What are the benefits of goji berries?

They’re the little red berries that have gained superfood status in recent years. But what exactly are they good for, and how can you include them in your diet? Here’s what you need to know.

What are goji berries?

Goji berries – or wolfberries as they’re also known – are native to Asia, and grow on a shrub whose official name is Lycium barbarum. The berries can be eaten fresh or dried, but in Australia, you’ll most commonly find them sold in their dried form.

Goji berries have been used for more than 2000 years as a medicinal herb in Asia. More recently, they’ve gained popularity as a health food in other parts of the world, including right here in Australia. But what does the science say about their health benefits?

Goji berry nutrition

Goji berries are a good source of vitamins A, and C, as well as riboflavin. They also contain a number of different nutrients and compounds that have been given antioxidant status, including selenium, polysaccharides and zeaxanthin.

The health benefits

Goji berries have gained a superfood status due to their nutritional content. Selenium and vitamins A and C help to support the immune system and zeaxanthin is an antioxidant that helps to support eye health.

Goji berries are also thought to positively influence cholesterol levels and may help to stabilise blood glucose levels.

How to use goji berries

Goji berries are easy to incorporate into your diet. You can snack on the berries, in the same way you might eat raisins, add them on top of a bowl of cereal or bake them into recipes like muesli bars and granola.

For inspiration, check out our peanut butter and goji berry granola and our immune boosting vitamin C bliss balls, as well as other healthy recipe ideas. Traditional Chinese medicine also recommends boiling five to 15 grams of dried goji berries in water to make a tea.