A small red fruit from China has been nicknamed ‘the red diamond’ for its health properties and benefits. According to a recent article by the BBC, “This small, oval-shaped berry has been called the “red diamond” as it is thought to have anti-ageing powers and has achieved newfound global status as a superfood, but to the people of China, who have being using it medicinally since the 3rd Century, it’s simply called the goji berry or wolfberry.”
You may have seen packets of this red berry in your local health food store, but what are the benefits?
Helps with vision
A recent medical study found that the high percentage of antioxidants in a single Goji Berry could work as a preventative for eye damage. As Medical News Today reports, ‘The American Academy of Optometry’s journal Optometry and Vision Science found that seniors who drank goji berry juice for 90 days increased zeaxanthin and other antioxidant levels significantly. A second study reported in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy shows goji berries protect the retina from the ganglion cells responsible for glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss.”
Promotes healthy skin
Beta-carotene is an active ingredient in Goji Berries, which is an essential plant phytochemical. Beta-carotene is known for its ability to promote healthy skin, and you will often see it listed in the ingredients of skincare products.
Fights liver damage
As the BBC reports: “The Chinese view the goji berry as both a fruit and a herb, and the berry that’s packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, amino acids and trace minerals, is prescribed by Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors to boost liver and kidney function.”
Improve symptoms of anxiety and sleep function
In two separate studies, Goji Berries were linked to improving “depression and anxiety-like symptoms’ in both humans and animals alike. This is in part due to its positive influence on energy, mood and digestive health.
Goji Berries can be enjoyed on their own as a quick snack, or also work well on yogurt! Why not try and add this superfood into your diet?
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