Goji Berries are Quite Popular for Health. But Are They Also Worthless?

Goji berries, according to many resources, contain numerous nutrients, including several potent antioxidants.  However, Professor Emilio Martínez de Victoria Muñoz from the International Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada, warns about fad diets.

Goji Berries are no miracle food, he suggests, and any statements that suggest otherwise are not supported by present scientific findings.  He feels that any nutritient benefit from goji berries are simply no better than any other fruit and vegetable, and if eaten for pleasure, could be a part of a well balanced meal.  More of this can be read at the article, Goji berries have the same nutrients as fruits and vegetables and a placebo effect.

I agree and disagree with the professors statements.  The scientific research surrounding goji berries is quite limited and definitely not enough to support some fad health trend.  But the present data also doesn't support the idea that goji berries in some degree might not have an extra health benefit. The thing is, without proper experiments in either way, no absolute judgements should be made.

In fact, based on Pubmed, a resource that catalogs most scientific research, there is only five published research papers based on goji berries.  Definietly not enough to make any sorts of conlusions.  But even in those five studies, goji berries, in artificial experiments, has shown some beneifit.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells and inhibits prostate cancer growth in a xenograft mouse model of human prostate cancer. 

Lycium barbarum (goji) juice improves in vivo antioxidant biomarkers in serum of healthy adults.

Don't fall for the next health fad, that is simmple common sense, but don't disregard it either.  If you like the taste of these berries then eat them, if not then not (I personally do not).  They may not be a superfood, but that doesn't mean they can't help to some degree.

And on the flipside, they could be dangerous as well, if allergies or weird drug combination exist.  So like anything that you might stick in your body, if it begins to make you feel weird or ill, then stop eating it and consult your doctor.  If you are using these berries as an actual herbal supplement, cosnult your doctor first.