The study published in the Journal Nutrients was led by Xiang Li of the Department of Nutrition, UC Davis, and titled “Goji Berry Intake Increases Macular Pigment Optical Density in Healthy Adults: A Randomised Pilot Trial.”
The researchers say found that 13 healthy participants aged 45 to 65 who consumed 28 grams (about one ounce, or a handful) of goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased the density of protective pigments in their eyes.
In contrast, 14 study participants who consumed a commercial supplement for eye health over the same period did not show an increase.
The pigments that increased in the group that ate goji berries, lutein and zeaxanthin, filter out harmful blue light and provide antioxidant protection. Both help to protect the eyes during aging.
“Goji berry, also termed wolfberry or Go Chi Zi, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. The bright red berry contains the highest amount of Z among all known dietary sources and is mainly present in a dipalmitate form. The intake of zeaxanthin dipalmitate extracts from goji berry increases plasma Z to a greater extent than non-esterified Z supplementation.
“The berries also contain unique carbohydrates that are present as conjugates with peptides or proteins, which are often referred to L. barbarum polysaccharides. These have shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in animal and cell culture studies.
“The typical adult human eye has approximately 2.4 times more Z than L in the central fovea of the macula, making goji berry intake a prime candidate for increasing MPOD. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of clinical evidence on goji berry and MPOD particularly for the prevention or delay of progression from early to intermediate AMD. In individuals from China with signs of early AMD, 25 g of daily consumption of goji berries for 90 days significantly increased both serum Z and MPOD,” the researchers said.
According to an online health portal, Healthline, goji berries are said to help slow signs of aging, maintain eye health, and strengthen the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Promising research suggests that goji berries may enhance eye health and protect against disorders like macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition that can lead to vision loss.
It said most healthy adults can enjoy goji berries in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
“However, these berries may trigger an allergic reaction in rare cases, especially in individuals who are allergic to other fruits.
“Additionally, goji berries may interact with certain drugs, including blood thinners and medications for diabetes or high blood pressure,” she said.
Source: HealthWise
