A customer of ours sent a link to a video where Dr. Gundry says that goji berries are toxic for humans. Quite naturally this customer was alarmed as he said he consumed two bags of our goji berry powder per month.
So I took a look at the video and here are my thoughts.
First of all, he says there is no research regarding the health benefits of goji berries. This is a straight up lie. Different components like the Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides, it’s antioxidant capabilities, plus the whole host of nutrition (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc.) have been investigated.
While we have six such studies and papers in our references section, a search of ‘lycium barbarum’ on Pubmed results in 663 results. Sure, there aren’t many double-blind human trials, but lack of evidence does not mean evidence of lack. I like to go back to the ancient wisdom, and there’s a reason that goji berry is one of the very top herbs in Chinese medicine.
But that is just how this doctor frames his argument. Then he goes into the one thing that he says is toxic about them…lectins!
His whole argument against them is that they have lectins. Yes, they do, but so do lots of other foods.
The most ridiculous statement he makes is that he mentions potatoes and tomatoes in there, but that you won’t stop eating those, so you should stop eating goji instead. This is laughable because the amount you consume, of the food and thus lectins, is way higher in those regular foods than in goji.
The fact is that if lectins are a problem those foods should be avoided first and foremost along with all grains, legumes and dairy which also have lectins.
This is similar to the argument that has been made about the aluminum content in shilajit and some other herbs.
Another important part is that NOT all lectins are bad. While I couldn’t find anything about specific goji berry lectins, in my research for the recently released nettle root tincture, the Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA) is a lectin, that is being investigated for slowing prostate growth and also for bolstering the immune system against viruses.
So where does this all come from?
It appears that this doctor has had good results in putting people with auto-immunity on a lectin avoidance diet. Plus, goji’s are in the nightshade family. This means that some people with nightshade sensitivity would be best to avoid them, and stick to other herbs.
But unless you’re working to cut out all lectins from your diet, and they’re in MOST plant food, then avoiding goji berries for this reason is worth doing.
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Peter says
If one is interested in reducing lectins from diet, start with the heavy hitters like potatoes, tomatoes, grains, soy products, most diary and meats. From a nutritional viewpoint, goji berries offer a lot of health benefits relative to their lectin content.
Clearly more research is needed on lectin content in Goji berries and ways to reduce it.
Taylor Bjourssen says
Dr. Gundry says what he does with little scientific evidence due to the fact that he wants to sell more books and get more views on YouTube. He can cite a great deal of anecdotal and observational evidence but little to no science. Bottom line, everyone is different
Julie rs says
Agreed. His main objective seems to be sell more of his merchandise and boost his popularity to generate more income
James says
What is the way to reduce the lectin count in goji products while keeping it’s essence? Perhaps a similar approach to tomoatos? Boiling for a short period, peeling and then removing the seeds. I am very interested in hearing the most effective way.
Logan Christopher says
I’m not sure. And with the size of gojis I don’t think that method would be worth it. If you are worried about the lectin content than I would choose a different herb that doesn’t have them.
WOLF says
“Since research is so important to you, can you show me a study saying that lectins from goji berries are detrimental? I sure couldn’t find one”
Are you seriously suggesting that science is irrelevant because new findings are not published in studies yet nor taught in medical school. Because that is exactly what you are implying, knowing or not. Do you even understand the concept of science? Think again!
By the way, the German word for science is “Wissenschaft” – that which creates knowledge.
If you know everything already, science is certainly not for you, which makes me wonder how you found out about Goji berries in the first place …
WOLF says
I suggest instead of publishing an opinion, you do some serious digging into the subject before telling people the Gundry is “laughable”. What makes it problematic is that you advice people to ignore serious and indisputable scientific findings. And that is where you lose and become utterly irrelevant. There are opinions and business interests, and then there is science. I go with the latter! Arrivederci!
marcos says
If worried about lectins just try soaking them over night and see how you feel.