Goji berries: benefits and harms for men and women, how to brew, how to take for health

Since ancient times, goji berries have been called the “product of longevity.” They are widely used in Chinese traditional medicine. Useful properties and contraindications of goji berries should be known to everyone. After all, a healing product can fight a huge range of various diseases.

What is this goji berry plant

Goji berries are fruits of plants belonging to the nightshade family. The shrub is also called common dereza or Chinese barberry. The homeland of the plant is Tibet, Mongolia and the Himalayas. The height of the shrub can reach 3,5 m. A distinctive feature of the plant is a well-developed root system. The branches hang down, their length is 5 m. The leaves are oblong in shape.

Red berries are widely used in medicine and cosmetology. But there are also varieties of pink and purple shades. The flowering period of the shrub falls on April-September. Goji berries (shrub photo below) become ready to eat from July to October.

How goji berries grow

Chinese barberry is grown not only for medicinal, but also for decorative purposes. All summer the plant pleases the eye with pink-purple flowers and a pleasant aroma. In appearance, the flowers resemble a bell. The shrub begins to bear fruit 3 years after replanting. The berries are slightly oblong and bright red in color. They surround the shoot with a bunch.

Where does the goji berry grow in Our Country

Imported superfoods are sold in supermarkets at very high prices. Due to the difficulties of transportation, dried fruits are most often found. Therefore, it is easier to grow shrubs in your own garden. Dereza habitus grows in the climate of central and southern strips of Our Country. It is found in the Caucasus, in the Primorsky Territory and in the Kuban.

What does goji berries taste like

Proponents of a healthy diet love to eat dried goji berries. Due to their unusual sweet and sour taste, they can become an alternative to unhealthy desserts. Many note that in terms of taste, the berries are between dried raspberries and raisins. Certain varieties are slightly spicy.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of goji berries

The benefits of superfood are due to the rich composition. It contains a lot of useful components necessary to improve the functioning of vital organs. The nutritional value of berries is as follows:

• carbohydrates – 77,06 g;
• fats – 0,39 g;
• proteins – 14,26 g;
• Cellulose – 13 g;
• the total amount of sugars is 45,6 g.

The important features of the Chinese barberry include the absence of cholesterol and trans fats. The chemical composition of the product includes a lot of useful macro- and microelements. These include:

• iron;
• cobalt;
• phosphorus;
• iodine;
• calcium;
• selenium;
• zinc.

Calorie content and vitamin content

There are 100 kcal per 349 g of the product. Due to this, the product is considered dietary. In addition to steroidal saponins and flavonoids, berries contain an abundance of vitamins:

• ascorbic acid;
• thiamine;
• vitamin A;
• riboflavin.

Which berry is healthier: dried or fresh

The benefits of dried goji berries are the same as those of fresh ones. In its raw form, the product is rarely used as food, as it can cause negative reactions from the digestive system. Drying fruits prolongs their safety without affecting the taste.

Benefits of goji berries

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of goji berries. Due to their composition, they have a general strengthening effect on the body and help prevent serious diseases. The most pronounced beneficial properties of the product include:

• stabilization of blood sugar levels;
• improvement of reproductive functions;
• normalization of metabolism;
• antioxidant properties;
• restoration of blood pressure;
• antispasmodic action;
• slowing the aging process;
• stimulation of muscle growth;
• preventing anemia;
• struggle with depressive disorder;
• vision improvement.

The benefits of superfood are due to the complex effect on all supply systems. It is often used instead of vitamin supplements to prevent colds and viral diseases. The main advantage is the naturalness of superfood. It has an antioxidant effect, while enriching the body with useful substances. Doctors recommend including the fruits of longevity in the diet during the rehabilitation period after suffering serious illnesses.

Benefits of goji berries for men

Goji berries are equally beneficial for both women and men. Tibetan monks used the product as food in order to increase physical endurance. In the modern world, the fruits of the Chinese barberry are in demand due to the benefits of the reproductive organs. If you use goji berries correctly, testosterone production will increase. This has a positive effect on the quality of seminal fluid and the level of sexual desire. In addition, the remedy increases the chances of successful conception by increasing the activity and life span of spermatozoa.

Benefits of goji berries for women

Women use the berries to improve their health or for cosmetic purposes. The substances that make up their composition help to deal with gynecological problems. The product is taken as food with an irregular menstrual cycle against the background of hormonal disorders. Due to the abundance of beta-carotene in the composition, wolfberry fruits can act as the main component of face masks.

Is it possible to goji berries during pregnancy

Reviews indicate that the benefits of goji berries are pronounced for women who are carrying a child. Dried fruit helps to cope with toxicosis and improve mood during hormonal fluctuations. It can also be used in place of high-calorie desserts. But before using the remedy, you should consult a gynecologist.

Is it possible to goji berries while breastfeeding

Longevity berries are not prohibited for lactating women. But they should be used in limited quantities. The optimal daily dosage is 30 g. When introducing the product into the diet, it is important to observe the reaction of the baby. If there is no allergy, you can continue to eat berries.

Can children goji berries

Many mistake goji berries for a weight loss product. In fact, they also benefit children. Pediatricians are allowed to introduce them into the diet, starting from the age of 3. But first you should make sure that there are no contraindications and an allergic reaction. The special benefit of berries is observed in the demi-season period. When used correctly, they significantly strengthen the body and increase its resistance.

How to Take Goji Berries for Health

When using goji berries, it is important to study not only their beneficial properties, but also how to use them. Most often, dereza fruits are used individually in dried form. They do not need additional processing. They are often used to prepare a variety of drinks:

• tea;
• smoothies;
• decoction;
• juice;
• tincture.

In cooking, superfood is often added to baked goods and second courses. 5 g of the product is enough to prepare 1 serving. In cosmetology, berry gruel is used. Its beneficial properties are enriched with the help of additional ingredients of plant origin.

What is useful goji berry for the liver

According to medical research, regular intake of berry juice helps cleanse liver cells. This is due to the content of glutathione, which activates the protective mechanisms of the body. In order to improve liver function, doctors recommend eating about 10-20 g of berries daily.

The use of goji berries in diabetes

Daily intake of superfood helps to equalize blood sugar levels. This is true for people with diabetes. In addition, the product reduces cravings for sweets and helps control appetite.

Can Cancer Patients Eat Goji Berries?

According to doctors, goji berries are not prohibited for use by cancer patients. They help the body recover from chemotherapy. Often superfood is used to prevent cancerous tumors. The main benefit lies in the antioxidant properties. Antitumor and immunomodulatory effects are achieved due to the presence of polysaccharides and carotenoids in the composition. The product is recommended to be taken together with medications. Due to the content of Physialin, the product stops the growth of malignant cells, thereby improving the patient’s well-being.

How to use goji berries for vision

Zeaxanthin, which is present in the superfood, has a direct effect on visual function. It neutralizes damage to the organs of vision caused by ultraviolet radiation. In order to improve visual function, berry juice is taken daily. The total period of admission is 3 months. After such therapy, not only visual acuity improves, but intraocular pressure also decreases.

How to brew goji berries

On the basis of the fruits of the Chinese barberry, a healing infusion is often prepared. It is used both for preventive purposes and for the treatment of various ailments. The following ingredients are involved in the recipe:

• 200 ml of hot water;
• 1 Art. l. barberry

Cooking process:

1. Dereza fruits are poured into any container and poured with the required amount of water.
2. The drink is left to brew under the lid for 20 minutes.
3. Before using the infusion, you can separate the liquid component from the berries.

How to drink goji berries

Chinese barberry can be drunk in the form of freshly squeezed juice or tea. In the first case, the product is ground to a homogeneous state using a meat grinder or blender. The remaining gruel is used as a regenerating agent for skin lesions. Juice is taken in 2 tbsp. l. no more than 2 times a day. To make the taste less saturated, dilution of the drink with water is allowed.

Goji berry tea is consumed orally or used as a tonic. When taken internally, it reduces the feeling of hunger, thereby promoting weight loss. The drink is prepared according to the following recipe:

1. 2 tbsp. l. berries are poured into a teapot and poured with boiling water.
2. Optionally, mint leaves, black tea or any other component are added to the teapot.
3. After half an hour, the drink is poured into cups.

How to eat dried goji berries

Dried superfood can be purchased at any health food store. It does not need to be exposed to heat. Fruits are added to cereals, desserts and dairy products. You can also use them as a snack.

How many goji berries can you eat per day

To avoid the development of side effects, the fruits of the Chinese barberry should be eaten strictly in limited quantities. Only in this case, their benefits will be fully revealed. The daily dosage for an adult is 30 pieces per day. Children and the elderly should not consume more than 15 pieces per day.

How goji berries are used in cosmetology

As part of face masks, the berry mixture helps to get rid of dryness and even out skin tone. Tonics made from infusion contribute to high-quality cleansing of the skin from dirt accumulated during the day. To prepare one of the most popular masks, you will need:

• 20 ml of sour cream;
• 30 g of Chinese barberry fruits;
• 5 ml of almond oil.

Algorithm cooking:

1. The berries are crushed in any way until a homogeneous gruel is obtained.
2. The rest of the ingredients are added to it, mixing the mass thoroughly.
3. The cosmetic product is applied to cleansed skin along the massage lines.
4. After 25 minutes, the composition is removed from the skin with warm water.

The use of dried goji berries in cooking

Chinese barberry can be a great addition to almost any dish. It is famous not only for its beneficial properties, but also for its spicy taste. It is added to soups, cereals, sauces, pastries and drinks. Dereza fruit dressing will be a great addition to vegetable salad. One of the popular dishes is chicken soup with berries. To prepare it, you will need the following components:

• chicken thighs;
• 5 st. l. fruits soaked in water;
• 4 champignon;
• onion and 2 cloves of garlic;
• salt – to taste;
• 2-3 potatoes.

Principle of preparation:

1. Broth is prepared on the basis of chicken thighs.
2. After it boils, the resulting foam is removed and salt is added to taste.
3. Sliced ​​potatoes are added to the broth.
4. After the potatoes are ready, champignons and soaked berries are thrown into the soup.
5. At the end, fried onions and garlic are added to the dish.
6. After serving, you can add fresh herbs and your favorite seasonings to the soup.

Storage rules and periods

In dried form, the fruits may not deteriorate for a long time. Barberries grown in their own garden must be dried naturally. It should be laid out on paper or natural fabric in a ventilated area. When drying on the street, the barberry is placed in the shade. Storage is carried out in a glass container with a lid or paper bags. With proper storage, the fruits retain their beneficial properties for 3-5 years.

Limitations and contraindications

To get the maximum benefit from the product, it should be used in accordance with the recommended dosages. Abuse can lead to problems with stool and pain in the abdomen. Before using the fruits of the shrub, you should make sure that there is no allergic reaction. Contraindications in the use of goji berries include:

• diseases accompanied by fever;
• flatulence;
• age of 3 years;
• chronic diseases of the respiratory system;
• drops in blood pressure;
• allergic reaction.

Conclusion

Useful properties and contraindications of goji berries suggest that they should be used with caution. Proper and dosed use will strengthen the body and prevent the development of pathological processes. Overeating, in turn, threatens the occurrence of side effects.