Goji berries improve mood and cognitive function

Goji berries protect the brain and its functioning, restore balance in the gut microbiota, if damaged by a diet too rich in sugars and fats, and even improve mood!

This emerges from two recent scientific research we are talking about today.

1 They protect the brain and the microbiota

The study was published a few months ago in the journal Food and Function by a Chinese team [1].

The research took place in the laboratory on a population of mice that showed the effects of an unbalanced diet, too rich in sugars and fats as the Western diet can be. In particular, the microbiota of the mice was altered as was the metabolism of bile acids. Both of these aspects seem to play, based on recent scientific research, a role in increasing inflammation in the brain.

As a consequence of these alterations, in fact, the cognitive functionality of the mice was decreased.

Well, after three and a half months of administration of aqueous extracts of goji berries it was possible to reverse these processes.

In particular, it was possible to observe

• A restoration of balance in the gut microbiota
• A restoration of bile acid metabolism
• A reduction in neuroinflammation
• An improvement in cognitive function

2 They improve mood

The second study was published in the Croatian Medical Journal by a Turkish team [2].

Also in this case the research was conducted in the laboratory on a population of mice with behavior reminiscent of depression in humans.

The administration of goji berry extracts, even in small quantities, made it possible to improve mood thanks to the antioxidant action of the remedy.

In fact, it is believed that an increase in free radicals in the brain may be a contributing factor to the development of depression. By increasing antioxidant defenses, which can happen, for example, by taking goji berries, as the study we just talked about suggests, it is possible to counteract this process.

3 Other benefits

Goji berries are the fruits of the Lycium barbarum plant. These orange-colored berries are rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols, minerals and vitamins.

Thanks to these characteristics, goji berries are anti-aging, anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory [3].

Goji berries protect eyesight since their intake has been shown to increase levels of zeaxanthin, a carotenoid, in the macula, which is the central part of the retina. This helps reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration [4].

4 How to take goji berries

Nowadays, goji berries can be easily found almost everywhere, even in the supermarket. Goji berries can be taken in different ways:

• Dried berries added to fruit salads or yogurt. If they are too dry they can be rehydrated by soaking them in a little water. Then use both berries and water.
• Goji berry juice
• Goji berry herbal tea, is prepared by adding a teaspoon of dried berries to a cup of boiling water. Let it rest for ten minutes, then filter and drink, use the rehydrated berries for yogurt or fruit salads
• Supplement, can be purchased at the pharmacy. Always ask your doctor for advice before starting treatment
• Some delicious recipes, such as energy bars with goji berries and raisins or chocolates with fresh and dried fruit, you can find these recipes in the Healthy Eating section or in the links at the bottom of this article

5 Warnings and contraindications

Goji berries, if included in a varied diet without excess, are safe.

However, in rare cases and in people suffering from food allergies, an allergic reaction has been observed after ingesting goji berries. So pay attention if you have food allergies and talk to your doctor [5].

Also be careful if you are taking medications, such as warfarin, anticoagulants, blood pressure medications or diabetes. Goji berries have shown an interaction with these medicines. So also in this case ask your doctor for advice [6].

Avoid taking goji during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of studies on the safety of the food in these phases.

Finally, the advice is to purchase goji berries from trusted shops as the possibility of contamination with toxic substances, if the berries are not processed and stored carefully, is high [6].

6 What to keep in mind

Goji berries are a superfood with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Goji berries protect eyesight, brain, gut microbiota and mood.

Nowadays it is easy to find goji berries, which can be taken in dried form, as a juice, supplement and even herbal tea.

The ease with which goji berries are found should not lead one to think that they do not have warnings. In fact, goji berries should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not only that, they can interfere with some medications in use.

Finally, goji berries can be allergenic in predisposed people.

Always make sure of the quality of the product you purchase as possible contamination with toxins has been observed.

To find out more

Delicious fresh and dried fruit chocolates

Energy bars with raisins and goji