5 Goji Berry Tea Benefits for the Body, Mind & Soul
Touted as “the fountain of youth,” goji berries have certainly made a splash in recent years. If you’re wondering about their health benefits, this guide from Sunwink will break it down for you.
Read on to discover what makes goji berries so healthy, why they’re so delicious in tea, and five potential health benefits of goji berries you could experience for yourself.
What Makes Goji Berries So Good for You?
The goji berry — also known as “wolfberry” — is one of our favorite superfoods because it contains special plant compounds called phytochemicals. In goji berries, some of the most well-known phytochemicals include beta carotene, zeaxanthin, and polysaccharides.
Polysaccharides are basically a type of carbohydrate found primarily in plants. They provide essential dietary fiber, which can support the digestive system and can help maintain wellness.
Zeaxanthin is an antioxidant that gives goji berries their characteristic red hue. As an antioxidant, it plays a major role in supporting the immune system and helping to prevent cellular damage during infections. Some researchers also think that zeaxanthin can support eye health and even protect the eyes from macular deterioration, though more studies are needed for confirmation.
Beta carotene is another antioxidant that we most often associate with carrots. But goji berries actually have the highest content of this compound out of all the plants. Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for eye health, skin health, and cell development.
Goji berries are fairly low in sugar and have a high fiber content. While they can be consumed in powder form — like our Berry Healthy Skin Superfood Powder — they can also be eaten whole. Throw them on top of a salad, put them into homemade trail mix, or brew goji berry tea — all are solid options.
What Is Goji Berry Tea?
Many popular teas — like green tea, chamomile, or lavender — are brewed using tea leaves and hot water.
However, goji berry tea is slightly different because it doesn’t use tea leaves. It only uses dried goji berries, hot boiling water, and maybe some type of sweetener — that’s it.
Depending on how it’s prepared, goji berry tea will take on a reddish or brownish hue. It has a fairly mild but tart taste that can be toned down by adding other ingredients.
If we’ve piqued your interest in goji tea, then keep reading to discover five of its potential benefits — for your body, mind, and soul.
5 Benefits of Goji Berry Tea
1. Supports a Bright Complexion
Thanks to their high beta carotene content, goji berries can help support skin health and appearance in many ways.
Most importantly, beta carotene acts as an antioxidant, supporting skin cell health during exposure to irritants like the sun’s UV rays or environmental toxins.
Beta carotene may help reduce skin irritation and promote younger-looking skin. Research supports the protective effects of beta carotene, making it a great way to maintain skin health.
2. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar
Likely because of their high fiber content, goji berries can help your body maintain proper blood sugar levels for graceful aging.
Some studies also show that goji berries can support healthy levels of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol and HDL (or “good”) cholesterol. This may help support a healthy heart, although more research is needed.
3. Supports Liver Health
Goji berries have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. One of their many uses in ancient China was to support liver health.
Goji berries can help support the health and function of your liver during times of stress, allowing your body to maintain proper functioning thanks to antioxidant properties.
4. Supports the Immune System
The different antioxidants found in goji berries can help support immune health.
In addition, goji berries are high in vitamins A and C, which the body can use to help maintain the different parts of the immune system.
5. Supports Eye Health
Amongst all the antioxidants that goji berries contain, zeaxanthin is the most important when it comes to eye health.
As an antioxidant, zeaxanthin may protect and support the eyes during exposure to stressors, like excessive UV exposure or environmental pollution. In addition, it helps the eye retina to maintain the coating that protects it from damaging light, such as that coming from the computer screen.
Takeaways
Goji berries are a potent source of antioxidants, which can help support the bright appearance of your skin, support eye health, and maintain your immune system.
You can brew goji berries in a hot tea, eat them with food (or on their own), or get them by combining your favorite liquid with our plant-powered Berry Healthy Skin Superfood Powder. It’s an easy way to get a dose of incredible superfoods in a convenient form.
Sources:
Zeaxanthin: Metabolism, Properties, and Antioxidant Protection of Eyes, Heart, Liver, and Skin | PMC
Do We Utilize Our Knowledge of the Skin Protective Effects of Carotenoids Enough? | NCBI
