Goji berries are famous for being a healthy snack, so much so that some even consider them a superfood. Is this true or is it a myth? Unfortunately, these fruits are not a miracle cure. However, a recent study reveals a very interesting benefit.
Goji berries have recently become popular in Italy. But in Asia they have been known as a natural remedy for centuries, especially in traditional Chinese medicine. These berries are actually the fruit of two shrubs of Tibetan origin, the lycium chinense and the lycium barbarum.
The fruits can be eaten fresh, but it is much easier to find them commercially in dried form. Goji berries can be enjoyed along with a trail mix for an energetic and healthy snack. Or at breakfast, for example, as a complement to the with . Or also, as an unusual ingredient in a mixed salad. In any case, we must avoid cooking them if we want to fully enjoy their healthy properties.
All the health benefits
It often happens that the benefits of the so-called “” are exaggerated. For example, the famous glass of water and lemon in the morning would not be as beneficial as many believe. The same could be said for goji berries. In fact, these fruits are credited with a role in losing weight and preventing diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other conditions. But human studies have yet to confirm any of these properties. However, we know that goji berries contain some substances that are said to be beneficial for the body.
Goji berries are a good source of fiber. They also provide interesting amounts of micronutrients, such as vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), iron, sodium, calcium and potassium. An impressive 8047 µg of vitamin A can be found in 100g of goji berries. This means that one serving of berries easily exceeds the recommended daily requirement for vitamin A. This could have beneficial effects on eye health, a recent study suggests US.
What a new study reveals about goji berries
Since time immemorial, goji berries have been known as a natural remedy to protect eyesight. Now a study seems to confirm this property. Researchers at the University of California-Davis conducted a new study on goji berries and found that eating 28 g (a handful) of these berries five days a week would help increase the density of lutein and zeaxanthin in the eyes. These two pigments act like a sunscreen for the eyes, filtering out blue light. In addition, they provide antioxidant protection.
The researchers therefore suggest that regular consumption of dried goji berries could help prevent the development of age-related macular degeneration. It is one of the most serious diseases that affect the eye and is responsible for most cases of vision loss in the elderly. The research results, published in January in the journal Nutrients, are certainly surprising and encouraging. But scientists caution that more studies are needed to confirm these benefits of goji berries.
In the meantime, remember that regular fruits and vegetables are also a good source of important micronutrients. For example, a salad that is easy to grow on the balcony is rich in vitamin C and A.