When your blood glucose or blood sugar is too high, you might have diabetes. Your body uses glucose as its primary energy source as it can also produce glucose when consumed in daily food. Goji berries are good for treating diabetes, but several individuals are unaware of their benefits or what exactly they are. Goji berries are tiny red fruits that provide extra energy and power because they are rich in beneficial antioxidants. Goji berries have several health advantages as support for immune system function, glycemic management, and anti-aging properties.
Another name for goji berries is Lycium barbarum. The goji berry is indigenous to Asia and has been used as a food supplement for over 2000 years as a medicinal plant. Goji berries may help to regulate blood sugar. Goji berries regulate blood glucose and insulin levels and are associated with higher HDL levels in T2D patients and are also known as “good” cholesterol, HDL.
It is a “superfood” because it has a chemical component called phytochemicals that has
polysaccharides, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. A study found that the polysaccharides in goji berries enhanced the body’s overall antioxidant activity and bolstered the immune system. Beta-carotene, a compound that gives goji berries their orange-red hue. Zeaxanthin is an essential component that helps to maintain the immune system. Zeaxanthin is thought by several researchers to be able to stop macular degeneration, a progressive visual impairment that develops as the macula, the center portion of the retina, deteriorates.
Goji berries contain dietary fiber that can lower blood sugar levels by delaying the body’s absorption of glucose. It encourages fullness, which can help with weight management and another crucial aspect of managing diabetes. Flavonoids and carotenoids, two types of antioxidants found in these berries, may help lower oxidative stress and inflammation linked to the consequences of diabetes. Goji berries are a healthy addition to a diabetic diet, but moderation is key when consuming them. They are high in calories, just like any other dried fruit, and consuming a lot of them might raise blood sugar levels.
Goji berries should only be added to a diet with caution if you use medication to control
diabetes. Blood thinners and medications that lower blood sugar levels may interact with them. Before making any major dietary changes, speak with your healthcare physician. Keep in mind that controlling diabetes entails more than merely consuming or avoiding particular meals. It’s critical to concentrate on eating a well-balanced diet full of entire foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Other crucial aspects of managing diabetes are stress reduction, proper hydration, and regular physical activity.
Goji berries can be incorporated into a diabetic’s diet. Individual needs and preferences do, however, differ, so it’s crucial to speak with a medical professional or certified dietitian for tailored nutritional advice based on your objectives and unique health situation.
According to Preeti Nagar, Dietician at NIIMS College and Hospital, NIU- Goji berries cause
blood sugar levels to rise more slowly because of their comparatively low GI. Those who have diabetes may benefit from this, as it helps avoid sharp rises in blood sugar. Iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and other antioxidants are among the many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that they are high in. These nutrients have the potential to improve general health and may be especially helpful for those who have diabetes, as they may require more nutrients. Goji berries should only be added to your diet with caution if you use medication to control diabetes. Particularly, blood thinners and medications that lower blood sugar levels may interact with them. Before making any major dietary changes, speak with your healthcare physician. It’s critical to concentrate on eating a well-balanced diet full of entire foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats.
