As we all know, goji berries are a type of fruit, however, they often used to boost health. Frequently consumed as a whole food, they're said to enhance energy, stimulate the immune system, and stave off a host of health problems. Extracts of goji berries (and of the plant's root bark) are also sold in dietary supplement form.

In addition, products containing a blend of juices sourced from goji berries and from fruits such as acai, noni, mangosteen, camu camu, maqui, and tart cherries are sometimes touted for their supposedly health-promoting effects.

Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia, and the Tibetan Himalayas. They contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Goji berries are also purported to promote weight loss, sharpen eyesight, fight cancer, lift mood, improve circulation, and slow up the aging process.

Consuming goji berries on a regular basis may boost your general well-being, according to a report published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2012. For the report, researchers looked at four previously published clinical trials (including a total of 161 participants) that tested the effects of daily intake of juice made with goji berries.

Additionally, several small studies have tested other potential health benefits of goji berries. Here's a look at some key findings from those studies:

a. Weight Loss
A preliminary study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2011 indicates that goji berries may support weight-loss efforts. In an experiment involving a group of overweight adults, the study's authors observed that those who consumed goji berry juice every day for two weeks experienced a greater decrease in waist size (compared to participants given a placebo for the same time period).

b. Immune System
Goji berries may improve function, suggests a small study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2009.

For the study, 60 healthy older adults (ages 55 to 72) consumed either goji berry juice or a placebo every day for 30 days. By the study's end, those given goji berries showed a greater improvement in several markers of immune function. What's more, participants who consumed goji berry juice experienced greater improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, memory, and focus.

c. Eyesight
Goji berries are a source of zeaxanthin, an antioxidant that may protect the eyes from high-energy light waves such as the sun's ultraviolet rays (along with the carotenoid lutein). Studies suggest that zeaxanthin and lutein in the eyes are associated with better vision and decreased the likelihood of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Goji berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. The whole, dried berries have a similar shape and chewy texture as raisins.
Common Forms

Other names for goji berries are Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, gou qi zi, and Fructus lycii. In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are eaten raw, brewed into tea, added to Chinese soups, or made into liquid extracts.