The benefits and edible value of goji berries deserve a scientific understanding

Goji berries are the dried, ripe fruit of the goji plant (Lycium barbarum) in the nightshade family, mainly produced in Ningxia, Qinghai, Gansu and other places, with those from Ningxia being the most well known. They are both one of the traditional commonly used medicinal herbs and a variety listed in the catalogue of substances that are both food and medicine; the dried fruit is red and glossy with a sweet taste, and is commonly used to steep in water, cook in porridge or simmer in soups.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are neutral in nature and sweet in taste, entering the liver and kidney meridians, and have long been considered to nourish the liver and kidneys and to benefit essence and brighten the eyes, often appearing in dietary therapy combinations for conditions such as fatigue and weakness or blurred vision. From the perspective of modern nutrition, goji berries contain goji polysaccharides, carotenoids, betaine, and various vitamins and minerals, and these components are also the reason they attract so much attention.

As for how to eat them, goji berries can be chewed directly, steeped in warm water, or added to porridge or soups and cooked together. It is generally recommended to eat an appropriate amount each day rather than consuming a large quantity all at once. It should be noted that goji berries are, after all, a food ingredient with mild effects and cannot replace medication to treat disease; if you feel unwell, you should still seek medical attention promptly.

There are also some common issues worth noting when eating them. According to traditional experience, people who are in the middle of a cold with fever or diarrhea are usually advised to hold off on eating them, and those with a hot constitution who tend to get internal heat should also reduce the amount. When selecting them, those with plump grains, natural color, and dryness without clumping are best; when storing them, they should be sealed, kept out of light, and protected from moisture to avoid dampness and mold. In addition, according to relevant regulations, ordinary foods may not casually claim health or therapeutic effects, so it is still necessary to remain rational in the face of various promotional claims.