Can Goji Berries Nourish the Kidneys and Increase Sperm? Is it Suitable for Everyone?

Event:

Mr. Liu, 45 years old, was diagnosed with diabetes last year and has been taking medication to control the condition. However, the control has not been very effective. Recently, he heard that eating goji berries can nourish the kidneys and lower blood sugar, so he bought a large quantity of goji berries and drank them in water every day for six months. However, he found that not only did his blood sugar not decrease, but he also experienced symptoms such as yellow urine and a thick white tongue coating. When he went to the hospital for a check-up, the doctor said these were signs of excessive internal heat and advised him to stop drinking goji berry water. Mr. Liu was surprised, as he had heard that goji berries could lower blood sugar. How did he end up with other issues?

01

Little "Goji Berries",Can They Really Nourish the Kidneys and Increase Sperm?

As recorded in the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia," goji berries are the dried and mature fruits of the plant Lycium barbarum L., with a sweet taste and neutral nature. They belong to the liver and kidney meridians and have the functions of nourishing the liver and improving eyesight. Goji berries have a long history of use in China, mentioned in ancient texts like the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" from the Han Dynasty, which states that goji berries can tonify essence and blood. Modern medicine often uses goji berries for conditions caused by kidney essence deficiency, such as dizziness, tinnitus, sore lower back, and visual impairment, either alone or in combination with other herbs like Rehmannia and Schisandra.

According to Dr. Li Haoran, Deputy Chief Physician of the Gastroenterology Department at Yichang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, goji berries indeed have the functions of nourishing the kidneys and tonifying essence. They are particularly suitable for middle-aged people who may experience symptoms related to blood and essence deficiency, such as dizziness, ear ringing, and diminished hearing. Goji berries are beneficial for overall health when consumed in moderation.

Modern research has found that goji berries contain various active ingredients such as betaine, polysaccharides, niacin, and amino acids. Polysaccharides and beta-carotene have excellent antioxidant properties, helping to combat free radicals and delay aging. Goji berry polysaccharides also promote the repair of liver damage, contributing to liver protection.

02

How to Eat Goji Berries, Chinese Medicine Gives a "Ranking of Eating Methods"

According to Associate Professor Ning Yanmei from the School of Pharmacy at Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, goji berries can be consumed in various ways, each offering different health benefits.

NO.1 Chew:

Directly chew and swallow goji berries to maximize their nutritional value. It helps to produce saliva, relieve thirst, and nourish body fluids.

NO.2 Decoction:

Boil goji berries to make a decoction, preserving the active ingredients of goji berries. This decoction has a strong nourishing effect, especially for those with deficiency of blood and essence.

NO.3 Cook in Congee:

Cook goji berries with rice to make congee. This method releases the active ingredients of goji berries, making them easier to digest and absorb. It is beneficial for tonifying the kidneys and essence.

NO.4 Soak in Liquor:

Soak goji berries in liquor for making wine. Goji berry wine can promote blood circulation, and the active ingredients in goji berries are more easily dissolved in alcohol. However, alcohol consumption is not recommended due to its adverse effects on health.

NO.5 Soak in Water:

Soaking goji berries in water is beneficial for liver and kidney health, especially for symptoms related to liver-kidney yin deficiency, such as blurred vision and declining eyesight.

03

Many Benefits of Eating Goji Berries, But 4 Types of People Should Avoid

In 2015, China exported 9.79 million kilograms of goji berries, with an astonishing value of 107 million US dollars, making it a true global favorite.

Dr. Li Guohui, Director of the Pharmacy Department at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, reminds that eating goji berries should be done in moderation. It is recommended not to exceed 12g per day, as excessive intake can lead to symptoms such as internal heat and swollen eyes, which are detrimental to health.

According to TCM practitioner Zhang Qiong from Sichuan Province, there are four types of people who should not eat goji berries.

For Spleen Deficiency Patients:

Goji berries are mild tonics for the liver and kidneys. For individuals with inherent spleen and stomach weakness, consumption may lead to a decrease in appetite and digestive discomfort.

For Individuals with Cold or Fever:

People experiencing a cold or fever should avoid consuming goji berries during illness, as it may easily exacerbate internal heat, worsening the existing condition.

For Diabetes and Hypertension Patients:

Goji berries have a relatively high sugar content and are not suitable for individuals with diabetes. Additionally, due to their warm nature, consumption by individuals with hypertension may lead to unstable blood pressure.

For Individuals with Internal Heat Symptoms:

Goji berries are inherently warm in nature. Consuming them may intensify symptoms in individuals who already have signs of internal heat.

04

Selection Tips for Goji Berries, Experts Provide a "5-Word Secret"

Dr. Li Guohui, Director of the Pharmacy Department at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, points out that when selecting goji berries, attention should be paid to these five aspects.

Look: Good goji berries should have a dark red color, not overly bright, with relatively uniform sizes and no blackheads.

Pinch: High-quality goji berries should not feel sticky when pinched in the hand, and there should be no obvious clumping. The texture should be slightly astringent.

Soak: Quality goji berries generally have plump grains that float to the water's surface after soaking.

Smell: Good-quality goji berries should have the sweet and sour aroma characteristic of goji berries, without any irritating smell.

Taste: High-quality goji berries should taste sweet but not greasy, with a slightly sour flavor and a slightly astringent aftertaste.

Goji berries are a common food item that can indeed have certain health benefits. However, it's important to clarify whether they are suitable for individual consumption before incorporating them into your diet.