In recent years, Goji berry has gained a lot of popularity as a “superfood” due to its numerous health benefits. Among these is its purported ability to help stimulate muscle growth.

This article will explore the scientific evidence behind Goji berry’s potential effects on muscle growth and how it may be incorporated into a workout regimen.

What is Goji Berry?

Goji berry is a small red fruit that grows on a vine native to China and other parts of Asia. It has been long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including improving athletic performance and increasing longevity.

Goji berries are known for their high antioxidant content, which has been linked to various health benefits.

How Can Goji Berry Help with Muscle Growth?

Goji berry is believed to help promote muscle growth due to its high amino acid content. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and recovery.

Goji berry is rich in all eight essential amino acids, which are those that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet.

Furthermore, Goji berry contains a variety of other nutrients that can support muscle growth.

It is rich in vitamins and minerals that aid in muscle recovery and promote increased blood flow to the muscles, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients for growth and repair. Additionally, Goji berry has been shown to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can hamper muscle growth and recovery.

Scientific Evidence on Goji Berry and Muscle Growth

While Goji berry’s high nutrient content suggests it may have benefits for muscle growth, there is limited scientific research on its effects specifically in this area.

One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Goji berry extract had a positive effect on muscle recovery and endurance in mice.

The study found that the mice that were given Goji berry extract had significantly less oxidative stress and inflammation in their muscles after exercise, suggesting that the extract helped speed up recovery. However, it is important to note that this was a small study conducted on animals and further research is needed to determine if similar benefits apply to humans.

Another study published in the Journal of Cereal Science found that Goji berry supplementation improved athletic performance in humans.

The study found that participants who were given Goji berry supplements had a significant improvement in grip strength compared to those who did not take the supplements. While grip strength is not necessarily a direct measure of muscle growth, this study suggests that Goji berry may have benefits for overall athletic performance and strength.

How to Incorporate Goji Berry into Your Diet for Muscle Growth

Goji berries can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, or added to smoothies or oatmeal for a nutrient boost. They can also be used in baking or cooking as a substitute for dried fruit.

A good way to incorporate Goji berry into your diet for muscle growth is by combining them with other protein-rich foods.

For example, adding Goji berries to a protein shake or smoothie can help to boost the protein content and provide the body with the amino acids needed for muscle growth and recovery.

Final Thoughts

While the scientific evidence on Goji berry and muscle growth is limited, its high nutrient content and potential benefits for overall athletic performance make it a promising addition to a muscle-building diet.

In addition, Goji berry is a delicious and convenient snack that can be easily incorporated into a variety of diets and lifestyles.