What Does Goji Berry Do to Your Body? A Complete Guide

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

For millennia, goji berries have been a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, and a growing body of modern research is now validating their powerful health benefits. This vibrant, small fruit is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support everything from eye health to immune function. But what does goji berry do to your body, specifically?

Quick Summary

Goji berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including zeaxanthin, which helps protect eye health and combat oxidative stress. They are also linked to enhanced immunity, improved skin health, blood sugar regulation, and potential neuroprotective and anti-cancer effects. Always be aware of potential medication interactions.

Key Points

Supports Eye Health: The high concentration of the antioxidant zeaxanthin helps protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals and blue light.
Boosts Immune Function: Goji berries are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A, which are essential for supporting the immune system and fighting infections.
Promotes Youthful Skin: Antioxidants and vitamin C aid in collagen production and protect skin from UV damage, contributing to anti-aging effects.
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar: With a low glycemic index and high fiber content, goji berries help stabilize blood glucose levels.
Fights Oxidative Stress: Packed with polysaccharides and other antioxidants, goji berries neutralize harmful free radicals that cause cellular damage.
Provides a Nutrient-Dense Snack: A small serving of dried goji berries is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, making it a satiating and healthy choice.

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small, red fruits from the Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense plants, native to Asia. Used for centuries in traditional medicine for their purported longevity-promoting properties, these 'superfruits' have recently captured global attention. Their health-promoting effects are attributed to a rich profile of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. Below, we break down what does goji berry do to your body, based on scientific findings.

The Antioxidant Powerhouse: Fighting Free Radicals

One of the most significant benefits of goji berries is their high antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants are crucial for neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage, leading to inflammation and chronic diseases. Goji berries contain a powerful blend of antioxidants, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and high levels of vitamin C and carotenoids like zeaxanthin.

Polysaccharides (LBPs): Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are a key component of goji berries and have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
Zeaxanthin: This carotenoid is particularly notable for its role in protecting eye health, acting like a natural 'sunscreen' for your eyes.
Vitamin C: A well-known antioxidant, Vitamin C is essential for immune function and helps protect against oxidative stress.

Protecting Vision and Promoting Eye Health

The high concentration of zeaxanthin is a major reason why goji berries are celebrated for their ocular health benefits. Research has shown that regular consumption can increase the density of protective macular pigments in the eyes, which can help shield the retina from harmful blue light and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In one study, participants who ate dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days showed a significant increase in protective eye pigments.

Strengthening the Immune System

Goji berries offer substantial support for the immune system due to their rich content of vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidants. These nutrients are vital for promoting healthy immune cell function and enhancing the body's natural defenses against infections. Some studies suggest that goji berries may even help boost the immune response to viruses.

Supporting Skin Health and Anti-Aging Effects

The combination of antioxidants and vitamin C in goji berries contributes to healthier, more radiant skin. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The potent antioxidants also help protect skin from damage caused by UV rays and free radicals, factors known to accelerate aging.

Regulation of Blood Sugar and Metabolism

Goji berries have a relatively low glycemic index of 29, meaning they release sugar into the bloodstream slowly and steadily, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes. Their high fiber and polysaccharide content further support this regulatory effect, promoting better glucose control. Some studies in animal models and small human trials have suggested that goji berries can improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy blood lipid levels.

How Goji Berries Compare to Other Berries

While many berries offer excellent nutritional value, goji berries have a unique profile. The table below provides a comparison of key attributes between dried goji berries and two other popular options, cranberries and blueberries.


Feature	Goji Berries (Dried)	Cranberries (Dried)	Blueberries (Dried)
Antioxidants	Very high, especially zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and LBPs	High, rich in proanthocyanidins	Very high, especially anthocyanins
Protein	Significant amount for a fruit (approx. 4g per ounce)	Low	Low
Fiber	High (approx. 3.6g per ounce)	Moderate	Moderate
Vitamin A	Exceptionally high (250% DV per ounce)	Low	Moderate
Eye Health Focus	Primary benefit due to high zeaxanthin	Low	Moderate
Glycemic Impact	Low glycemic index (29)	Moderate to high, often with added sugar	Low to moderate

Potential Risks and Considerations

While generally safe, there are some potential downsides to consider. Goji berries may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners like warfarin, and medications for diabetes or high blood pressure. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you take these or other prescription drugs. Allergic reactions are also possible, especially for those with allergies to other nightshade family plants like tomatoes and potatoes. Pregnant women are advised to avoid goji berries, as some animal studies suggest a potential link to miscarriage, though more human research is needed.

Conclusion: A Nutritious Addition to Your Diet

Overall, the science suggests that incorporating goji berries into a balanced diet can offer a range of health benefits, particularly for eye health, immunity, and skin. Their rich antioxidant profile and unique blend of vitamins and polysaccharides make them a valuable addition to your wellness routine. By understanding what does goji berry do to your body, you can make an informed choice to reap its nutritional rewards. To enjoy goji berries, consider adding them to oatmeal, smoothies, or trail mix, or brewing them as a tea. As with any health food, moderation and awareness of individual health conditions are key to maximizing the benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Visit Healthline for more detailed nutritional information and health comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions

A goji berry, also known as a wolfberry, is a small, bright orange-red fruit from a shrub native to Asia. It is considered a superfruit due to its high nutritional value and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Yes, dried goji berries retain most of their nutritional value, including their potent antioxidant, vitamin, and fiber content. Because they are more concentrated, a smaller serving can provide similar health benefits to fresh berries.

A common recommendation is to consume about 2–3 tablespoons (around 30 grams) of dried goji berries per day. This amount provides a generous dose of antioxidants and nutrients without excessive natural sugars.

If you are taking medications, especially blood thinners like warfarin or drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure, you should consult a doctor before consuming goji berries. Goji berries can potentially interact with these medications and cause adverse effects.

Dried goji berries have a taste that is often described as a mix between a cranberry and a sour cherry, with a slight sweetness and tangy flavor. Some people also compare them to a sweet cherry tomato when rehydrated.

Goji berries can support weight management due to their low calorie and high fiber content, which promotes feelings of fullness. This can help curb cravings and contribute to a balanced diet, but they are not a magical weight loss solution on their own.

You can add goji berries to your meals in many ways, including sprinkling them on oatmeal, yogurt, or salads, blending them into smoothies, baking them into muffins, or steeping them in hot water for a healthy tea.