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Goji berries, long used in traditional Chinese medicine, are one of the better-known superfoods, and are widely available in dried form in supermarkets, organic food stores and chemists.
They are reputed to be particularly good for you – but is there any truth in this?
Let us start with a look at the nutrients you get from them.
“They contain many carotenoids, vitamin C, iron, calcium, but also fibre,” says Daniela Krehl from the Bavarian Consumer Advice Centre in Germany.

However, Krehl warns that because they are dried fruits, their sugar content is also high – up to 46 per cent. This means that goji berries are significantly higher in calories than other sources of vitamin C, such as sweet peppers or blackcurrants.
Dried goji berries may help healthy middle-aged people fight off the causes of eye degeneration, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Nutrients by the University of California, Davis, in the United States.
It found that various nutrients in goji berries can help slow age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss estimated to affect 196 million people globally.
One of those nutrients is lutein, an antioxidant which protects eye health, but whose effects, positive or negative, on other organs are less well known.

The berries are said to strengthen the immune system and have an anti-ageing effect, though there is no scientific evidence for this. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found that there is no causal link between these health effects and eating goji berries, so these health claims are not allowed on advertising.
The advice centre also warns that goji berries are not suitable for everyone since they can interact with some medication.
For example, goji berries can inhibit the breakdown of certain blood thinners, known as vitamin K antagonists. This can result in a build-up of the active ingredient in the body and in some cases, lead to an increased tendency to bleed.
Additional reporting by a staff reporter.
Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.


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Goji berries are a superfood, but here’s why you should eat them in moderation

Dried goji berries have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. 
Photo: Shutterstock 

While goji berries are packed with nutrients, there are some things you should be aware of. It’s why they should be consumed in moderation. Photo: May Tse

Dried goji berries have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Photo: Shutterstock 

Goji berries are one of the better-known superfoods. Photo: Shutterstock

What is AMD? Eye condition could cause blindness – and only an eye test can detect it

Scheduling routine eye exams can help ensure you catch problems such as age-related macular degeneration early - and save your eyesight into old age. Photo: Shutterstock

Writer Anthea Rowan was recently diagnosed with early age-related macular degeneration. Photo: Anthea Rowan

The macula is part of the retina at the back of the eye. Illustration: Shutterstock

Adoption of lifestyle changes is important to prevent or delay progression to AMD’s wet form. Illustration: Shutterstock

Optometrist Dr Andy Meau is a director at Central Eye Care in Hong Kong.

Traditional Chinese medicine remedies for colds, coughs, flu, sleep, fatigue and more

Hong Kong-based traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Elizabeth Yau says that by addressing specific imbalances, TCM herbal remedies can uplift energy levels, reduce stress, improve digestion and restore overall vitality. Photo: Instagram/tcm.elizabeth

There are about 700 herb plants in common use in TCM. Photo: Shutterstock

Seng says that if you have come down with a cold, the best way to treat it naturally is to take personalised Chinese medicinal herbs and get enough rest. Photo: Instagram/tcmbycheehee

Ginger is commonly used in herbal remedies. Photo: Shutterstock

As Dry January nears end, medical arguments for and against giving up alcohol for good

While some studies have shown moderate consumption of alcoholic drinks could have a protective effect on the brain, it may also increase the risk of cancers and, as we age, deadly falls and dementia. Photo: Shutterstock

Drinking too much alcohol is never good for us, and increases risks to brain health and physical well-being. Some say drinking any alcohol at all is bad for one’s health. Photo: Shutterstock

Researcher Dr Rania Mekary reminds us that people can also network with friends over coffee, tea or a meal – without drinking alcohol. Photo: Shutterstock

Dr Richard Restak quit drinking a decade ago, citing the risk of deadly falls after drinking. Photo: richardrestak.com

Researcher Meysam Zarezadeh says drinking alcohol may increase the risk of pharyngeal (throat), laryngeal (voice box) and oesophagal cancers, even if consumed in small amounts. Photo: researchgate.net

Falls, especially in those over the age of 70, are a major cause of death, says Restak. Photo: Shutterstock

Dr John Tregoning, a medical school professor at Imperial College London, says if you want to live longer, do not drink. Photo: Light Republic Photography

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Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Health

Food & Drink

Goji berries are known to help fight eye degeneration as you age. What else might they be good for, and is there anything to watch out for?


Healthy eating

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)