Immune & Recovery
Goji Berries
Dried red berries traditional in Chinese medicine, notable for carotenoids and a complete amino acid profile for a fruit.
Vision
Immunity
Energy
Serving
1/4 cup dried (40g)
Calories Per Serving
140
Key nutrients
Zeaxanthin, vitamin A, vitamin C, protein
Nutrient density
Not officially rated
Why it’s worth eating
Goji berries are known for their high vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and antioxidant content. They may boost immunity and protect eye health. Snack on them, or sprinkle goji berries over oatmeal, yogurt, or trail mix.
What you may notice
Visual comfort and eye fatigue
Energy levels
Markers worth tracking
Macular pigment density (MPOD)
Vitamin A status
How to eat it
Eat dried as a snack or rehydrate in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before adding to oatmeal or tea.
Pairs well with
Healthy fats, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids absorb better with a source of fat
Green or herbal tea, a traditional pairing that also adds polyphenols
Storage
Keep dried goji berries in an airtight container away from light; they keep for up to a year.
The numbers, per 1/4 cup dried (40g)
0%
Vitamin K
60%
Vitamin A
22%
Vitamin C
6%
Calcium
15%
Iron
NA
Magnesium
NA
Potassium
0%
Vitamin B12
0%
Vitamin D
Fiber
5.2g
Goji berries, dried (FDC 173032)
Evidence
B
The best RCT used an engineered high-bioavailability milk-based formulation, so results may not transfer directly to eating dried berries.
Study dose vs. serving
FORMULATION GAP: 13.7 g/day of proprietary Lacto-Wolfberry raised plasma zeaxanthin 26%. A whole-berry pilot (28 g, 5x/week) also raised macular pigment.
Bucheli P, Vidal K, Shen L, et al. Optom Vis Sci. 2011;88(2):257-262. PMID 21169874. RCT, n=150 healthy elderly, 90 days.
Use caution if
You take blood thinners (warfarin), goji berries can interact and increase bleeding risk
You have a known allergy to nightshades, goji is part of the nightshade family
Details
Type
Fruits & Veg
Season
Imported, dried, year-round
Forms
Dried, juice, powder, capsule
Price
Premium
Bioactive
Zeaxanthin and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP)
Heat stable
Yes - zeaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid, reasonably heat-stable
Reliability
3 / 5
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