What Is the Goji Berry?
Goji berries, which have the scientific name Lycium barbarum, grow on a type of boxthorn plant that belongs to the Solanaceae plant family. This plant family also includes other fruits and veggies like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and chili peppers. The goji berry is usually dried and has a bright orange–red color with a sweet and tangy flavor.
Goji berry plants are native to Asia, particularly China where they’re grown in both the northern and southern regions. Two primary types of goji berry plants are grown today: L. chinense is grown in the south of China, while L. barbarum is grown in the north.
The medicinal use of goji berries in Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back to at least 200 B.C. Goji berry benefits were even mentioned in “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing,” an ancient book detailing the medicinal and agricultural knowledge of the mythical Chinese emperor Shen Nong and the oldest book on Chinese herbs in existence. Besides the goji berry fruit, other parts of the goji plant too— including the flower, leaf, seed and root bark — have long been praised for their benefits.
Goji berries have been extensively researched for their ability to generate general feelings of well-being, improve neurologic/psychological traits, support better gastrointestinal health and bowel functions, help build stronger musculoskeletal systems, and improve cardiovascular health. They’re also easy to add to meals to boost energy levels and performance.
Goji berry nutrition benefits include the ability to:
Reduce blood glucose and help protect against type 2 diabetes
Reduce hypertension
Defend against infectious diseases
Lower the risk for common illnesses like the cold or a fever
Fight depression and anxiety or other mood disorders
Regulate cholesterol levels and keep triglycerides at an ideal balance, thereby helping to prevent heart disease
Protecting skin and eye health, thanks to antioxidants known as beta-carotene and other phytonutrients that help protect skin and eye health.
