Goji berries are a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine, known as the “finest health supplement.” From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries have rich nutritional value and are widely used for nourishing health and treating diseases.
“Compendium of Materia Medica”: “Goji berries, sweet, mild, non-toxic. Enter the liver, kidney, and lung meridians. Used for blurred vision, insufficient liver and kidney, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, improved vision, long-term consumption lightens the body and prolongs life.”
According to the “Compendium of Materia Medica,” goji berries have the effect of tonifying the liver and kidneys, improving vision, and nourishing the blood essence. It is considered an excellent medicine for tonifying the liver and kidneys, helping to balance the yin and yang of the liver and kidneys, enhance their functions, and promote the body’s physiological metabolism. Additionally, goji berries are rich in various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing anti-aging and immune-boosting effects.
The “Compendium of Materia Medica” also mentions that goji berries can improve vision and tonify the kidneys, with certain therapeutic effects on eye problems such as blurred vision and dim eyesight. This may be related to specific components in goji berries, such as goji polysaccharides and vitamin A, which play important roles in eye health and visual function.
Furthermore, goji berries are believed to be beneficial for regulating immune system function. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that goji berries can enhance the body’s immunity, improve disease resistance, and help prevent and treat some immune-related diseases.
Is it better to soak goji berries in water or eat them directly?
Both soaking in water and eating directly are acceptable, but it is important to note that only drinking the soup from soaking goji berries does not fully absorb their nutrients, so it is best to consume the berries as well.
When goji berries are soaked or boiled, factors such as water temperature and soaking time affect the release of their medicinal effects. Therefore, chewing and consuming goji berries directly allows for better absorption of their nutritional components without the need for any processing.
For example, a notable effect of goji berries is eye protection and vision improvement, mainly attributed to the presence of lutein in goji berries. Lutein accumulation on the retina helps reduce UV stimulation and protect the visual nerves from damage.
Lutein is a substance that the human body cannot synthesize on its own and can only be obtained through the consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, many foods do not contain high levels of lutein, except for goji berries, which are particularly rich in this substance.
Although goji berries are rich in lutein, lutein is not soluble in water. Therefore, when using goji berries for soup or soaking water, the lutein may not be fully released. To fully utilize the eye-protective function of goji berries, it is best to crush the goji berries, swallow them after drinking water, or eat the soaked goji berries.
Compared to soaking, rinsing goji berries with water and consuming them directly by chewing is more suitable, but the dosage should be considered. For healthy adults, consuming about 20 grams of goji berries a day is appropriate, which can be increased to 30 grams for therapeutic purposes. When chewed and consumed directly, it is advisable to reduce the intake by half.
Goji berry recipe combinations:
1. Goji berries + Red dates
Ingredients: Red dates 10g, goji berries 8g.
Method:
Put the red dates in a pot and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the color of the skin darkens. Remove and let cool in the dish for later use. Extra red dates can be stored in a sealed container for later use.
Take the cooled red dates, add cleaned goji berries, and place them in a teapot.
Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar, then pour in hot water. The amount of rock sugar can be adjusted according to personal taste.
Cover the teapot and let it stew for about 5 minutes, then pour out and drink after the flavors have fully blended.
Benefits: This combination can make the complexion rosy, tonify qi and blood, have beautifying effects, and make the skin fair and radiant.
The goji berries paired with red dates water method is straightforward and suitable for busy working individuals. No matter how late you stay up, drinking a cup of goji berries with red dates water, you will find yourself with a healthy complexion the next day.
For women, drinking more goji berries with red dates water is very beneficial for improving sleep problems, frequent urination, and physical weakness, resulting in a youthful appearance, good complexion, and overall health.
3. Goji berries + Longan
Ingredients: Goji berries, longan meat 20g each, raisins 50g, honey 20g, pineapple 200g.
Method:
Rinse the goji berries, longan meat, raisins, and pineapple with water.
Put them in a small bowl, add honey and a suitable amount of water, then steam in a steamer for 20 minutes.
Benefits: Regular consumption can prolong life, enrich vital energy, and tonify qi and blood.
4. Goji berries + Eggs
Ingredients: Goji berries 20g, 2 eggs.
Method:
Rinse the goji berries and place them in a bowl.
Break the eggs into the bowl and mix them with the goji berries.
Steam until cooked before consuming.
Benefits: Middle-aged and elderly people who consume goji berry and egg pudding can delay visual decline and prevent eye problems.
