Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a popular superfood that has gained popularity in recent years for their potential health benefits. But is Goji berry good for diabetics?
Is there any scientific evidence to suggest that Goji berries have potential benefits for people with diabetes? In this blog post, we will explore the potential health benefits of goji berries and whether or not they are good for diabetics.
What are Goji berries?
Lycium barbarum is another name for goji berries. The goji berry is a native of Asia, and people have been utilizing it for more than 2,000 years as a food supplement and medicinal herb.
More recently, supporters have introduced goji berries to the rest of the world with claims of many potential health benefits. Modern science is investigating these claims, and researchers have backed many of them.
What is the glycemic index of Goji berries?
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a well-established glycemic index for Gogi berries. Some sources claim that Goji berries have a low glycemic index (around 25 – 29) while others mention a moderate glycemic index. This inconsistency may be due to differences in the preparation and processing of Goji berries, as well as variations in the type of Goji berries used in different studies.
What is the glycemic load of Goji berries?
Just as with the glycemic index, the glycemic load of Goji berries hasn’t been well established either. Some sources suggest a low glycemic load whiles others suggest a moderate one.
Since the glycemic index and glycemic load values aren’t conclusive enough, we can’t use them to justify whether or not Goji berry is good for diabetics.
Is goji berry good for diabetics?
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that Goji berries may have potential benefits for diabetics. Goji berries are a good source of antioxidants, including polysaccharides and carotenoids.
These antioxidants may help to protect against oxidative stress, which has been linked to the development of diabetes and other chronic health conditions.
In addition, several studies have shown that Goji berries may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. For example, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Goji berries significantly reduced blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes.
Another study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, found that Goji berry extract improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood sugar levels in obese mice.
Goji berries have been demonstrated to be promising anti-diabetic medicines, as evidenced by the fact that rats given goji berry extract show considerably lower blood glucose levels.
The release of sugar into the blood may be managed with the use of goji berries. Goji berries balance the blood’s levels of insulin and glucose, according to 2015 research.
The same study found that goji berries raised HDL levels in type 2 diabetics. HDL is referred to as “good cholesterol.”
Goji berry therefore may be good for diabetics because of the rich antioxidants present and the potential ability to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. However, most of these studies were conducted on animals and more evidence may be needed.
Are goji berries high in sugar?
No! Goji berries are not high in sugar. In fact, Goji berries are generally considered to be low in sugar, with a serving of about 30 grams (about 1 ounce) containing about 4 grams of sugar.
It is, however, important to note that the processing and preparation methods can impact the sugar content of Goji berries. For example, Goji berries that are dried or coated with sugar will have a higher sugar content than fresh Goji berries.
Given that they generally contain comparatively low sugar, goji berries may help to reduce insulin resistance, enhance sugar tolerance, and lower blood sugar levels. Those who have diabetes or who are watching their blood sugar levels will find them to be fantastic fruit snacks because of this.
What happens if you eat goji berries every day?
In Chinese medicine, goji berries are used to support the kidneys, liver, and eyes as well as to slow down the aging process. According to a short review on the health benefits of goji juice, regularly consuming it improved energy levels, better sleep, and concentration, and lowered weariness and stress levels.
What benefits does Goji Berry have?
Goji berries have been consumed in Asia for centuries in an effort to lengthen life. This fruit contains significant levels of potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, and protein. Beta-carotene and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that are abundant in high concentrations in goji.
According to this study, Lycium may help people require less insulin, hence lowering blood sugar levels. Goji berries have anti-aging benefits, and a key ingredient called betaine has been demonstrated to reduce collagen degradation from ultraviolet B radiation and wrinkle formation.
Goji berries have the capacity to strengthen or potentiate the host defense system in a way that prevents tumor growth without causing harm to the host, according to research.
Goji berries can protect the heart by stopping the progression and degeneration brought on by cardiovascular disease and lowering cholesterol.
The beta-carotene found in goji berries, a precursor to vitamin A that supports healthy skin and good eyesight, is abundant. Goji berries are utilized in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines because of their high nutritional content.
The component beta-carotene is used in skin treatments to:
- to better skin health
- lessen skin sensitivity
- control the effects of the sun’s rays and the aging process
Drinking goji berry juice can increase energy, mood, and digestive health, according to a U.S. study that involved human participants. These participants for 14 days, were given either a placebo drink or 120 milliliters of goji berry juice to drink daily.
They were given questionnaires asking about their general well-being, neurological and psychological health, musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular and digestive issues, and any negative consequences of the juice each day.
Each participant’s blood pressure, body mass, weight, pulse, and vision were measured before and after the 14-day trial to keep track of these variables.
By day 15, the group who received the goji berry juice reported increased vitality, focus, greater athletic performance, mental acuity, and emotions of peace and satisfaction.
The study also revealed that those who drank the juice from the goji berry reported better sleep quality, and no one reported any side effects from doing so.
What makes goji berries so good?
Because they contain chemical substances produced by plants called phytochemicals, goji berries are frequently referred to as a superfood. Polysaccharides, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin are among the phytochemicals found in goji berries.
One of the goji berry’s main characteristics is its polysaccharide content. These are a crucial source of dietary fiber. A study utilizing aging mice discovered that the polysaccharides in goji berries aided with boosting the body’s overall antioxidant activity and enhancing immunological function.
The orange-red tint of goji berries is caused by beta-carotene. For the creation of new cells as well as for the health of the bones, skin, and eyes, beta-carotene is essential. Goji berries have one of the highest concentrations of beta-carotene of any edible plant.
In order to maintain the immune system, zeaxanthin is essential. Zeaxanthin is thought by many scientists to be able to stop macular degeneration, a condition that gradually impairs eyesight and is brought on by the macula, the center of the retina.
Do goji berries affect blood pressure?
There is not much proof supporting the several uses of the berries, berry juice, and root bark. In several parts of Asia and the Mediterranean, goji is a native plant. It has compounds that could possibly reduce blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Additionally, it might boost immunity and protect organs.
Are goji berries good for the kidneys?
It enhances kidney function. According to a study, goji berries have active ingredients that assist the body to eliminate toxins and enhance kidney function.
Conclusion
Goji berry is good for diabetics as suggested by some research and the potential health benefits that it offers. However, a lot more evidence will be required for it to be recommended as a means to help manage diabetics.
Talk to your doctor or dietician if you would like to include Goji berries in your meal plan.
References
Bucheli, P., Vidal, K., Shen, L., Gu, Z., Zhang, C., Miller, L. E., & Wang, J. (2011). Goji berry effects on macular characteristics and plasma antioxidant levels. Optometry and vision Science, 88(2), 257-262.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4475782/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18447631
WRITTEN AND EDITED RESPECTIVELY BY:
Rebecca Tetteh
Rebecca Tetteh is a writer and an entrepreneur who is passionate about impacting others with the knowledge and skills she has. Rebecca loves writing and cooking. She creatively writes on a wide range of subjects and takes pride in providing the best content possible for her readers. She also organizes workshops for young people with the interest in learning how to bake pastries and other cuisines.
Dr. Ehoneah Obed is a registered pharmacist and a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana. He has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and has experience working in a Tertiary hospital as well as various community pharmacies. He is also a software engineer interested in healthcare technologies.
His love for helping others motivates him to create content on an array of topics mostly relating to the health of people and also software engineering content.
He is knowledgeable in digital marketing, content marketing, and a host of other skills that make him versatile enough to uplift any team he joins.
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