The benefits and effects of goji berries are worth knowing about for everyday life

Goji berries are the dried, ripe fruit of the goji plant (Lycium barbarum) in the nightshade family. It is cultivated in many parts of China, and the fruit produced in Ningxia is especially well known. The dried fruit is oval in shape, dark red in color and sweet in taste. It is both a common ingredient in the kitchen and a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, making it a typical example of a substance used both as food and medicine.

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, goji berries are believed to nourish the liver and kidneys and to benefit vital essence and improve eyesight, and they are often used to help with dizziness, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, and blurred vision. In terms of nutritional composition, goji berries contain goji polysaccharides, carotene, various vitamins and minerals, and are therefore often regarded as an excellent ingredient for everyday dietary nourishment.

There are many ways to eat goji berries. They can be steeped directly in warm boiled water, or a small amount can be added when cooking congee, making soup or stewing desserts. After steeping, it is best to eat the fruit as well, so that the nutrients are used more fully. Many people also like to chew them dried; they taste sweet and this method is just as simple and easy. It should be noted that when eating them daily, moderation is what matters. Steady, long-term consumption is more in line with the principles of dietary nourishment than eating a large amount at one time.

When selecting goji berries, those with plump grains, natural color and a dry, non-clumping texture are best. If the color is unusually bright or there is a pungent odor, caution is needed to avoid buying fruit that has undergone improper treatment. For storage, they should be kept in a cool, dry place, sealed and protected from moisture to prevent them from becoming damp and sticky. In addition, people who are currently suffering from a cold or fever, diarrhea, or who have a damp-heat constitution should reduce their consumption. For patients with chronic diseases who wish to take them long term, consulting a doctor first is the safer approach.