Goji berries are especially popular with followers of a healthy lifestyle. This product appeared in our pharmacies and supermarkets not so long ago, but has already acquired an almost cult status. Marketers attribute to it various extraordinary effects, they call it almost a panacea, but their statements are not supported by any serious scientific research.
In Russia, this product is promoted as a unique slimming product. Let's figure out what these berries are, and what effect they actually have on the body.
General information
Goji berries are the fruit of the plant of the same name belonging to the Solanaceae family, the genus Dereza (Lycium). Other names are Chinese wolfberry, Berber or common wolfberry, Duke Argyll tea tree. Interestingly, on the market, the plant is often credited with the names Tibetan and Himalayan goji, although the berries have no real connection with these regions.
The name "wolf berries" is a collective name, not all fruits from this category have a toxic effect on the body. In particular, the berries of Dereza vulgaris do not contain toxic substances. It is them that are sold to people who are eager to acquire health and longevity.
In ancient Chinese medicine, thousands of different plants were used. The ancient healers did not ignore the fruits of the wolfberry. They were used to get rid of problems with the liver and kidneys, they were used to treat joint diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, they were used as a strengthening and tonic agent.
In China, these berries have been known for a long time, but the rest of the world got acquainted with them only in the early 2000s. The aggressive marketing policies of the companies promoting this product in the market have led to a rapid increase in the popularity of goji. They were recommended for getting rid of excess weight, fighting oncology, they were offered to strengthen the immune system with their help.
The fashion for the use of these berries originated in America and Western Europe. Quite quickly, their words reached Russia. This could not fail to attract the attention of doctors who began to study their properties. Some claims of marketers have been refuted or questioned, as they turned out to be unfounded - they were not backed by the results of extensive clinical trials.
Berry advertising is based only on data from preliminary laboratory studies. Therefore, you should not completely trust the assurances of advertisers. However, you can try these berries in action, it was not for nothing that ancient Chinese doctors used them as an effective means to raise the tone and strengthen the body's defenses.
Composition and properties
The fruits of the common wolfberry contain useful compounds and elements. The composition contains 18 amino acids, among which there are irreplaceable ones (that is, those that the body cannot synthesize on its own and receives only from the outside).
Functions of amino acids:
- participate in the synthesis of complex protein molecules;
- supply additional energy to muscle fibers when they are subjected to serious stress;
- promote the conduction of nerve impulses;
- activate metabolism;
- promote the assimilation of nutrients from food.
Vitamins
Goji are rich in the following vitamins:
- E - one of the most powerful antioxidants, reduces the content of harmful cholesterol, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- B1 is a vital substance for the stable functioning of the brain;
- B2 - strengthens the body's defenses, supports the correct functioning of the reproductive system, is necessary for the health of the skin and hair;
- B6 - reduces the concentration of "bad" cholesterol, is necessary for metabolic reactions, assimilation of sugars by nerve cells;
- B12 - supports hematopoietic function, strengthens the immune system, tones up, is necessary for normalizing body weight;
- C - used by the liver to utilize harmful substances, it is necessary for strong immunity.
Minerals in goji berries
Also, the fruits contain minerals.
Iron
The most important trace element necessary for the production of hemoglobin - a substance that provides oxygen transport in the body. Participates in the synthesis of some enzymes.
Magnesium
Acts as a cofactor of many enzymatic reactions in the body. Maintains normal pressure in blood vessels, ensures stable functioning of the central nervous system and heart.
Calcium
It is a part of bone structures, giving them density and strength. Provides the contractile ability of muscles, which include the main muscle of the body - the myocardium.
In addition, calcium ensures uninterrupted passage of impulses along the nerve fiber.
Sodium and potassium
These macronutrients perform the following functions in the body:
- maintain acid-base and water balance;
- maintain normal blood osmotic potential;
- provide better penetration of various essential substances through cell membranes;
- they activate many important enzymes.
Manganese
The body needs this element for metabolic processes, the construction of protein molecules. It is part of many essential enzymes, and for others it acts as an activator.
Copper
It is necessary for the body for the implementation of metabolic processes, the formation of enzymes. The element takes an active part in the synthesis of hemoglobin and the formation of red blood cells. Copper is important for bones and joints, it has a beneficial effect on the condition of the vascular walls.
Zinc
This mineral is essential for maintaining a healthy male reproductive system and stable sexual function. Participates in the formation of enzymes, activates the proliferative function of cells, participates in the process of hematopoiesis.
It also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, saccharides, carotenoids, phytosterols and phenols.
The effect of goji berries on the body: benefits and harms
Goji berry proponents claim that they have many healing effects. Among them:
- reducing the content of "bad" cholesterol, normalizing blood pressure (this effect is due to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins E, C, B6, magnesium and various types of polysaccharides);
- lowering blood sugar, preventing non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus;
- reducing the risk of cancer;
- normalization of the functioning of the reproductive system and sexual function;
- decrease in body weight;
- normalization of sleep;
- prevention of eye diseases;
- improving the work of the cardiovascular system;
- strengthening immunity, increasing the body's resistance to the action of adverse factors and infectious agents;
- normalization of the function of hematopoiesis, stabilization of the blood composition;
- support for liver and kidney function;
- strengthening of the musculoskeletal system;
- activation of the conduction of nerve fibers and a general improvement in the functionality of the nervous system.
In addition to its beneficial effects, goji berries can be harmful. Exceeding the recommended dosages can lead to the development of negative effects from various organs and systems. Allergy sufferers should be very careful, since goji are quite strong allergens.
When taking berries, the following side reactions may occur:
- vomiting;
- cephalalgia;
- increased blood pressure readings;
- respiratory and skin allergic reactions (rashes and itching, allergic rhinitis, difficulty breathing);
- sleep disorders;
- indigestion, diarrhea.
If you have any undesirable reactions, you must immediately turn away from taking goji. When nausea, severe headaches and abdominal pains appear, it is recommended to rinse the stomach, take a sorbent.
With the development of allergic reactions, you should drink an antihistamine. If there is significant difficulty in breathing, anaphylaxis or Quincke's edema develops, it is necessary to urgently call a doctor.
If symptoms persist for a long time after refusing to take berries, you should definitely consult a doctor and get tested.
Indications for use
Long-term and extensive research on the medicinal and prophylactic properties of goji berries has not yet been carried out.
However, practice shows that their use can be recommended for people with the following problems:
- anemia;
- reduced immunity;
- atherosclerosis;
- deterioration of vision;
- liver pathology;
- kidney disease;
- diabetes;
- diseases of the reproductive system in men, problems with potency;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- frequent headaches, dizziness;
- hypertension;
- being in a state of constant stress;
- serious emotional, intellectual or physical stress;
- constipation.
Some "experts" even recommend taking berries to people suffering from cancer in order to suppress the growth of neoplasms, as well as reduce negative side effects during treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, it is clear to any sane person that these diseases cannot be cured by taking goji berries. No official scientific research has been conducted on their effect on the body.
If any pathologies occur, you must consult a doctor, follow his recommendations and be treated with prescribed drugs. Goji berries should be considered solely as a method of alternative treatment, used as an addition to the main therapy.
Contraindications
Before using these berries for medicinal or prophylactic purposes, you should make sure that this method does not harm the body.
Contraindications for admission:
- the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding (on the one hand, goji can strengthen the immune system, providing the mother and fetus with many essential nutrients, and on the other, they contain selenium, which can have an inhibitory effect on the growth and development of the child);
- taking certain medications that affect blood viscosity (Aspirin, Warfarin and others);
- tendency to diarrhea, digestive disorders;
- allergic reactions to red foods.
It is not recommended to introduce goji berries into the diet for children.
People suffering from cancer should also not take these berries uncontrollably. The growth of malignant tumors is a complex process that has a negative impact on all body systems. It is accompanied by serious shifts in the functioning of the immune system, and in the treatment, potent drugs are used that have a pronounced immunosuppressive effect. Fruits increase immunity, that is, their effect is opposite to the work of anticancer drugs. Therefore, people who have been diagnosed with oncology should definitely consult with their doctor before taking these berries.
How to take goji berries correctly?
On our counters, goji can most often be found in dried form, although there are other forms of release (juice, canned food, jelly). You can take them in various ways: just eat it with water, add to various dishes and drinks, brew like tea.
Before proceeding with the healing of the body with the help of goji berries, we recommend that you first consult a specialist (it is best to consult your doctor). On average, it is recommended to take daily from 20 to 40 g of dry berries.
Long-term use is not recommended. It is recommended to consume berries in a course of 10 days.
Do berries help you lose weight?
Despite the fact that goji berries were promoted on the market precisely as a product for getting rid of extra pounds, in reality such an effect is unattainable. Berries alone are not able to normalize weight. People who want to easily get rid of excess mass may not expect the amazing effect promised by advertising. Without dietary restrictions and physical activity, goji berries will not reduce weight. They can be taken as an additional tool for those who are seriously involved in losing weight.
The components of these berries have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes, increase the tone of the body, normalize digestion, therefore, as part of an integrated approach, they can contribute to weight loss.
Do berries work against the flu?
Not so long ago, American scientists set out to study the ability of goji berries to increase the body's immune defenses. Research has so far been carried out only on animals. The group of mice that constantly had these berries in their diets showed a higher resistance to viruses and influenza and other infectious agents. The animals showed a generally higher immunity than their counterparts who were not given goji. If they got sick, the infection was milder, the symptoms were less intense, and the recovery was much faster. What exactly the substances that make up the composition provide such an effect has not yet been established.
Outcome
In conclusion, we can say that natural and high-quality goji berries can be recommended to people leading a healthy lifestyle to strengthen immune defenses and increase overall tone, but you should not expect miraculous healings or rapid weight loss from them.
