As is well known, goji berries can nourish the kidneys and strengthen yang, offering excellent health benefits, but they also have side effects!
The "Compendium of Materia Medica" states: "Goji berries nourish the kidneys and generate essence, and nourish the liver to improve vision." Although goji berries are good for the eyes, many people use them incorrectly. Many people like to steep goji berries in water, cook them in soups, or boil them in congee, and then drink the water or soup, discarding the goji berries along with the tea leaves or dregs. What they don't realize is that doing so makes it impossible to effectively absorb the beneficial eye-protecting components in goji berries.
The eye-protecting component in goji berries, zeaxanthin, is not water-soluble. Simply steeping them in water or cooking them in soup cannot fully release it. Therefore, the best and simplest way to benefit from goji berries for eye health is to chew them thoroughly and eat them. Generally, it is appropriate for healthy adults to eat about 20 grams of goji berries per day. If eating them dry, the amount should be halved, otherwise, it is easy to over-nourish.
Side Effects of Goji Berries
1. People with Yin deficiency are prone to getting "heaty" from eating goji berries.
During the summer, people with a Yin-deficient constitution should pay attention to their intake of goji berries. Because goji berries are sweet and gentle in nature, excessive consumption can cause "heatiness," especially when eaten raw.
2. Excessive consumption causes many problems.
Goji berries are suitable for people with weak constitutions and poor resistance. However, one must take them consistently over a long period, eating a little every day, to see effects. Goji berries contain betaine, amino acids, carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other components that are beneficial to human health. However, it is important to control the dosage. Excessive consumption of goji berries can cause "heatiness," nosebleeds, and even red, swollen, and uncomfortable eyes.
3. There are contraindications for eating goji berries.
Although goji berries have excellent nourishing and therapeutic effects, they are not suitable for everyone. Because their effect of warming the body is quite strong, it is best for people who have a cold, fever, inflammation, or diarrhea to avoid them.
Because goji berries have a strong warming effect on the body, people with high blood pressure, a very irritable temperament, or those who usually consume a lot of meat and have a ruddy complexion, as well as those with a cold, fever, inflammation, or diarrhea, should best avoid them.