You’ve probably heard a lot about superfoods. If there was one that you need to include in your daily diet, then it should be the sweet and juicy goji berry, also known as the wolfberry. They are readily available in fresh or dried varieties. You can enjoy them as a powerful additive to teas, smoothies, and even protein shakes.
Though they’re native to Tibet, the varieties grown in Ningxia, China have the highest levels of antioxidants. The berry is small like the cherry tomato, but it’s sweet and a bit tart at the same time. Experts say that when you drink just one cup of tea with these wonder berries in it every day, you can improve your health.
In most areas, you won’t find the berries in their natural state. They are typically dried and used as an additive. It’s often mixed with flowers like the Chrysanthemum to make an herbal tea with amazing medicinal properties. For more than 2,000 years, practitioners of Eastern medicine revered this plant. But suddenly, the western world found the benefits, too.
Why Are the Goji Berries so Healthy?
Those who are watching their figure will love the fact that the goji berry has a low glycemic index. They’re even better for you than the highly touted blueberry. While blueberries may provide ample antioxidants, the goji berry wins when it comes to macronutrients.
Additionally, other health benefits from this plant derive from the following nutritional aspects, which include:
•Iron
•Zinc
•Vitamin C
•Riboflavin
•Polysaccharides
•Selenium
•Amino Acids
Benefits of Goji Berries
If one cup of tea could change your entire life, would you drink it regularly? You know how popular these berries have become, but what would happen to your body if you drank goji berry tea every day? Here are ten things that would occur.
1. Improved Eyesight
As you begin to age, your eyesight deteriorates. Some people describe it as a lens that slowly goes out of focus as the years roll on. If your blood sugar levels are out of whack, then it can be even more challenging to keep your 20/20 vision.
However, a study showed that when mice ingested this tea for just two weeks, their retina had a 20 percent increase. Their visual sharpness improved, and definite changes were observed. Experts believe that the minerals and carotenoids in these berries are what caused visual improvements.
2. Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels
As you get older, you may experience problems with high cholesterol levels. Your body needs cholesterol for many essential functions. It’s produced in your body and is supplemented by the foods you eat.
Not all cholesterol is created equal, and it comes in two forms. Low-density lipoproteins or LDL is called the good cholesterol because of its vital benefits. Your health is at risk when your body has elevated levels of high-density lipoproteins known as the bad cholesterol or HDL.
Think of lipoproteins as fatty proteins that naturally exist in your bloodstream. When you have high levels of HDL in your blood due to heredity or improper diet, your body stores the excess in your arteries. Eventually, the stored HDL clogs your blood vessels and puts you at risk of severe diseases.
If you were diagnosed with high cholesterol, your primary healthcare provider probably has you on a personalized diet and fitness plan, as well as a statin prescription.
Did you know many people who enjoy a cup of goji berry tea each day often see a reduction in their HDL levels?
3. Weight Loss
The obesity epidemic in America is alarming, and it’s responsible for countless diseases and deaths each year. The good news is that obesity is probably one of the easiest health hazards to prevent. Who couldn’t stand to lose a few pounds?
Methods to lose weight have flooded the media for years. Before you attempt any weight loss plan, consult your physician and a licensed dietician to find one ideal for your needs. One thing you may consider is incorporating goji juice tea into your diet.
These delightful berries are packed with vitamins and fiber that gives your stomach a feeling of fullness. So, a steaming cup or a refreshing iced goji tea or two a day may help you eat less. The results are a leaner, healthier body, and more self-confidence.
4. Strengthened Immune System
If it weren’t for your immune system, your body would be in constant danger. As soon as any foreign microbe enters your body, your internal security goes on high alert, and it deploys millions of white blood cell soldiers to destroy the enemy.
People who have suppressed immune systems due to illness or autoimmune disorders are vulnerable in their surroundings. Do you have immune issues? Has your healthcare provider prescribed medications and other immunity-boosting therapies?
You would be pleasantly surprised to discover multiple studies linking drinking goji tea with better immunity. It’s a significant source of Vitamin C and other nutrients that strengthen white blood cells and other components. Thankfully, the goji berry is an herbal that may help prevent illness or minimize its duration.
5. Increased Energy
Why is it that our society has the most technology and convenience ever in human history, yet we still feel exhausted? While you are juggling a family, career, and social obligations, do you wish there were two of you to get it all done? Medical experts warn that chronic exhaustion is an alarming health issue in our country.
One reason our energy is depleted is that the typical American diet is loaded with fat, sugar, preservatives, salt, and empty calories. Nutritious whole foods, including goji juice tea, provide the necessary fuel to keep your body energetic and working at optimal levels.
6. Improves Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Levels
Cases of type two diabetes are increasing each year in our country, and it’s one of the most preventative disorders. Unfortunately, it remains one of the leading causes of death. While there are no cures for diabetes, lifestyle changes can keep symptoms under control.
Maybe you were diagnosed with type two diabetes or told you were a borderline diabetic. Never change your medications or take herbal supplements without consulting your physician. However, your doctor may be interested in the studies that link lower blood glucose levels for people who drink goji tea regularly.
7. Slow the Progression of Cancer Growth
Promising studies show that cancer treatment options improve each year, and survival rates for certain cancers increase. Not only are cancer patients taking traditional treatment routes, but many are finding benefits from using alternative medical options. Medical scientists continue to study how certain whole foods can inhibit cancer cell growth.
Cancer comes from mutated cells that take over and destroy healthy cells in the body. Oncologists and other specialists around the world continue to study the encouraging effects of superfoods like goji juice or tea on cancer cells.
8. Look and Feel Younger
Since the beginning, humans have searched in vain to find ways to turn back time. The effects of aging drove Ponce De Lyon to search for the mythical Fountain of Youth. Although time travel remains a daydream of the beauty industry, you can still slow the aging process a bit without expensive cosmetic surgery.
Did you know that your body’s cells are in a constant battle with harmful free radicals? These rouge microbes attack healthy cells, which results in systemic damage to your skin and other organs. While it’s an inevitable process of aging, reducing free radicals can optimize how young you look and feel.
So the key to fighting free radicals is consuming whole foods that are rich in antioxidants, like goji. When you savor a hot cup of goji juice tea, these super berries provide a healthy kick of antioxidants for cell protection and rejuvenation. In fact, your fine lines and wrinkles may become less noticeable too.
9. Benefits Male Reproductive Health
Low male testosterone levels may occur for many reasons. The results are a reduction in sperm count and limited sexual performance. Such issues are often difficult for men to discuss with their doctors.
For centuries, goji has been part of folk medicinal lore for male fertility. Many men have success drinking goji juice tea to help with their erectile dysfunction. If you are a male who is searching for alternative ways to benefit your reproductive health, then this delicious tea may be helpful.
10. Provides Cardiovascular Protection
Free radicals, or unstable malignant molecules, cause damage within your body. Unfortunately, one area these dangerous cells often attack is the heart. Though it takes a bit of time for the damage to occur, you need to take preventative measures.
Goji berry tea is full of antioxidant elements that help to protect the heart from dangerous cells. One study proves how well this berry can reduce free radicals in the heart, and the results are uncanny.
How to Make Goji Berry Tea
You might also wonder how to make and enjoy a cup of Goji Berry Tea for yourself! It is easy to make. Here’s how.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of Goji Berries into the bottom of a tea cup.
- Cover the fruit with just enough cold water to cover them.
- Let sit for four hours.
- After the berries soak for four hours, use a spoon to remove the fruit from the cup; discard them.
- Boil a kettle of water — top off the cup with hot water. Or, if you prefer cold tea, add ice cubes and cold water.
Delicious!
Final Thoughts on Drinking a Cup of Goji Berry Tea Daily
Research on goji juice or tea continues to show promise and may be worth your while. With any herbal supplement, talk to your doctor before adding these berries to your diet. The benefits of goji berries can be yours with each tasty cup of hot or iced herbal tea each day.