What are Goji Berries?

It is quite likely that we have heard of Goji berries, but have never eaten them. Moreover, it is likely that we have seen them in a supermarket and have been curious to buy them. Today we will know everything about them, even how they are eaten and if we can all eat them or do they have important contraindications.

Goji berries seem like a strange and even poisonous fruit, but really, it is an ancient fruit to which beneficial properties are attributed and it comes from the Far East. It is interesting to expand our culinary culture, and encourage us to try other foods, but in this case, be very careful if we are diabetic, allergic to pollen or pregnant.

What are they?

In a nutshell, these berries are the fruit of the tree called Lycium barbarum that grows in Tibet and Mongolia. A tree that grows at more than 4,000 meters high and that results in this intense red fruit, although it is marketed in a state similar to raisins and with a sweet taste.

A fruit to which many names have been attributed, since it is considered a superfood capable of delaying skin aging, but let’s not be too happy, since it is not the miracle of eternal youth.

Since the 90s it has swarmed all over the world and in Spain it is common to see it. It became very popular a while ago, but there weren’t that many social networks. Now, many influencers talk about them and it is being re-marketed very frequently.

These berries were integrated into traditional Chinese medicine and appeared in Asian culture more than 2,000 years ago, so they are used very normally in the Far East.

Bayas de Goji

Nutritional value

These very particular berries are not very low in calories, but do not be alarmed, that is if we eat 100 grams. Experts advise not to exceed 15 grams a day, since it should only be used for snacking or added to yogurt, for example. In addition, in the section on contraindications we will understand why we should not eat many, nor why we should not all consume this food.

100 grams of these berries have 370 kilocalories, 63 grams of carbohydrates, almost 12 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber and 0.5 grams of fat . But there is another series of very important nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which is what it really contributes to the body.

Truth be told, this food is not very nutrient-dense, as it only has 112 mg of calcium, 9 mg of iron (more than 110% of the recommended daily amount), and 1,132 mg of potassium. Vitamin A 8 mg that represents almost 900% of the recommended daily amount and vitamin C with 310 mg that represents almost 350% of the recommended daily amount.

how they are consumed

These berries are marketed dry to increase their durability, although we can also see shakes with this ingredient, yogurts and even some fruits decorating a cake. It already depends on where we are, that is, in what country we are.

The OCU has already warned once about the toxicity of these berries, but that is due to the chemical products that are used when growing the tree, that is, the pesticides. That is why it is better to buy them in trusted places, never by weight and always with closed packages.

To eat them, you just have to open the bag and serve us a maximum of 10 berries for a large bowl of yogurt, cereal, coconut, chocolate, and other fruits such as orange or blueberries. It is best to only eat, 5 or 6 per day, since the excess of vitamin A and C can become serious in the body.

Profits

We have seen that Goji berries have somewhat disproportionate nutritional values, that is, very few vitamins, but with very high values, and very few minerals, but with low values, except for iron, which is very high. This makes the benefits scarce or very specific and that is what we are going to see next:

Bayas de Goji con yogur

Rich in antioxidants

Cellular anti-aging is one of the main properties of these berries, in fact, experts recommend 20 grams daily to delay the aging of the body’s cells. But it is that antioxidants not only serve to rejuvenate our skin, but for all the cells of the body, including neurons, so it also helps to delay the arrival of Alzheimer ‘s.

Good for iron deficiency

Its high percentage of iron is very good for those who tend to have low iron or even suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Iron is a vital mineral for the transport of oxygen throughout the body, and having it low affects many important functions of the body such as concentration, breathing, heart rate, etc.

Regulates intestinal transit

Its fiber content, mixed with other fruits and vegetables, helps regulate intestinal transit, so we can say goodbye to occasional constipation. The body needs an average of 40 grams of fiber daily to function properly. Remember that fiber not only serves to evacuate, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Contraindications

Among the main contraindications is the prohibition of its consumption in pregnant and lactating women. Likewise, these Goji berries do not sit well with diabetics , since they can trigger blood sugar levels.

Those who suffer from high blood pressure should not consume them either, or in any case ask a specialist first. This is due to incompatibility with some drugs, which also happens with diabetics who take insulin.

Those allergic to pollen should not consume this food, as they could experience serious adverse effects. The same happens with those people who have heart problems or are taking anticoagulant medications such as sintrom.

Excess vitamin A and C is also very negative for the body. It is clear that we are not going to consume 100 grams of Goji berries, but if in one day we exceed 100% of vitamin A and C, we must know that we may experience some consequences such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches or diarrhea.