Being overweight can lead to unwanted health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Losing weight is therefore, the primary goal. Unfortunately, most people look for a quick fix or magic pill to help them shed fat. Manufacturers do a fine job at marketing pills, juices, cleanses and other options to help with weight loss, but no one thing will help you lose weight.
Weight loss is a result of a healthy diet along with a consistent fitness regimen, not a result of any diet pill. Including healthy, nutrient-rich foods into your diet will not only provide you with the nutrients your body needs to run optimally, but will also help to aid your weight loss endeavors.
What Are Goji Berries?
Goji berries, also called wolfberries, are reddish orange in color and resemble a raisin. Used primarily in regions in China and Tibet, these tiny dried berries have become a common superfood in the United States too. Ancient Chinese medicine used Goji berries to treat a plethora of health issues as it was a staple in natural medicines. It is said that people lived longer due to the consumption of Goji berries.
This is because of the rich nutritional content of the Goji berry. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, protein, iron, 18 amino acids and 21 trace minerals make these tiny berries a nutrient powerhouse.
Important Health Benefits Of Goji Berries
- Boosts the immune system
- Protects against heart disease
- Loaded with antioxidants that fight cancer
- Aids and protects vision
And those are just the main health benefits! More benefits from Goji berries are being discovered. But can these tiny berries help you to lose weight?
Goji Berries For Weight Loss
Rich in Fiber
Goji berries contain 21 percent fiber. High fiber foods help in controlling appetite and suppress cravings, which is why getting enough fiber in our diets is important for weight loss. No one likes to feel hungry while on a diet, and filling up on fiber-rich foods can keep the hunger pangs at bay.
These fiber-rich berries can also help in warding off cravings that may hit you in the middle of the day. Goji berries have a sweet yet tangy taste, making them the perfect snack food to fight hunger pangs.
Low Glycemic Index
The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale that shows how fast a particular food will convert itself into glucose. Basically, the goal of this scale is to show food types that will raise your blood sugar immediately and the ones that have a slower dissolving rate.
Eating a food item with a low GI will minimize the body’s cravings as well as satisfy hunger. Compared to other fruits such as apples, bananas, melons and oranges, Goji berries have a much lower GI at 29. This means that Goji berries are much more likely to help beat your hunger while not triggering any craving cues in your body.
Considered An Adaptogen
Goji berries are considered to be adaptogens. Adaptogens are natural compounds that are capable of improving the body’s resistance levels in undesirable conditions. For example, Goji berries could help reduce your stress levels in a situation. Due to their adaptogenic nature, Goji berries can help improve your endurance, circulation and stamina and reduce your overall fatigue levels.
How To Incorporate Goji Berries In Your Diet
- Goji berries can be added to a meal plan. The sweet taste and dried texture of Goji berries make them the perfect addition to almost any snack or meal.
- Sprinkle them on cereal, oatmeal or yogurt.
- Add them to green salads in place of dried cranberries.
- Sprinkle them into your morning tea.
- Snack on them with a handful of heart-healthy almonds.
- Mix them into homemade nut butters.
- Try them in a smoothie.
Goji Berry Smoothie Recipe
This smoothie makes a tasty breakfast or a pre-workout meal. Packed with antioxidants from berries as well as immune-boosting nutrients, this smoothie is a must-have.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons goji berries
- 1/2 cup frozen berries
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1-2 teaspoons raw honey
- Ice, as needed
Directions
- Place all ingredients into a high powered blender.
- Blend on high until smooth.
- Add more ice to get the desired consistency.
Eating Goji berries alone won’t shed weight, but in conjunction with a healthy diet and fitness plan, they can help bolster your weight loss efforts. Everyone can benefit from consuming Goji berries on a daily basis. Their health benefits go beyond just weight loss, and with all of the incredible nutrients they provide, we think that they should be included into your diet today!
