A small, randomized study suggests that dried goji berries as a regular snack could prevent the development of age-related eye diseases. In addition, daily consumption of small portions of such dried berries seems to be beneficialage-related macular degenerationin healthy middle-aged people. This is the most common cause of vision loss in older people and is estimated to affect more than 170 million worldwide.
How dried goji berries affect eye health
Macular degeneration affects the central field of vision and can affect the ability to recognize faces or read, the study authors said. They found that 13 healthy participants ages 45 to 65 who consumed 28 grams (about a handful) of dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased the density of protective pigments in their eyes. In contrast, 14 study participants who took a commercial eye health supplement during the same period showed no increase. The pigments that were boosted in the group that ate goji berries, lutein and zeaxanthin, filter out harmful blue light and provide antioxidant protection. In addition, both help protect the eyes as you age. The more of it there is in the retina, the better the eyes are protected. Accordingly, the research found that these optical pigments increase with the consumption of goji berries, even in normally healthy eyes.
Goji berries are the fruits of Lycium chinense and Lycium barbarum, two species of shrubs found in northwest China. The dried berries are a common ingredient in Chinese soups and popular as an herbal tea. They resemble raisins and are eaten as a snack. In Chinese medicine, goji berries are said to have “eye-brightening” properties. According to the study authors, the form of zeaxanthin in goji berries is also a highly bioavailable form. This means it is easily absorbed by the digestive system so the body can use it. To date, no known therapy has been effective enough to treat early stages of age-related macular degeneration. The present work shows that dried goji berries, which are a natural food source, can improve macular pigments in healthy participants beyond the intake of dietary supplements. Although the resultsthis studyare promising, however, the researchers note that the study size was small and further research will be needed.
