Goji berries have traditionally been used in Chinese folk medicine and other alternative health practices to treat a wide variety of ailments. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular in the mainstream market, promoted as a ‘superfood’ that gives you a whole host of health and weight loss benefits, including a faster metabolism, increased sex drive, more youthful appearance and protection against cancer.

With Oprah, Madonna and a flock of other celebrities swearing by goji berries for weight loss, many people are naturally curious. Like all foods presented in this ‘magical’ light, there is cause to be somewhat sceptical- any product claiming to be a miraculous cure-all is guaranteed to disappoint. But beneath the hype, studies have suggested that goji berries can give you some real health benefits, as well as supporting your weight loss goals- when used as a part of a healthy, balanced diet.

What are goji berries?

Goji berries, also called Chinese wolfberries, are delicate red fruits that are traditionally grown in the Himalayan valleys of China, Tibet and Mongolia. They are usually shaken from the vine and left out in the sun to dry, which gives them a slightly chewy texture. The taste is similar to a cranberry, or as some describe it, between a strawberry and a raspberry.

Most of the goji berry products found in Western markets are of the dried variety, although goji berry juice is also popular. You can also buy teas and goji berry extract in capsule form, and some health stores offer it mixed in with muesli bars or granola cereals.

Health benefits and healing properties of goji berries

Goji berries are among the world’s most nutrient-dense foods, with 11 essential elements, 22 trace dietary minerals, 18 amino acids, 6 essential vitamins, as well as plenty of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, carotenoids and more. In Chinese medicine, they have been used to treat eye, kidney and liver diseases, as well as to improve general health and energy. Some of the main health benefits goji berries may offer include:

Fighting free radicals. The powerful antioxidants and molecule polysaccharides found in goji berries fight against free radicals that damage the body internally.

Improving your vision. The carotenoids in goji berries can help to protect the eye against macular degeneration and cataracts, as well as reducing the amount of time it takes for your vision to adapt to darkness.

Strengthening immunity. It has been suggested that goji berries can help to strengthen your immune system and heart, as well as normalising your blood pressure and supporting normal kidney and liver function.

Keeping you young. Goji berries stimulate secretions from the pituitary gland, which controls the ‘youth’ hormone hGH- a hormone that can improve your memory, make your sleep better, reduce body fat, restore libido, make you heal faster, and give you a more youthful appearance.

Enhancing sexual function. Goji berries have been shown to increase the levels of testosterone in the blood, increasing libido in both men and women.

Reducing risk of cancer. The combination of antioxidants and polysaccharides have been thought to help reduce the risk of genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. It has also been suggested that goji berries can help inhibit cancer growth by helping cancer cells to break down and recycle.

Improving brain function. Goji berries are a good source of betaine, which converts into substances that support brain function and enhance memory and recall ability.

Helping recovery. Adaptogens also help to stimulate the regeneration and repair of muscles. In addition, goji berries can help to eliminate toxins and lactic acid produced during exercise and reduce muscle soreness, as well as supporting the liver and other organs.

Weight loss benefits of goji berries

Along with all these health benefits, it is the weight loss properties that have helped to make goji berries such a popular sensation. Some of the ways it has been suggested goji berries can help support your weight loss include:

Controlling appetite. Goji berries have a low Glycemic Index (29, compared with apples at 38 and Cantaloupe at 65), which means they are more likely to keep you feeling full on less. They also have lots of fibre (21% of total weight), so they can help to moderate your blood sugar levels.

Burning food for energy. There are several nutrients in goji berries that can help to convert food into energy rather than storing it as fat, such as vitamin B1 (essential for healthy thyroid function), calcium (which has been linked to lower levels of body fat) and other essential minerals including iron, copper, potassium and zinc.

Preserving muscle mass. Goji berries are a good source of chromium, which studies suggest may help to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss. It also has plenty of potassium and amino acids that help to enhance the production of lean muscle tissue. Because muscles burn more calories than fat, stronger muscles help to make your metabolism run more efficiently.

Reducing stress. Goji berries have been shown to lower levels of cortisol in the body- a hormone that prompts weight gain by directing the body to store fat and crave sugary foods.

Providing energy. Losing weight and keeping it off depends on having the energy to complete regular physical activity, and goji berries help to strengthen the glands that are responsible for generating energy (the adrenals, thymus, thyroid and pituitary).

Improving physical performance. Goji berries are an adaptogen, which means they can to improve your workout efficiency by increasing endurance and stamina, as well as improving the way you use oxygen and strengthening the heart.

It’s all about balance

Remember, there’s no such thing as a magical food that fixes everything- while the healing properties of goji berries are mostly grounded in scientific findings, the effects are smaller than many advertisers would have you believe. They certainly won’t cure everything and make you drop kilos on their own- but if you incorporate them into your healthy diet plan, they can help to support your weight loss efforts, giving you that extra push towards your goals.