Goji Berries: Properties And Health Benefits
They are known as the “gold of America” for their pleasant taste and great antioxidant power. A superfood that fights inflammatory and degenerative processes.
- Goji berries properties
- Healthy benefits of its antioxidants
- Stabilize cholesterol and glucose levels
- The positive effects of withanolides
Very similar to Goji berries, Inca berries or golden berries are native to the Amazon region and belong to the Solanaceae family. Its appearance is of a size a little bigger than the raisins; They are yellow in color and have a sweet and sour citrus flavor.
The seeds have been used for centuries to regulate intestinal transit and prevent the accumulation of toxins in the digestive tract.
And in traditional Inca medicine, the berries were used for their healing properties in cases of cancer, leukemia, malaria, asthma, diabetes, dermatitis, and rheumatism.
Inca berries, also known as physalis ( Physalis peruviana ), are rarely found fresh, as they are very perishable fruits. We can find them in specialized markets or as cake decorations. Its most common form is dehydrated, like raisins. It is usually consumed in granola, as appetizers, smoothies and desserts.
Goji berries properties
Goji berries, which are grown today in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, as well as South America, are a source of energy and low in calories : according to the United States Department of Agriculture, 100 g of these berries have only 53 kcal.
They contain amino acids (16% of their composition are proteins), phosphorus, provitamin A, good for eyesight; vitamin C, to strengthen the immune system; and vitamins of group B such as B 1 , B 2 , B 6 , which help us regulate the carbohydrate cycle and the metabolization of the rest of the nutrients, and contribute to the health of the skin, mucous membranes and hair.
Healthy benefits of its antioxidants
They are rich in antioxidants (especially bioflavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and anti-cancer properties) and pectins, a type of fiber that helps us regulate cholesterol levels in the blood.
It prevents numerous chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer. Antioxidants – such as the carotenoids and polyphenols it contains – can neutralize the effects of free radicals, responsible for cell mutation and degeneration.
Its antioxidants also help reduce inflammation. If you suffer from arthritis, gout or any type of muscle pain, they can soften this condition and improve your general health, including cardiovascular health, by reducing the inflammation of the arteries and veins, lowering blood pressure and preventing the development of arteriosclerosis.
Stabilize cholesterol and glucose levels
The oleic and linoleic fatty acids in these berries contribute to the reduction of triglycerides and “bad” cholesterol (LDL), restore total cholesterol levels and protect cardiovascular health.
The extract of the leaves has been shown to have positive properties for the regulation of blood glucose levels.
A study by the National University of Rwanda and the Official University of Bukavu (Republic of the Congo) showed that ingesting 100 mg of this extract for every kilo of weight significantly reduced glucose levels 30 minutes after ingestion.
The positive effects of withanolides
Golden berries could prevent cancer. They contain withanolides, a type of steroids very similar to the ginsenosides in ginseng. They have a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, with the ability to induce the death of diseased cells.
Although more scientific evidence is still lacking, one of the withanolides in golden berries has been shown to be associated with the prevention of liver scarring and the reversal of liver degradation. In addition, at the kidney level it also helps to eliminate toxins by stimulating urination, and the expulsion of fats, salts and toxins from the lymphatic system.
