Do Goji Berries Help With Weight Loss?

Goji berries offer dieters an arsenal of vitamins, amino acids, and healthy carbs. Used sensibly, these tangy berries can support healthy weight loss by helping to curb hunger and cravings. With all the hype surrounding goji berries, it pays to get the facts about their potential in your weight loss plan.

• Goji berries can be a weight loss tool.

Features

• Nutritional Facts

  Tagged as a superfood, the goji berry packs a nutritional punch, containing significant amounts of vitamins C, E, and B1, as well as 18 amino acids, according to navitasnaturals.com. At 100 calories, 4g of protein, and 3g of fiber per serving, the small red berries offer dieters tangy sweetness with a minimal investment of calories.

Significance

• Healthy weight loss is sustainable.

  Also known as wolfberries, lycium barbarum, and boxthorn, goji berries boast a low glycemic index and high fiber content, two qualities that can help support healthy weight loss. The low glycemic value, 29 on a scale of 100, means the berries will help keep blood sugar levels regulated and cravings subdued. High fiber foods help you feel full faster.

Considerations

• The big picture--you need to exercise, too.

  Know that goji berries are a superfood, not a miracle food. Successful weight loss depends on sensible eating and regular exercise. Goji berries can contribute to such efforts by aiding energy levels, providing filling calories, and contributing to overall good health.

Types

• Shop smart

  Goji berries are available fresh, dried, or in juice form. Watch for additives when you buy them. Added sugar counters the benefits of the raw fruit's low glycemic index, which could lead to sugar cravings.

Warning

• Be aware of possible drug interactions

  According to research published by A. Lam, G. Elmer, and M. Mohutsky in "The Annals of Pharmacotherapy," volume 35, "there is a potential herbal-drug interaction between Warfarin and L. Barbarum," concluding that the combination of "[goji berries] and Warfarin should be avoided."