They’re a great source of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Just 5 tablespoons (28 grams) of dried goji berries pack:

• Calories: 98
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Carbs: 21.6 grams
• Fiber: 3.6 grams
• Sugar: 21.8 grams
• Iron: 11% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin A: 501% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 15% of the DV

As you can see, even a small amount of this fruit has a lot of fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C. Iron is a mineral that is required for oxygen delivery and the development of healthy red blood cells. Meanwhile, vitamins A and C are important for immunological function and work as antioxidants in your body. Antioxidants are substances that aid in the neutralization of dangerous molecules known as free radicals, thereby reducing cell damage. In fact, one test-tube study discovered that treating cells with goji berry extract greatly raised antioxidant levels while decreasing many oxidative stress markers. According to research, increasing your antioxidant consumption decreases inflammation and protects against chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Goji berries have long been used in traditional medicine to prevent disease and infection and to boost immunity naturally. A 30-day trial of 60 older persons found that consuming 4 ounces (120 mL) of goji berry juice per day raised immune cell levels and improved overall emotions of well-being. Goji berry supplements boosted immunological function in response to an influenza vaccine in a 3-month study of 150 older people. These immune-health findings are supported by animal research.

Goji berries are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are well-known for their immune-boosting properties as well as their capacity to combat free radicals and inflammation. Goji berries, like other berries such as blueberries and raspberries, are high in vitamins A and C. Vitamins A and C are essential for immunity and the prevention of ailments ranging from the common cold to cancer.

According to a preliminary study, goji berries may improve eye health and protect against disorders such as macular degeneration, a degenerative eye ailment that can result in visual loss. Goji berry supplementation enhanced blood antioxidant levels, avoided hypopigmentation of the macula (the center part of the retina), and helped soften fatty protein deposits under the retina in a 90-day study of 150 older persons.

Similarly, in a study of 114 adults with early macular degeneration, daily goji berry supplements enhanced macular pigment density, which may protect against macular degeneration progression. Goji berries also include antioxidants such as zeaxanthin, which help protect your lenses and retinas from damage.

Goji berries contain beta-carotene, which is an essential plant phytochemicals. Beta-carotene is known for its ability to promote healthy skin. Beta-carotene is an ingredient used in skin creams to:

• improve skin health
• reduce skin irritation
• manage the effects of the sun
• manage the impact of aging

One study in mice found that when they drank 5 percent goji juice, it gave them enough antioxidants to protect against UV light damage and skin disorders.

Goji berries have been shown in animal studies to reduce depression and anxiety-like behavior. Another human study in the United States discovered that consuming goji berry juice could boost energy, mood, and digestive health. For 14 days, healthy adult volunteers consumed 120 milliliters of goji berry juice or a placebo drink. Every day, they filled out questionnaires about their sentiments of well-being, neurological and psychological health, musculoskeletal symptoms, digestive and cardiovascular complaints, and any unwanted effects of the juice.

Before and after the 14-day study, the researchers measured each participant's blood pressure, body mass, weight, pulse, and vision. By day 15, the goji berry juice group reported increased energy, focus, physical performance, mental acuity, and feelings of peace and contentment. The study also found that those who drank the goji berry juice had better sleep quality, and no one had any negative side effects from drinking the juice.