How can Drinking Goji Berry Juice Help Diabetics?
Goji Berries have been extensively used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for more than 2000 years. Goji berries are tender, orange-red, edible berries that belong to the Lycium barbarum and Lyceum chinese species. These tiny berries are cultivated in various parts of Asia including the Himalayan regions of Mongolia, Nepal Tibet and parts of China. Goji berries must be picked very carefully and dried at low temperatures to preserve their nutritional value. However, goji berries can also be blended into juice, eaten raw, or cooked.
Nutrients in Goji Berry Juice
Fat-free, low in calories, rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber, some of the benefits of goji juice include the ability to help you manage your weight effectively, experience better digestion and the ability to help you fight various diseases. The Chinese use goji berries to treat health problems such as cancer, diabetes, hyperlipidemis, thrombosis, immune system disorders, male infertility, hepatitis, and age-related eye disorders. Their anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties are also highly rated and these barriers can be used to nourish the blood or as tonic for the lungs, liver and kidneys. Goji berries are also rich in amino acids, beta carotene, polysaccharides, zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, flavonoids, vitamins A, C, E, B6, and B1, trace minerals, iron, calcium, zinc, potassium and selenium.
Goji Berry Juice Benefits for Diabetics
- Goji Berries and Eyesight
It is very important for diabetics to stay on top of their eye health. This is particularly because high glucose levels can easily destroy the small blood vessels that are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the eyes. Goji juice is rich in a compound known as Taurine which helps protect the eyes from diabetes-related vision loss. On the other hand, Zeaxanthin, an antioxidant in goji berries may be very helpful in protecting the retina by absorbing high-energy blue light.
- Goji Berries are Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants help prevent damage of our cells by polluting molecules and free radicals in our bodies. Gogi berries contain the highest level of antioxidants in the superfood world with up to 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries. These antioxidants prevent the development of atherosclerosis (blood vessel disease), cancer, and other diabetes-related conditions.
- Goji Berries and Blood Glucose
Goji juice is rich in polysaccharides which improve insulin response and help balance blood sugar. They also contain betaine which prevents vascular damage and fatty liver disease which are often seen in people with diabetes. Moreover, antioxidants protect the heart from disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Gogi juice has a high fiber content which reduces the risk of high cholesterol and cardiac arrest.
According to MedlinePlus, clinical studies on the benefits of this superfood are lacking. On the other hand, although goji berries offer exceptional health benefits, they have not been proven safe in pregnancy. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before eating goji berries or drinking goji juice while pregnant.
Other goji berry juice diabetes benefits include decreasing blood sugar levels and lowering blood pressure. Be aware though, if you already have low blood sugar levels or low blood pressure, this superfood could worsen the symptoms.