Can Pregnant Women Consume Goji Greens?

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, possess the function of nourishing the kidneys and enhancing male vitality. They can be used as medicinal herbs, steeped in water, or cooked in soups. Furthermore, the leaves of the goji berry plant are edible as well. In regions where goji berries are cultivated, the leaves are commonly referred to as "goji vegetables." While it is generally safe for healthy individuals to consume goji vegetables, pregnant women may have concerns about whether it is suitable for them during pregnancy. Let's delve into this matter.

Pregnant women can consume goji vegetables, as they provide vitamin C and various amino acids essential for the human body, including glutamic acid, proline, and arginine. To ensure balanced nutrition, goji vegetables are a suitable choice for pregnant mothers.

Consuming goji vegetables in moderation can contribute to nutritional balance during pregnancy. They can be prepared in various ways, such as cold dishes, fillings for dumplings, or stir-fried with meat. The tender shoots of goji berries can also be used for stir-frying and have a slightly bitter taste that is refreshing to eat.

However, if a pregnant woman experiences symptoms of stomach coldness, it is advisable to avoid eating goji vegetables as they are naturally cooling and may irritate the stomach, worsening the discomfort.

Additionally, if a pregnant woman is experiencing diarrhea, she should refrain from consuming goji vegetables. Goji berries themselves have a laxative effect, and consuming them during diarrhea may exacerbate the condition.

Goji leaves possess various health benefits, including clarifying the vision and promoting liver health. They also help prevent arteriosclerosis due to their rich content of metal elements, which contribute to blood nourishment.

Clarifying Vision: Goji berries, including their leaves, are beneficial for eye health. The leaves can be used to make "goji tea," which is beneficial for the eyes. The red fruits, known as "goji berries," can be used in cooking or tea, while the roots, or "digupi," are commonly used as medicinal herbs. Long-term consumption of goji berries or drinking goji tea does not have any side effects.

Preventing Arteriosclerosis and Aging: Goji leaves promote blood circulation, prevent arteriosclerosis, and help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver. The leaves contain various vitamins, essential amino acids, and linoleic acid, which together enhance metabolism and prevent aging.

Lowering Blood Lipids and Blood Pressure: The high calcium content in goji leaves contributes to lowering blood pressure and blood lipids. Studies have shown that a high intake of calcium effectively reduces blood pressure, and goji leaf tea has a significant hypotensive effect attributed to its rich calcium content.

Boosting Immunity and Blood Supplementation: Goji leaves are rich in iron and zinc, which enhance immune function and blood supplementation. The iron content in goji leaves is extremely high, second only to that of certain seaweeds, mushrooms, and seaweed. Iron is an effective component for blood supplementation, and the zinc content in goji leaves is also significant. Both iron and zinc contribute to improving immune function and enhancing the body's resistance to diseases.