Immune System
Goji berries may improve function, suggests a small study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2009.For the study, 60 healthy older adults (ages 55 to 72) consumed either goji berry juice or a placebo every day for 30 days. By the study's end, those given goji berries showed a greater improvement in several markers of immune function. What's more, participants who consumed goji berry juice experienced greater improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, memory, and focus.
Anti Aging
Goji Berries are famous for their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins. For centuries they have been used in Chinese medicine and cuisine to support healthy aging and, specifically, vision, kidney and liver functions. Modern research into the nutritional benefits of goji berries is providing scientific support for the centuries of anecdotal evidence and traditional use. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value—a measure of antioxidant activity in biological samples in vitro—of goji is higher than that of blueberries and even pomegranates.
Weight Loss
A preliminary study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2011 indicates that goji berries may support weight-loss efforts. In an experiment involving a group of overweight adults, the study's authors observed that those who consumed goji berry juice every day for two weeks experienced a greater decrease in waist size (compared to participants given a placebo for the same time period).
Eyesight
Goji berries are a source of zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that may protect the eyes from high-energy light waves such as the sun's ultraviolet rays (along with the carotenoid lutein).
Studies suggest that zeaxanthin and lutein in the eyes are associated with better vision and decreased likelihood of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Although goji berries are a source, zeaxanthin is found in many vegetables including kale, spinach and broccoli.
