Goji berries are excellent for both food and medicine, so how should they be taken for the best effect?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, goji berries are known for their ability to nourish the kidneys and essence, protect the liver and improve vision, and moisten the lungs to relieve coughs. Modern research indicates that goji berries are rich in nutrients such as carotene, vitamins, essential proteins, crude fat, and minerals like phosphorus and iron. Notably, their vitamin C content is higher than that of oranges, and their beta-carotene content surpasses that of carrots. Furthermore, goji berries can boost immunity and provide benefits such as liver protection, anti-fatigue, and anti-aging, making them suitable for individuals with low resistance or a weak constitution.
Generally, it is advisable for healthy adults to consume about 20 grams of goji berries daily, which can be increased to 30 grams for therapeutic purposes. Goji berries should be consumed regularly but not in large quantities at once. When steeped in water or used in soups, simply drinking the broth will not fully absorb the nutrients of the goji berries, so it is best to eat the berries as well.
For more complete absorption of nutrients, goji berries can be chewed directly without any processing. After rinsing them with water, you can chew them, but the dosage should be halved compared to when they are steeped or used in soups.
Due to their significant warming effect on the body, it is best to avoid consuming goji berries when you have a cold, fever, or inflammation. Additionally, goji berries have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and are not suitable for individuals with an overactive libido. Moreover, goji berries are high in sugar, containing 19.3 grams per 100 grams, so people with diabetes should use them with caution and avoid excessive consumption.