Have you been wondering about the health benefits of goji berries and goji juice? Some claim that the goji berry is a fountain of youth.

But does it really live up to those claims? And do dried goji berries have any side effects? Here are the answers to your questions.

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What is a Goji berry?

The goji berry, also called the wolfberry, is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a bush native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been consumed for generations in the hope of living longer.

Over time, people have used goji berries to treat many common health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. Referred to by some as a "superfood," Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and used in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines.

Thanks to their growing popularity, goji berries are also frequently included in supplements and superfood blends along with other fruits, herbs, and extracts.

Additionally, these berries are often found in dried or powdered form and are added to a variety of recipes.

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Potential Health Benefits

Goji berries have been linked to several potential health benefits.

1. Highly nutritious

They are a great source of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Just 5 tablespoons (28 grams) package of dried goji berries (3Trusted Source):

• Calories: 98
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Carbohydrates: 21.6 grams
• Fiber: 3.6 grams
• Sugar: 21.8 grams
• Iron: 11% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 501% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 15% of the DV

As you can see, even a small serving of this fruit is loaded with fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C.

Iron is an essential mineral involved in oxygen transport and the production of healthy red blood cells. Meanwhile, both vitamin A and C play a central role in immune function and act as antioxidants in your body.

Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals, preventing cell damage.

In fact, a test-tube study found that treating cells with goji berry extract significantly increased antioxidant levels and reduced several markers of oxidative stress.

Research suggests that increasing your intake of antioxidants reduces inflammation and protects against chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

2. Protect the eyes

Goji berries are believed to protect against age-related eye diseases.

Goji berries can help vision because they contain high levels of healthy antioxidants, especially zeaxanthin.

The same antioxidants can also stop damage from:

• ultraviolet light
• free radicals
• oxidative stress.

A study published in the journal Optometry and Vision Science of the American Academy of Optometry found that seniors who drank goji berry juice for 90 days had significantly increased levels of zeaxanthin and other antioxidants.

A second study published in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy shows that goji berries protect the retina from ganglion cells responsible for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss.

3. Provides support to the immune system.

Goji berries have long been used in traditional medicine to prevent disease and infection and improve immunity naturally.

According to a 30-day study of 60 older adults, drinking 4 ounces (120 ml) of goji berry juice per day increased immune cell levels and improved overall feelings of well-being.

In a 3-month study of 150 older adults, goji berry supplements improved immune function in response to an influenza vaccine.

Animal research supports these findings about immune health.

Still, additional studies are needed.

4. Protects against cancer

High levels of antioxidants, including vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, are responsible for fighting cancer cells. Antioxidants slow tumor growth, reduce inflammation, and help remove harmful substances from the body.

Research in mice, reported in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy, finds that goji berries can inhibit tumor growth and increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

5. Promotes healthy skin

Goji berries contain beta-carotene, which is an essential plant phytochemical. Beta carotene is known for its ability to promote healthy skin.

Beta carotene is an ingredient used in skin creams to:

• improve skin health
• reduce skin irritation
• manage the effects of the sun
• manage the impact of aging

A Trusted Source study on mice found that when they drank 5 percent goji juice, it provided them with enough antioxidants to protect against UV light damage and skin disorders.

6. Stabilizes blood sugar

Goji berries may be helpful in controlling the release of sugar in the blood. Trusted Source research from 2015 shows that goji berries balance blood glucose and insulin levels.

The same study linked goji berries to increased HDL levels in people with type 2 diabetes. HDL is known as the good cholesterol.

7. Improves depression, anxiety and sleep.

Goji berries can help improve mood and sleep quality.

Research from 2016 that was done on rats shows that goji berries can improve depression and anxiety-like behaviors.

Another Trusted Source study in the United States, with humans, also found that drinking goji berry juice could improve energy, mood, and digestive health.

In this study, healthy adult participants consumed 120 milliliters of goji berry juice daily or a placebo drink for 14 days.

They completed questionnaires to record their feelings of well-being, neurological and psychological health, musculoskeletal symptoms, and digestive and cardiovascular complaints, as well as any adverse effects of the juice each day.

The researchers took measurements to record each participant's blood pressure, body mass, weight, pulse and vision before and after the 14-day study.

The group given the goji berry juice reported improved energy, ability to concentrate, better athletic performance, mental acuity, and feelings of calm and satisfaction by day 15.

The study also showed better sleep quality in those who consumed the goji berry juice, and none experienced negative effects related to drinking the juice.

8. Prevents liver damage

Goji berries have been used to treat liver diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.

Research in animal models indicates that goji berries may help manage liver health and prevent the progression of alcohol-induced fatty liver disease.

Research on human liver cancer cells has also found that goji berry can inhibit tumor growth.

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Potential disadvantages

Most healthy adults can enjoy goji berries in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

However, these berries can trigger an allergic reaction in rare cases, especially in people who are allergic to other fruits.

Additionally, goji berries may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and medications for diabetes or high blood pressure.

Also, you should be careful if you are pregnant, as they contain betaine, a compound that can harm the health of the fetus. More research is needed to determine if goji berries are safe during pregnancy.

If you are taking medication or have underlying health problems, you may want to speak with your health care provider before adding goji berries to your diet.

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What makes goji berries so good?

Goji berries are often called superfoods because they contain chemical compounds called phytochemicals that are produced by plants. Phytochemicals in goji berries include polysaccharides, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin.

Polysaccharides are a main feature of the goji berry. These are an essential source of dietary fiber. A study with aged mice found that the polysaccharides in goji berries helped improve immune function and increase total antioxidant activity in the body.

Beta-carotene is responsible for the orange-red pigment in goji berries. Beta carotene is vital for eye health, bone health, skin health, and cell development. The amount of beta-carotene in goji berries is among the highest of any edible plant.

Zeaxanthin plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Many researchers believe that zeaxanthin may prevent macular degeneration, a progressive deterioration of vision that occurs when the central part of the retina, or the macula, deteriorates.

Add goji berries to the diet

Add goji berries to yogurt, oatmeal, or breakfast cereals.
People can buy goji berries at most health food stores and in Asian or European markets. You can easily add fresh and dried goji berries to:

• shakes
• trail mixes
• oatmeal
• yogurt
• salads
• Baked goods
• desserts
• sweet sauces

It's also easy for people to take some with them when they go out and eat them by the handful as a snack.

Goji berries are available fresh or dried and in trail mixes, superfood blends, or as a juice. Goji berries are available in supplement form at health food stores and online.

Goji berries are usually expensive. However, the health benefits may be worth the cost. Prices will also depend on whether the product is organic, natural or processed.

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Are there security concerns?

When taken by mouth: Goji fruit is Possibly Safe when taken short-term. Up to 15 grams of goji fruit daily has been used safely for up to 4 months. In rare cases, goji fruit can cause allergic reactions.

There isn't enough reliable information available to know if other parts of the goji plant are safe or what the side effects might be.
Special precautions and warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if goji is safe to use during pregnancy or breast-feeding. There is some concern that goji fruit may cause the uterus to contract. Stay on the safe side and avoid using it.

Allergy to protein in certain products: Goji can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to tobacco, peaches, tomatoes, and walnuts.

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Are there drug interactions?

Important

Do not take this combination.

Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Goji might increase how long warfarin lasts in the body. This could increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Make sure you get regular blood tests. The dose of warfarin may need to be changed.

Moderate

Be careful with this combination.

Flecainide (Tambocor)
Flecainide is used to reduce irregular heartbeats. Goji might increase flecainide levels in the body. This can increase the risk of flecainide toxicity and serious heart problems.

Medications modified by the liver (cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)
The liver changes and breaks down some medications. Goji might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these drugs.

Medications modified by the liver (cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
The liver changes and breaks down some medications. Goji might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these drugs.

Medications modified by the liver (cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)
The liver changes and breaks down some medications. Goji might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these drugs.

Medications modified by the liver (cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
The liver changes and breaks down some medications. Goji might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these drugs.

Medications for high blood pressure (antihypertensive medications)
Goji root bark might lower blood pressure. Taking goji along with medications that lower blood pressure can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Minor

Be careful with this combination.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetic drugs)
Goji might lower blood sugar levels. Taking goji along with diabetes medications can cause your blood sugar level to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar level closely.

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What dose is used?

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of goji might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow the relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before use.

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Who should avoid goji berries?

Goji berries can interact with some medications, including:

• anticoagulants
• blood pressure medications
• diabetes medications
• People taking these medications should talk to their doctor before adding goji berries to their diet.

Anyone with an allergy to other berries should discuss this with a doctor before consuming fresh or dried goji berries or taking any supplements that contain goji berry extracts.