Goji berries: what happens to the body by taking one tablespoon a day

Are goji berries really that healthy? Are there any contraindications? Let's find out what happens to the body by taking them every day

Bacche di Goji, a highly appreciated and renowned superfood. But are they really that healthy? Are there any contraindications? Let's find out what happens to the body by taking them every day

In recent years the Goji berries they have conquered a good slice of the market thanks to the success obtained above all among those who appreciate the news in the health sector. As you all know by now, these are native to Tibet where they have earned the nickname of fruits of life and longevity due to the precious nutrients they are made of.

The precious Goji berry, whose botanical name is Lycium barbarum, resembles a little tomato in shape even if the flavor is more similar to that of strawberries and berries. Generally they are consumed dried or in the form of juice, it is much more difficult to find them and therefore enjoy them fresh. (Goji berries: fruits of life and longevity)

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Benefits and what happens to the body with daily use

A daily consumption of goji berries offers our body various useful nutrients and other valuable substances for well-being. There are so many advantages that we could notice:

More energy: these small fruits are an important source of amino acids (including essential ones), vitamins of group B and E, but above all C as well as mineral salts, including magnesium, potassium, silicon and germanium (very rare to find in other natural foods). The presence of all these substances means that those who consume the right amount of berries every day see their energy level increase in a short time.
Younger and more elastic skin: goji is rich in substances with antioxidant power (in particular carotenoids and flavonoids) which help to counteract the effect of free radicals. This is why the use of these berries or the juice obtained from them are often recommended to those who want to prevent cellular aging and keep their skin young and elastic. More and more frequently, among other things, there are anti-wrinkle or beauty creams enriched with goji berries.
Stronger Immune Defenses: another advantage of those who regularly consume goji berries is to see their immune defenses strengthened and therefore to have a more efficient organism in fighting external microorganisms but also possible internal degenerations.
Reduced inflammation: the active ingredients present in these small berries guarantee a good anti-inflammatory effect
Healthy intestine: thanks to the presence of fibers that better regulate intestinal functions, goji berries are a good anti-constipation remedy.
Better metabolism: it seems that these berries help metabolism and therefore can contribute to weight loss as well as to regulate cholesterol and blood sugar.
Increases the sense of satiety: another advantage that the intake of these berries offers is a good sense of satiety in the face of few calories. Therefore excellent as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack.
Healthy circulatory system: thanks to the antioxidant substances contained in them, goji berries support blood circulation ensuring greater health.
Better protected eyes and sight: thanks to the presence of carotenoids, these small fruits are precious allies for eyes and sight.

Naturally we must not consider these small fruits as the miraculous panacea for all ills. The always valid advice to stay really healthy is to follow a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, remembering that simple and quick solutions do not exist!

Goji berries, nutrition facts and calories

Goji berries: what happens to the body by taking one tablespoon a day

100 grams of goji berries provide our body with about 340 calories, vitamins and minerals, in particular:

Vitamins and minerals:

Vitamin A 26822,00 IU
Vitamin C 48,4 mg
Calcium, Ca 190,00 mg
Ferro, Fe 6,80 mg
Sodium, Na 298,00 mg

Protein:

Alanine 0,698 g
Arginine 0,722g
Aspartic acid 1,711 g
Cystine 0,144 g
Glutamic acid 1.431 g
Wisteria 0.304 g
Istidina 0,157 g
Isoleucine 0,261 g
Leucine 0,456 g
Lysine 0,233 g
Methionine 0,087 g
Phenylalanine 0,271 g
Proline 1.000 g
Serina 0,498 g
Treonina 0,358 g
Tyrosine 0,222g
Valine 0,316 g
carbohydrates

Carbohydrates 77,06 g:

Fiber 13,0 g 52%
Sugars 45,61 g

Doses: how many to take each day

Goji berries: what happens to the body by taking one tablespoon a day

Generally it is recommended to take 10-20 grams, or 1 or two tablespoons of dried berries per day. To have benefits it is necessary to consume them daily for at least 3 or 4 weeks, then you can choose to continue or stop and return to consume them after some time, in cycles. These would be the optimal doses to be able to properly benefit from their properties. If, on the other hand, you choose to use juice, a consumption of 120 ml per day is the ideal quantity.

How to include goji berries in your daily diet

Goji berries can be used in daily nutrition in different ways. For example, they can be mixed with:

yogurt
salads
Estratti
shakes
juices

Also excellent for enriching a homemade muesli based on cereal flakes, fresh or dried fruit, oil seeds, etc.

You can then prepare some energy bars based on goji berries, red fruit jams, tea and other drinks and why not cover the berries in chocolate and enjoy them as a dessert.

Goji berries: what happens to the body by taking one tablespoon a day

Contraindications of goji berries

Goji berries are not free from contraindications. The situations in which to pay more attention are those in which you take anticoagulant drugs or to keep hypertension at bay since some active ingredients of these red fruits could interfere with the medicines. Even in the case of diabetes, it is better to seek the advice of your doctor.

Since there are no studies on the subject, it is advisable to avoid daily intake in case of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Finally, pay attention to the possible allergenic effect, goji berries are part of the nightshades.

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