Goji berries are a type of medicinal food that have the effect of strengthening the body. They can enhance the body's immune system and have a nourishing and tonifying effect on the kidneys. However, goji berries should not be consumed in excessive amounts. Regular consumption of goji berries is very helpful for maintaining good health. However, it is important to learn how to eat goji berries correctly.
[Effects of Goji Berries]
1. Effects on immune function:
Goji berry extracts or polysaccharides have been shown to enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages in mice. They also increase the lysozyme activity in serum and the efficacy of anti-sheep red blood cell antibodies in serum. Furthermore, goji berries can increase the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen of mice.
2. Anti-aging effects:
Oral administration of goji berry extract to mice at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg for 20 days significantly inhibits the generation of liver lipid peroxides (LPo) and increases the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood. Human trials have shown that goji berry extract can inhibit the generation of serum LPo, increase the activity of GSH-Px in the blood, but does not increase the activity of SOD in erythrocytes, suggesting that goji berry extract has anti-aging effects.
3. Hepatoprotective effects:
Betaine hydrochloride can significantly increase the levels of phospholipids in the serum and liver of rats. It has a significant protective effect on the decrease in phospholipids and the increase in cholesterol induced by long-term administration of carbon tetrachloride. Water-soluble extracts also have similar effects, but they are slightly weaker.
4. Hypoglycemic effects:
Goji berry extract can significantly and persistently reduce blood glucose levels and increase glucose tolerance in rats, with minimal toxicity. In addition, it also has anti-tumor and hematopoietic functions.
[Side Effects of Goji Berries]
Although goji berries are commonly seen in our daily lives and are often used in various ways, there are some side effects of goji berries that we may not be aware of. So what are the side effects of goji berries?
1. Blurred vision
Some people may experience nosebleeds after consuming too many goji berries in their daily lives. This is caused by excessive heat in the liver. Therefore, these people should avoid consuming goji berries. Some people may also experience uncomfortable red and swollen eyes and blurred vision after consuming too many goji berries. Therefore, this group of people should also avoid consuming goji berries. Therefore, goji berries should not be consumed excessively. They are like medicine and should be consumed in moderation.
2. Not suitable for certain health conditions
Although goji berries are very common in our daily lives, they are still considered as medicine from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine. The treatment of diseases with medicine relies on their specific properties, which is what we often refer to as their medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese medicine in China has pointed out that patients with symptoms of yin deficiency should consume more goji berries in their daily lives to regulate these symptoms and effectively alleviate various discomfort caused by yin deficiency. Therefore, only patients with yin deficiency can consume more goji berries in their daily lives, while those who are in good health and have no deficiency syndrome should consume goji berries in moderation.
3. Not suitable for hypertension
Nowadays, there are more and more people with hypertension. Research has found that hypertension and other chronic diseases have become the biggest health killers for modern people. Even without complications, lifelong medication has made patients feel a lot of pain. Goji berries are a very common medicinal herb or food in our daily lives. Many people often use goji berries to make tea or stew soup to alleviate symptoms such as yang deficiency. Goji berries also have the effect of improving eyesight, so many people working in the computer industry and teaching profession often make goji berry tea to protect their eyes.
However, people with hypertension should be cautious and avoid excessive consumption of goji berries. This is because goji berries have a strong warming effect on the body. If hypertensive patients consume them excessively, it will inevitably lead to accelerated blood circulation and increased blood pressure. In addition to hypertensive patients, people with excessively impatient temperaments should also avoid frequent consumption of goji berries.
4. Not suitable for cold symptoms
Although goji berries have many benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. Goji berries are only suitable for people with weak constitution, frequent colds, and poor resistance. However, once someone has a cold or other similar symptoms, they should avoid consuming goji berries. In addition, people who consume a lot of meat in their daily lives and have a red and flushed face should also consume fewer goji berries to avoid symptoms such as excessive internal heat. This is because goji berries have a strong warming effect, and consuming them may cause excessive liver fire.
Furthermore, people who are currently experiencing a cold or fever should also consume less or avoid consuming goji berries. In addition, people with inflammation in their bodies, whether caused by external injuries or internal inflammation, should avoid consuming goji berries. This is also one of the side effects of goji berries, and patients with diarrhea should stay away from them as well.
