Goji berries - useful properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, man has been searching for useful products that can be used in the fields of folk healing, cooking and cosmetology. When goji berries first appeared on store shelves, they caused a serious stir. They were positioned as an effective tool for weight loss, so the main consumers were women. Today, useful and harmful qualities have been thoroughly studied; we will consider them in order.

Features of Goji Berry

The fruits are otherwise called Tibetan barberry, wolfberry, Chinese dereza. All these names come from a scientific point of view. Marketers, wanting to distribute their products, came up with her loud and mysterious name - goji.

The berries of the alpine plant for many years occupy a leading position among adherents of good nutrition and lovers of diets. In our country, even jams, jams, compotes and other treats are prepared on the basis of the wolf berry.

Goji Berry Composition

Asian fruits, which have long been used by folk healers for the treatment of ailments, have a fully formed list of useful substances.

The fruits boast a large accumulation of antioxidant compounds, carotenoids, poly and monosaccharides, dietary fiber, including fiber.

The berry is not deprived of ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherol, B-group vitamins. Of the latter, a special place is given to folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine and others no less important.

Goji also boasts an Omega-acid content, namely a group of 3, 6, 9. Of the minerals, it is worth highlighting the most significant macro- and microelements. These include selenium, calcium, zinc, boron, copper, phosphorus, iron, chromium, potassium, nickel and sodium.

The main value of berries lies in the list of amino acids, which for the most part cannot be replaced. The fully ripened goji contains more than 19 of these valuable substances. They must come with food, because they are not produced independently by the body.

Not many have heard of such a substance as germanium. The element is extremely difficult to find, including in the form of vitamin supplements. And in his goji in abundance. Germanium is responsible for anticancer properties, blocking the appearance of new capillaries in the tumor area.

Useful properties of goji berries

1. The value lies in the fact that the fruits participate in vital processes and support the full-fledged activity of all systems and organs. Goji is especially beneficial for hematopoiesis, as their systematic intake stimulates the production of red blood cells.
2. All berries have a positive effect on the digestive tract, goji is not included in the list of exceptions. It is thanks to the improvement of metabolism that the gastrointestinal cavity is cleared of congestion, toxins, poisons that interfere with weight loss.
3. The composition contains a lot of such a valuable mineral compound called iron. It is necessary to restore the full level of hemoglobin and the prevention of anemia in all categories of people.
4. Healers from the field of alternative medicine have long been preparing goji different medicinal decoctions and tinctures. They are necessary for people working in a polluted enterprise and living in an unfavorable place in terms of ecology.
5. The useful quality of goji has already been mentioned earlier to stop the incipient malignant tumor.Studies have been conducted for a long time, but they are relevant to this day. The results speak for themselves, the berries are taken for therapeutic purposes from oncological diseases.
6. Due to its ability to remove excess sugar from the blood, the condition of a diabetes patient improves. Goji is also indicated for high blood pressure, frequent headaches and throbbing in the temples. Fruits facilitate the course of these ailments.
7. Thanks to the stimulation of brain neurons, it can be argued that the berry enhances all important cognitive functions. It must be consumed by older people to prevent senile dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
8. Since the composition of the mass of ascorbic acid, an excellent restoration of the human immune system is carried out. With a seasonal epidemic of influenza or SARS, decoctions on berries will be indispensable for fighting viruses.
9. It was not without the impact of the above vitamins of group B. They are responsible for the activity of the human nervous system, therefore they control the psycho-emotional environment. Goji improves stress, insomnia.
10. A mild laxative effect encourages people to eat Tibetan barberry to treat constipation. In this case, the presence of diarrhea and a tendency to it are contraindications to the consumption of berries.

Goji berries for weight loss

1. When comparing raw materials with other fruits, it can be noted that berries are not famous for low calorie content. In 100 gr. dried fruit contains about 250 Kcal., in fresh - about 115 units.
2. However, such indicators do not scare nutritionists. Experts recommend including fruits in the diet for various diets. The fact is that berries have a high nutritional value, they are nutritious.
3. Fruits are prescribed even for problems with obesity. The active composition establishes metabolic processes in the body, improving the natural metabolism. Berries do not provoke jumps in blood glucose, which is important when overweight.
4. A hearty snack in the form of fruits will not allow you to abuse junk food for dinner. It should be understood that fat-burning qualities are not inherent in raw materials. Be careful and adjust your diet.

Goji berry rules

1. It is important to understand that even in the absence of contraindications and excellent health, the Tibetan barberry has many healing qualities. Therefore, goji berries act as a natural medicine, rather than goodies.
2. The maximum allowable daily rate of raw materials should not exceed 100 g. Otherwise, a supersaturation of the body with active enzymes will provoke the development of pathologies. Divide this volume into three equal tricks.
3. You can brew healing tea, for this you need only 10 grams. dried fruits. In this drink, all the necessary enzymes and active substances will be concentrated. You can also prepare an infusion. Pour 100 gr. raw materials 0.5 l. boiling water. Drink the infusion in 3 divided doses throughout the day.

Goji berries during pregnancy and lactation

1. Despite the rich composition and list of useful qualities, it is better to exclude the intake of Tibetan fruits from the diet of the fairer sex who are expecting a baby. Raw materials belong to strong allergens and can provoke an unpredictable reaction of the body.
2. In addition, experts strongly recommend that you compile a diet for pregnant girls and during breastfeeding from products that grow in the territory of residence. That is, that raw material that is included in the daily diet.
3. With such products there will be no problems, because the body is already familiar with them. All exotic fruits can cause the development of an allergic reaction and individual intolerance in the mother and baby. In an extreme case, such actions should be agreed with your doctor.

Rules for choosing and storing goji berries

To choose quality raw materials, it is important to adhere to practical tips. Berries should not be stuck together. Make sure that there is no glossy coating on the fruit shell. The color of the raw materials should be pronounced. Remember, the taste of the berries is not sweet and should not have the aroma of sulfur matches.

Contraindications goji berries

1. It is forbidden to eat fruits at high body temperature, diarrhea, flatulence and bloating. It is also not recommended to include raw materials during pregnancy and lactation.
2. Be careful, the active substances in the berries increase blood pressure and increase heart rate. Therefore, the product is prohibited in cardiovascular pathologies.
3. Uncontrolled eating of berries can trigger the development of an allergic reaction, even in a healthy person. Therefore, always comply with the norm.

Goji berries are a specific product that has minor contraindications. Raw materials rather act as a natural medicine. With the help of fruits, serious pathologies can be cured. It is highly recommended not to abuse the berries.

Video: Goji Berry Benefits