Many office workers like to soak goji berries in water to drink, and they can list a whole set of its benefits: improving eyesight, nourishing the kidneys, and lowering blood sugar. However, experts say that simply drinking water infused with goji berries does not allow for sufficient nutrient absorption. Moreover, goji berries are not suitable for everyone.
Goji berries are rich in various trace elements and vitamins, which can nourish yin, protect the eyes, and enhance immunity. In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries have long been used to treat blurred vision and night blindness caused by insufficient liver blood and kidney yin deficiency. Recently, British research has discovered the anti-aging effects of goji berries, but these medicinal properties are only present with consistent consumption; eating them occasionally is ineffective. Soaking goji berries in water is the most common method, but most of the vitamins they contain are water-soluble and can be easily destroyed by heat. Furthermore, substances like carotene are difficult to absorb completely. It is best to soak them in slightly warm water or to chew a few berries directly.
However, goji berries are not suitable for everyone. Those who are weak and have poor resistance can eat more. But because of their strong warming effect on the body, people with colds, fevers, inflammation, or diarrhea should avoid them. Goji berries also have an "expiration date." Berries that have an alcoholic smell have already spoiled and should not be eaten.