How to take goji berries for weight loss?
Goji berries are native to China. That is why they are also known as the Chinese barberry. This name combines more than 60 species. Fruits are considered one of the effective means to increase immunity, cleanse the body, normalize blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. But the real “glory” to goji berries was brought by the “weight loss effect”.
Beneficial features
The beneficial properties of goji berries are due to their composition, which surprises with its diversity. Small fruits contain vitamins C, A, E, B vitamins, 19 amino acids (including irreplaceable), polyphenols, carotenoids, polysaccharides. Minerals are presented iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus. Present in goji fiber and biologically active flavonoids.
The fruits have a pronounced antioxidant effect. They bind free radicals, removing them from the body and thereby reducing the risk of developing cancer. Positively affecting the liver and kidneys, berries and from this point of view activate the processes of removing toxins and toxins from the body. Finally, the antioxidant effect also implies a slowdown in the aging process of the body.
Thanks to vitamins and minerals, as well as the natural components of the berry have a tonic effect. Their use contributes strengthening immunity, increasing the resistance of cell membranes. B vitamins in the composition have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system.They improve the conductivity of nerve impulses, increasing the body's resistance to stress, symptoms of chronic fatigue. The tandem of B vitamins and phosphorus makes fruits useful for brain activity. Potassium and magnesium, as well as biologically active components, help improve heart function. The mentioned minerals normalize the concentration of electrolytes, which, in turn, helps to strengthen the heart muscle, normalize the cycle, improve blood circulation, stabilize pressure.
Vitamins C and E also strengthen the vascular walls, increase their elasticity and fight cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels, as well as prevent the appearance of new ones. The result is clean vessels, improve blood circulation, reduce congestion in the vessels. But they are the cause of the formation of blood clots, atherosclerosis, varicose veins.
Berries also help to reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
For men, goji berries are useful for their effect on the genitourinary function, it is believed that they protect against prostate cancer, and also reduce the likelihood of developing prostate adenoma, prostatitis. Fruits increase libido, improve potency. Vitamin E provides the benefits of berries for women as well. They are especially valuable during menopause. With regular consumption, reproductive function improves, sexual activity increases. Besides, berries can reduce painful symptoms during menstruation.
Berries owe their popularity to a greater extent to the “weight loss effect”. Indeed, the natural composition accelerates metabolism, and the fiber present in the composition improves intestinal motility, thereby contributing to and improving digestion.In addition, Chinese barberry has a mild laxative and diuretic effect. Potassium helps to eliminate puffiness. Berries give a feeling of satiety, but at the same time they have a low calorie content.
The energy value of dry fruits is 112 calories per 100 grams of product.
Contraindications
First of all, goji is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the product. The fruits should not be consumed by people with a weak stomach - most likely, they will provoke diarrhea and intestinal upset. By the way, this can also be observed with excessive consumption of berries by a completely healthy person.
You can not combine the consumption of berries with taking medications, especially antibiotics, blood thinners. Fruits will increase side effects, can provoke internal bleeding. Harm can be caused by the use of fruits during pregnancy and lactation. They should not be given to children and teenagers. Despite the benefits of berries for the cardiovascular system, with high and low blood pressure, it is better to refuse to use Chinese barberry.
In rare cases, there are sleep disturbances when taking Chinese barberry. And it can be both drowsiness and insomnia. The latter may also occur in response to late fruit intake.
Berries should be consumed no later than 5 hours before going to bed.
Application rules
The use of berries for weight loss should be combined with adequate nutrition and suitable physical activity. It is useless to hope for "wonder pills" in the form of goji without changing eating habits and lifestyle.
Rules for use depend on the form of release of berries. It can be dry berries, tea - both one-component based on berries, and ordinary black, green, herbal tea with the addition of goji berries. Fruits can be canned, have the appearance of jam, jelly, there is juice from goji berries. In most cases, losing weight prefer dried berries. By purchasing them, you can be sure of the quality of the raw materials, there is no risk that other herbs are packaged in bags instead of tea from berries. They can be brewed as a tea, eaten whole, crushed and added to drinks and dishes as a condiment.
An easy way to reap the benefits of consuming the fruit is to brew the berries overnight, then take the infused drink in the morning and eat the softened fruit after puréing it with a spoon. Fresh berries can be frozen and then added to desserts, salads, various snacks. They are harmoniously combined with meat dishes, you can add both whole berries and make sauces from them.
The daily dose for an adult is 20-40 g, it is better to divide it into 2-3 doses. You need to start eating berries with a small (5-10 g) portion, gradually increasing the dose to the daily dose in the absence of side effects.
On average, Chinese barberry is consumed in a course of 1-3 months, after which they take a month-long break.
Most sources suggest taking berries twice a day. For the first time - before breakfast, most of the daily dose. The rest is consumed in the afternoon, at about 15-17 hours. You can eat them both during meals and after.
It is not recommended to take Chinese barberry later than 17-18 hours. The berry activates many systems of the body, not allowing it to fully prepare for rest. It turns out a violation of human biological rhythms.
There are also special diets, in which goji are an obligatory component of the diet. As a rule, this is diet food (calorie reduction, exclusion of fatty, fried foods, white bread, pasta), combined with the consumption of goji berries. At the same time, it is noted that adding the latter to the diet gives a noticeably better result than just diet food.
The inclusion of berries in the Dukan diet will be very useful. The fact is that with this system, the consumption of carbohydrates is reduced. So the Chinese barberry (the main component of the BJU of which is precisely carbohydrates, 24 g per 100 g of product) will become one of the sources of carbohydrates. Berries are allowed during all stages of the Dukan Diet, but they are especially beneficial during the Attack phase.
In addition, goji will ensure the intake of vitamins and minerals, the deficiency of which is observed in the body when following diets, especially strict ones.
Recipes
You can make tea from the fruits, which activates metabolic processes and perfectly quenches thirst. Through antioxidant action from the body slags and toxins are removed, there is a feeling of cheerfulness, lightness.
To make tea, you need to knead a tablespoon of fresh or dried berries and pour 250 ml of hot, but not boiling water over them. Infuse for an hour, then strain and drink like regular tea. If the drink seems too concentrated, you can add a little boiled water. Tea is good both hot and cold.
Another option for refreshing tea for weight loss involves using 1.5 tablespoons of dry Chinese barberry, ginger root and lemon wedges. Goji and finely grated ginger are poured into 50 ml of hot water, insisted for a quarter of an hour. Before use, add a slice of lemon.For taste, you can put another teaspoon of honey, but it should be remembered that although this is a natural, it is a very high-calorie product.
Can be cooked for breakfast fortified porridge based on oatmeal and goji berries. This dish will give a feeling of satiety, provide energy, improve digestion.
It will be useful after illnesses, poisonings.
You will need oatmeal that requires cooking. Pour out the amount required for a serving and fill them with hot water. It should completely cover the flakes. Leave for 20 minutes, covered with a plate or lid. Then you need to put the porridge on a slow fire and cook for another 3-5 minutes, pour in hot milk, add honey and goji berries (about 20 pieces). Remove the dish from the heat, cover with a lid and let it brew for another 5 minutes.
Smoothies can be used as a snack or a light dinner. Losing weight need to be extremely careful when choosing the right recipe, since this thick drink can be very high in calories.
We will present a low-calorie version based on kefir. From fruits, you can add apples and pears, kiwi and goji berries. Blend all ingredients in a blender and serve. Products are taken in a free ratio, as you like - a thicker or more liquid version of the smoothie.
You can drink before bed milkshake for weight loss. To prepare it, you will need 1/2 liter of low-fat milk and 3 tablespoons of fresh or dried berries. The fruits are poured with milk, slightly kneaded with a spoon and left for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator. Before use, mash the berries again with a spoon, mix the cocktail and strain it. Best served chilled.
It is usually difficult for sweet-toothed people to stay on the right diet. It is the craving for sweets that is one of the most common causes of breakdowns.But you can satisfy it, while not feeding the body with a shock portion of sugar and "chemistry".
To do this, it is enough to cook light cottage cheese dessert. It will take 200 grams of cottage cheese, half a glass of kefir, 1/2 apple, 2 tablespoons of goji. All ingredients are ground in a blender, laid out in a bowl or bowl. Serve the dessert slightly chilled, garnished with orange zest, "petals" of nuts or a sprig of mint. It is better to use briquette homogeneous cottage cheese - so the finished dessert will turn out to be more “silky”.
It has a pronounced healing and anti-cold effect cranberry and goji cocktail. The drink also has antioxidant properties, promotes weight loss and is especially useful for low acidity of gastric juice.
You need to mix 2 tablespoons of cranberries and a tablespoon of goji berries (fresh or dry). Pour a glass of boiling water and let the drink stand for half an hour. Before use, you can add a teaspoon of honey. Drink 2-3 times a day for half a cup 15-20 minutes before a meal.
For losing weight, traditional medicine offers another remedy - tincture. It improves digestion, speeds up metabolic processes, and also has a positive effect on the vascular system.
You will need 1 liter of good vodka and 2 handfuls of goji berries. The fruits are poured with vodka and infused in a dark glass container for 10-12 days. Shake the bottle periodically to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Application - 10-20 ml daily, before meals. If the resulting tincture seems too concentrated, “burns” the stomach, then it is diluted in half with water and consumed after meals.
Fruits are also suitable for cooking second courses, giving them spicy notes. They can be placed, for example, in dietary pilaf. It is prepared from chicken or turkey, after removing the skin. Goji is added at the end of cooking to preserve the maximum of useful elements.
Reviews
Most goji berries have positive reviews. For a month it is possible to throw off 47 kg. The effect will be even more impressive if you additionally control nutrition and exercise. Some users who left reviews on the Internet note that even after consuming berries, the weight remains the same and does not “creep” up. The fruits themselves give a feeling of fullness. Most people don't bother with what they call and eat just a handful of berries in 20-30 minutes. Teas and decoctions, alcohol tinctures are also popular.
You need to understand that berries will not give an instant effect, by themselves they do not contain fat-burning components. If the sellers of the product promise exactly instant action, then most likely this is just a marketing ploy. This is confirmed by real user reviews. They talk about gradual weight loss, also noting an improvement in health after the first weeks of taking the fruit.
Weight loss with the help of Chinese barberry is comfortable. By themselves, the fruits have a pleasant sour taste, they can successfully replace sweets.
In a word, their consumption not only makes diets more effective, but also allows you to diversify the diet menu.
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