Some of you are familiar with goji berries as antioxidant superstars, understanding their role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Others only know goji berries to be toppings for acai bowls. These small, oval berries are similar in size to raisins, only they are bright red in color and have a slight tart taste with a subtle, herbal note.
What Are Goji Berries?
Most commonly sold dried, goji berries can also be found in juices, powders, or teas. They have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in remedies for eyesight, circulation, and liver protection. Recent research indicates that they have valuable compounds and nutrients that enhance or aid immune function. A five-tablespoon serving of dried goji berries exhibits the following nutritional profile:
- Calories: 98
- Fat: 0.1 gram (g)
- Protein: 4 g
- Sugar: 12.8 g
- Carbs: 21.6 g
- Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 250% of the DV
- Iron: 11% of the DV
- Calcium: 10% of the DV
- Potassium: 24% of the DV
- Zinc: 18% of the DV
What makes goji berries special is that they are great sources of iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C. Iron is involved with the transportation of oxygen and the production of healthy red blood cells. Vitamins A and C play integral roles in immune function, acting as antioxidants in the body. They may also help reduce inflammation and encourage collagen production.
How Goji Berries Support Immune Function
Goji berries contain zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, vitaminC, and polyphenols, all of which work to neutralize free radicals that may damage immune cells. They also work to protect white blood cells so they can function optimally. Research indicates that goji berries contain unique polysaccharides that stimulate immune cells. In fact, one of the most studied compounds in goji berries is Lyceum barbarum polysaccharides (LPBs). The research indicates that LPBs may enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity and support T-cell and b-cell function, both of which are essential to adaptive immunity. They may also activate macrophages, which are cells that engulf pathogens.Â
Enhancing immune function does not just mean supplying the body with antioxidants and vitamin C. A strong immune system is about balance, just like gut health. The compounds in goji berries work to regulate inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, goji berries provide key micronutrients for immune cell production. Zinc is essential for cell development and signaling, iron supports oxygen delivery, and selenium works to regulate immune responses. These nutrients may also support immune resilience, helping to counter stress-related immune suppression.Â
What Goji Berries Don’t Do
This is an important reality check, especially after listing the benefits of goji berries. They cannot cure or prevent infections. Goji berries are not replacements for sleep or proper nutrition. The benefits are supportive and cumulative, not immediate or dramatic. They are little immune system maintenance workers and should not be viewed as energy medications.Â
Homemade Goji Berry Syrup
Ingredients:
- 3.5 cups filtered water
- 2/3 cup dried goji berries
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and grated
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 drop each: ginger essential oil and lemon essential oil
Instructions:
- Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the goji berries, turmeric, lemon halves, ginger, and cinnamon sticks.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and the cover, reducing the heat to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Pour the liquid through a strainer into a glass bowl. Get rid of the cinnamon sticks, lemon halves, and ginger. Pour the strained liquid into a blender, add the honey, and blend for 10 seconds.
- Pour the syrup into a pint-sized mason jar or glass bottle of some kind, add the essential oils, and screw on the top. Store in the fridge and take daily for immune-boosting benefits.
- Serving size is one teaspoon for kids and one tablespoon for adults.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
