Beta-Carotene & Vitamin A

Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, which plays an essential role in maintaining healthy vision. It helps support normal eyesight, particularly in low-light conditions, and is traditionally associated with the prevention of night blindness. A deficiency in vitamin A may lead to difficulty seeing at night or in dim light, dry eyes, and damage to the surface of the eye, including the cornea. In severe cases, prolonged vitamin A deficiency can result in vision loss or blindness.

A study found that participants who received beta-carotene supplementation for eight days showed improved visual adaptation in low-light conditions and faster recovery of vision after exposure to bright light.
A study conducted in Italy found that participants who consumed 50 mg of beta-carotene daily experienced up to a twofold improvement in visual adaptation speed.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein

As a carotenoid, it helps filter harmful blue light, supporting normal vision and protecting the eyes from light-induced damage. It also helps protect the eye lens and retina from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, contributing to long-term eye health.

Strengthens the Immune System

Beta-glucans (a group of polysaccharides) naturally found in goji berries help support immune function by enhancing the activity of T and B lymphocytes, two key types of white blood cells involved in the body’s immune response. They have also been traditionally associated with supporting healthy immune balance and protecting blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

In one study, participants who received beta-carotene supplementation for three weeks demonstrated a 33% improvement in immune function, as indicated by an increase in T-cell levels.

Supports Overall Body Function

Goji berries contain 21 essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and copper. Providing the body with these important nutrients helps support the normal function of various body systems, contributing to overall health, vitality, and reduced fatigue.

Goji berries also contain betaine, a naturally occurring compound involved in the body’s metabolic processes. Betaine contributes to the production of choline, an essential nutrient that supports normal nervous system function and brain health. As a result, goji berries are often affectionately referred to as the “Happy Berry” for their traditional association with promoting a positive mood and an overall sense of well-being.

Rich in Antioxidants

Every day, our bodies are exposed to free radicals generated by normal oxygen metabolism as well as external factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, UV radiation, stress, and environmental pollutants. These free radicals can trigger chain reactions that damage cellular molecules, contributing to oxidative stress and the development of various health conditions.

According to research by Dr. Earl Mindell, goji berries have an exceptionally high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of approximately 25,300, compared with prunes, which have an ORAC value of about 5,700. This remarkable antioxidant capacity is attributed to the wide variety of antioxidant compounds naturally found in goji berries, including vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, flavonoids, and beta-carotene. Together, these compounds help neutralize free radicals and quench singlet oxygen, a highly reactive form of oxygen that contributes to oxidative stress.

May Help Suppress Cancer Cell Growth

In addition to its antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from oxidative stress associated with free radical damage, goji berry has been investigated for its potential role in cancer research. Experimental and preclinical studies have reported the following findings regarding the bioactive compounds found in goji berries:

Beta-carotene may help support immune function by promoting the activity of T-helper cells, which play a key role in the body’s defense against foreign substances. This immune-supporting effect may be beneficial for individuals with increased health risks.
A study conducted in China has suggested that goji berries may have potential anti-cancer effects and may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laboratory studies.
A study reported in a Chinese medical journal in 1994 indicated that patients with cancer showed improved responses when goji berry was used as part of an adjunct treatment alongside conventional therapy.
A study conducted by the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that among a cohort of 5,004 women, those with higher beta-carotene levels (above 50%) had a lower incidence of breast cancer compared with those with lower beta-carotene levels.
A study involving 5,004 female participants found that those with higher beta-carotene levels (over 50%) had a lower incidence of breast cancer compared to those with lower levels of beta-carotene. In addition, experimental findings reported that the growth of colon cancer cells was reduced by 44% after supplementation with 30 mg of beta-carotene for two weeks in laboratory conditions.

May help support healthy blood pressure, support healthy blood lipid levels, and promote cardiovascular health.

Goji berries contain several key bioactive compounds that work synergistically in a comprehensive and integrated way, as follows:

Heparin: helps prevent blood clot formation (anticoagulant effect)
Beta-sitosterol: helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, including supporting normal HDL (“good cholesterol”) levels
Flavonoids: help support healthy blood vessel function, promote normal blood flow, and may help reduce lipid oxidation that can affect blood viscosity
Beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, and flavonoids are antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and support vascular health by reducing oxidative stress associated with blood vessel damage and plaque formation.