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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Liam says
Ever since I stopped eating lectins, yes, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and more I have lost 20lbs and don’t have pain in my lower back. When I eat lectins on accident or even on purpose my pain comes back. This lectin thing is crazy and truly works!
Lena says
I totally agree with you. Since I started to avoid lectins, my overall health improved. I was literally swollen (allergen in my system) for years. I couldn’t figure out (just like many people incl Dr. Gundry) what was wrong with me; I ate healthy, I worked out etc and yet I was getting more and more “swollen “. I say swollen because I did not even look or feel FAT… I always felt like I was swollen but couldn’t figure out why. My bowel movement was miserable; once every 10 days!!! Since I read some articles and watched some helpful videos of Dr. Gundry and started experimenting with my diet, I lost 3 sizes, I have more energy, I’m mentally awake, my bowel movement changed drastically and my allergy like symptoms (stuffy nose, congestion, sneezing, itchy throat) diminished greatly. I don’t think Dr. Gundry was trying to say that all lectins are bad for everybody, I think he was trying to help people like me, who regardless of healthy lifestyles had digestive (and other) issues but could not figure out why. And I believe for people with high sensitivity, Goji berries can be as bad as Blueberries- yes I cannot eat them ! So for someone who does not have sensitivity he (Dr. Gundry) might be laughable- for those who have , it’s a godsend.
Logan Christopher says
Thanks for sharing Lena. Speaks to the need for experimentation and finding what works for everyone.
chris says
Gundry is a Doctor, you not!!!!!! remember that!
Logan Christopher says
I never claimed to be one but I’m pretty sure they don’t cover lectins in medical school.
B.C says
Lol that’s your defense lol to that comment. Lol they don’t cover lectins in school. Wow … makes sense why this acticle is so poorly researched and trying so hard to protect the money form your product. Lol
Logan Christopher says
It’s a trolling comment so I didn’t take time to write an in-depth response.
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.
Please also tell me how this makes sense because it’s a critical part of this article? “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.”
Kim says
Does cooking or drying goji berries reduce the lectin content or potency?
camilo fernandes says
purchased a bag full of goji berries (dried) a couple of days back and soaked them in water and began eating a few … no a lot … next day had a problem … had to go to the toilet every 10 or so minutes … thankfully was able to sleep that night … but the toilet rush continued the next day … okay … i overdosed … but i want to know if i could do something (change in diet maybe … eat a lot of rice or so) to stop the damn leaky gut … i will continue eating the berries after i recover in smaller dosage … but would like to know if anyone has a cure to get over the leaky gut sooner. tks
Logan Christopher says
I would work with a much lower dose. Can also look into using some clays.
Mike says
https://gundrymd.com/plant-paradox-shopping-list/
Leaky gut is a symptom of eating habits – See this Yes and No list on these pages and adjust your diet accordingly
James Lunsford says
I actually saw that video the Dr. made yesterday. It was another power-point corporate sales piece. What I did find hopeful was that (through a short subscription to what I thought was a health newsletter but turned out to be a telemarketing service) the sheer number of these presentations shows a remarkable increase in the average person’s desire to know more about herbal cures. As all of them are so avidly “non-mainstream” because this is where mainstream is moving. Hucksters and all. Not that I’m saying that any of those products/services being offered was not capable of doing what they said they would do. I’m pretty sure they do. None of them seemed any more remarkable than the changes I’ve seen in my own body.
Donna says
Goji berries have been used historically in Chinese medicine with important therapeutic effects. One Chinese medicine practitioner summed up the benefits: http://www.pingminghealth.com/article/791/health-benefits-of-goji-berries/
Robert says
I am still interested in reading deeper into lectins in goji. The whole plant has me curious. If in fact the lectins are reactive to blood glucose (as many are reported to do) then those with insulin or glucose trouble should stay away from the berries. What about the leaves and the roots? I never saw any practitioner posting about the leaves and roots. So I’m curious. Maybe this will give me enough reason to get on with GreenMedInfo.com on their database services.
Zane Christopher says
Robert, I am not sure. I would think that the leaves and roots have some lectins but have not seen anyone even mention consuming those things. I know some people use some of that stuff for other berry herbs like using Sea Buckthorn leaves for tea. Look into it and let us know what you find, please.
Michael Sab says
The fact that this guy went ahead and did a bypass on someone that was improving (proved him wrong to begin with) tells you how egoistic he is. Medical Dr.s who’s education is only medicine are reductionists as Dr. Eben alexander came to fubd out! Dr. Steven Gundry is here just to make money from voranable people!
This research (& many more) published in pubmed:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18447631
Found out the following:
CONCLUSIONS:
“These results clearly indicate that daily consumption of GoChi for 14 days increases subjective feelings of general well-being, and improves neurologic/psychologic performance and gastrointestinal functions. The data strongly suggest that further research is indicated to confirm and extend knowledge of the potential effects of Lycium barbarum upon human health.”
Alex says
Indeed lectins are only a problem for sensitive people or people who already have imbalances such as in the gut and immune system.
Lectins are a good reason why a vegan diet is probably not the best idea for many people and builds a good case why many animal foods might be better suitable for some.
Nature is interesting. In today’s times want to argue that fiber is an essential dietary nutrient but in fact, if this was true and as intended for us, why would nature put lectins in these plants as well making their consumption problematic for many?
Many interesting questions arise, and I think what is clear is that plant does not necessarily create all these substances for our enjoyment. That we have discovered how to benefit from some of them is a happy coincidence.
Shari says
My husband and I love youreading products!
Zane Christopher says
Haha, thank you Shari!
ALTAN says
DEAR ZANE CAN WE reduce GOJI BERRY LECTINS BY BOILING THEM?
Justin Snyder says
Hi Altan, this article might help you answer that question: https://www.drjohnbergman.com/lectins-in-goji-berries-good-or-bad/