In our daily life, we can often see various medicinal herbs, especially in Guangdong, where people enjoy drinking herbal soups. A delicious and nutritious soup cannot do without good medicinal herbs. Today, let’s talk about the medicinal herb – goji berry. Among young people nowadays, there is a popular saying “Dance with knee pads, soak goji berries in beer.” Of course, this is just a trendy phrase on the internet, but the nutritional value of goji berries is indeed rich. Goji berries are not only rich in vitamin C but also contain unsaturated fatty acids. Regular consumption of goji berries helps maintain good health and kidney function.
When I was young, my mom always liked to add goji berries to soups and often encouraged us to consume them, teaching us about the nutritional value of goji berries. In addition, goji berries are also very good for the eyes, as the nutrients in goji berries can improve eyesight. Goji berries also have a cooling effect. However, there are certain considerations when consuming goji berries, such as when to eat, how much to eat, and how to eat them to maximize their benefits.
So, let’s explore the benefits of regular consumption of goji berries and how they can help the body.
Regular consumption of goji berries can promote the body’s metabolism, help eliminate toxins quickly, and enhance immunity. Some people may ask – is it more effective to eat goji berries at night than during the day? In fact, there is no scientific basis for this. Some people believe that consuming goji berries before bedtime can have better therapeutic effects, improve sleep quality, and promote overall health. However, the nutritional value of goji berries does not fluctuate with day and night. The vitamin C, polysaccharides, carotenoids, and amino acids in goji berries do not diminish at any time; hence, there is minimal difference in consuming them morning or night. However, consuming goji berries before bed might lead to increased urination at night, affecting sleep quality.
So, how should we consume goji berries to maximize their effectiveness?
1. Chew dried goji berries
Many people prefer to soak goji berries in water before consumption, but chewing dried goji berries is more beneficial for promoting health. This is because the polysaccharides in goji berries are a type of protein polysaccharide. When we soak goji berries, using water at 100 degrees Celsius or hot water, the nutritional proteins in goji berries can denature, affecting their effectiveness. Therefore, occasionally chewing dried goji berries as a snack can satisfy cravings, prevent unhealthy snacking that may lower physical fitness, and promote overall health.
2. Consume in moderate amounts
When eating goji berries, it is important to consume them in moderate amounts, similar to the concept of eating small meals multiple times. Consuming large quantities at once can burden the body; it is best to eat small amounts several times, ideally staying under 20 grams per serving. This facilitates the absorption of the nutritional elements of goji berries by the body and does not overload the body. Consuming more than 20 grams can burden the body, leading to over-nourishment, especially individuals with weaker health conditions should pay attention to moderate consumption to avoid creating a situation of over-supplementation, which could ultimately harm their bodies.
The benefits of goji berries are extensive. By paying attention to the right usage and quantity in our daily lives, we can maximize the effectiveness of goji berries. Regular consumption of goji berries helps replenish kidney energy and strengthen the body. However, it is important to note that goji berries contain polysaccharides, and individuals with diabetes should use them cautiously to avoid any discomfort.
