Goji berries are the fruit of Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum, and have been considered a food with various healthy virtues, however, there are few scientific studies that support their health properties. The latest, published in the journal Nutrients, has indicated that eating a handful on a regular basis could help reduce or delay the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration is the leading reason for vision loss in the elderly, affecting an estimated 170 million people worldwide. In addition, this visual disorder can affect the central field of vision and the ability to read or recognize faces, as explained by Glenn Yiu, co-author of the research.
The work, which has been carried out by members of the University of California Davis (USA), involved the participation of 27 healthy people between 45 and 65 years old, 13 took a handful of dried goji berries (about 28 grams) five times a week for 90 days and the remaining 14 a commercial supplement for eye health. After this period, several parameters of the health of the individuals were analyzed.
More protective eye pigments
The results showed that 13 of the goji berry participants had an increase in the density of protective pigments in their eyes and the rest who took supplements did not have such an increase. The pigments increased in the goji berry group were lutein and zeaxanthin, which are capable of filtering out harmful blue light and provide antioxidant protection. Both help protect the eyes during aging.
The pigments that increased in the goji berry group were lutein and zeaxanthin, which filter out harmful blue light and provide antioxidant protection
“Lutein and zeaxanthin are like sunscreen for the eyes. The higher the lutein and zeaxanthin in your retina, the more protection you have. Our study found that even in normal healthy eyes, these optical pigments can be increased with a small daily serving of goji berries,” said Xiang Li, principal investigator of the study.
Dried goji berries are a common ingredient in China, especially added to soups and popular as herbal teas. They are similar to raisins and it is typical to eat them as a snack as well.
“Our study shows that goji berries, which are a natural food source, can improve macular pigments in healthy participants beyond taking high-dose nutritional supplements. The next step in our research will be to examine goji berries in patients with early-stage age-related macular degeneration.”
.
