Everyone has been on some sort of diet at some point in their life. Losing weight is typically the primary goal, as a heavier weight can lead to unwanted health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Unfortunately. most look for a quick fix or magic pill to help them shed the unwanted pounds. 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 to lose weight.
The fact is that 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, as well as Tibet, the tiny dried berries have become a common superfood in the United States recently as their popularity continues to grow.
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 use and consumption of goji berries.
This is because of the outstanding 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.
Some 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 some of the main health benefits! More and more benefits from goji berries are being discovered, and it’s all due to their immense nutrient content. But can these tiny berries help you to lose weight?
Goji Berries for Weight Loss
While goji berries might not directly effect your weight loss efforts, they can be a vital part of a healthy diet.
Rich in Fiber
Goji berries are made up of 21 percent fiber. High fiber foods help to control appetite and suppress cravings, which is why getting enough fiber in our diets is important to weight loss goals. 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 to ward off cravings that may hit you in the middle of the day. Goji berries in particular have a sweet, yet tangy taste, which makes them the perfect snack food to fight almost any craving.
Low Glycemic Index (GI)
The glycemic index is a scale that shows how fast a particular food will convert itself into glucose. Basically, the goal of this scale is to show which foods will raise your blood sugar immediately and which foods have a slower dissolving rate.
Eating a food with a low glycemic index 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 glycemic index 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 to reduce your stress levels in a stressful situation.
This is good news for fitness goals as well. Due to their adaptogenic nature, goji berries can help improve your endurance, circulation, stamina and reduce your overall fatigue levels. No weight loss plan is complete without some exercise, and goji berries can be helpful to those who are struggling with it.
How to Incorporate Goji Berries
- Goji berries aren’t difficult to add to a meal plan. Their slightly sweet taste and dried texture give them the perfect edge 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 like the one below!
Goji Berry Smoothie
This smoothie makes a tasty breakfast or even pre-workout meal. Packed with antioxidants from berries, as well as immune-boosting nutrients, this smoothie might just help to keep away any nasty winter cold as well!
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.
There’s no miracle pill to shed those unwanted pounds – so what? There’s still plenty of ways to lose that unwanted weight in a healthy, all-natural way. Eating goji berries alone won’t shed your unwanted weight, but in conjunction with a healthy diet and fitness plan, they can help bolster your efforts.
The best part about goji berries is that everyone can benefit from consuming them 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!
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