After the brief introduction of the previous video on Goji berries, today we will further explore the beneficial and side effects of these fruits.
In summary, we remind you that Goji Berries are the fruits of a shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family, that is the same as potatoes, aubergines, tomatoes, chillies and peppers.
They are small and red fruits, and it seems that they boast different phytotherapeutic and nutraceutical properties.
The plant is Lycium barbarum, but there are several other species of the same genus that produce similar fruits; a striking example is Lycium chinense.
However, the beneficial characteristics that we are going to list have been observed ONLY on the original Goji fruits, or Barbarum.
The nutritional content of Goji berries is quite interesting.
There is no detailed information on the total energy intake but it is conceivable that it is rather moderate.
Calories derive essentially from simple and complex carbohydrates, but there is no shortage of small amounts of protein and fat.
The intake of dietary fiber is also discreet.
The biological value of proteins "should" be low, while the ratio of fatty acids is certainly in favor of the unsaturated ones, that is to say the "good" ones. Among the latter, good quantities of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid are appreciated, that is, the essential molecules capable of improving certain metabolic conditions such as blood cholesterol, blood triglycerides and blood pressure.
Still with regard to lipids, we find some NON-energetic constituents but still very useful to the body. This is the case of phytosterols (especially BETA SITOSTEROL) which have a good HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC and preventive function against VASCULAR diseases.
In addition, there are certain fat-soluble vitamins such as some TOCOPHEROLS, or vitamins of group E, and certain CAROTENOIDS, or pro-vitamins of group A. These are molecules with a strong antioxidant function and represent one of the most important phytotherapeutic components.
In addition, the wide range of carotenoids makes Goji berries a potentially PROTECTIVE food for the visual function and for the integrity of SKIN tissues.
As for the water-soluble vitamins, Goji berries provide good concentrations of ascorbic acid, or vit. C, another powerful antioxidant, as well as a constituent of collagen and a factor involved in the immune defense mechanisms.
There is no lack of certain B vitamins, in particular riboflavin or vitamin B2. This, generally provided in the diet with the consumption of milk and derivatives, is an extremely important enzyme constituent in many biological redox processes and in cellular respiration.
When it comes to mineral salts, Goji berries have a lot to offer. They boast a moderate content of calcium (essential for bones), a good supply of iron (crucial for the transport of oxygen in the blood), excellent concentrations of potassium (the mineral salt lacking in athletes) and considerable quantities of zinc and selenium ( two salts with antioxidant power).
Based on what has been said so far, Goji berries seem to have two main functions:
- Protective from metabolic diseases due to the presence of essential fatty acids, phytosterols and antioxidants
- Antitumor and anti-aging, due to its antioxidant content. These are the vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, selenium and phenolic substances.
In fact, Goji berries have become the NUTRACEUTICAL food par excellence thanks to other EXCLUSIVE molecules, namely polysaccharides, or complex sugars, called BARBARUM POLYSACCHARIDES.
These carbohydrates are also involved in antioxidant processes and, extraordinarily, in immune defense against diseased cells, pathogens and allergens.
In practice, a third is added to the two previous functions, with the help of vitamin C, namely the optimization of the immune defenses!
On the other hand, despite the fact that Goji berries have a similar nutritional content, almost all the application studies on their health effects have been carried out "in vitro" or on rats.
Apart from some experiments that assessed the perception of general psychophysical WELL-BEING on humans, certain effects have not yet been scientifically confirmed.
Therefore, many doubts arise about their application, dosage, conservation and methods of taking Goji berries; among these, today are available: dried fruits, powder, fruit juice and capsules.
There are also side effects.
First of all, remember that NOT EVERYONE is able to tolerate Goji berries. Some people experience nausea and vomiting after taking.
Then, the use is strongly NOT RECOMMENDED during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
This is mainly due to the presence of high quantities of BETAINE, a molecule involved in the formation of DNA, and of SELENIUM, an antioxidant whose excess can also become very harmful to humans.
Moreover, certain molecules of Goji berries interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs such as anticoagulants, antihypertensives, hypoglycemic agents and in general the molecules processed in the liver.
The adverse reaction of Goji berries can lead to bleeding and petechiae (justified by the alteration of the coagulation process), excessive reduction in blood pressure and excessive moderation of blood sugar with fainting and fainting.
In conclusion, Goji berries can be an excellent functional food with phytotherapeutic and nutraceutical properties, and its extracts are to be considered good food supplements.
On the other hand, their use may NOT have the desired beneficial effects and is totally not recommended in conjunction with certain drug therapies.
