Eyeing a Superfood

The goji berry a native of the mountainous regions of China and Tibet, has been attributed with quite a few health benefits. Not the least among them, is the improvement and general well being of eye health. Being rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, goji berries are known for protecting the retina of the eye, and decreasing their sensitivity to sudden light changes. Many natural vision improvements have been credited to this berry. Promoting normal eye vision, treating blurred vision and increasing sharpness and focus of the eye are a few. Also they have been shown to improve the eye’s ability to adjust to different light changes, and improving night vision.
Consumption of zeaxanthin has been said to decrease the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65. It is important to note however, that these properties of the berry claim to prevent AMD, not necessarily cure it.
Some studies done on the benefits of the berry indicate that they can reduce the exposure of the eye to the harmful effects of UV rays. The American Optometric Association agrees that the lutein and zeaxanthin found naturally in these berries can help cataracts. Cataracts are caused by prolonged exposure of the cornea to UV rays. These can be prevented, and in some cases their progression can even be delayed. There is also some evidence that diabetic retinopathy can benefit from the consumption of the berry. Again , the focus is on the prevention, not the cure.
Many good things are being said about the goji berry, but it is important to balance this information with any possible risks. Being a natural remedy, not a lot of side effects have been observed, but there are discussions around its interaction with blood thinning drugs. The bottom line is that some research has been/is being done, but the findings are not conclusive enough to give a definitive report card on this wonder berry. By all indications, this appears to have a lot of potential that will hopefully come to fruition.