Overview

For thousands of years, goji berries, also know as wolfberries, have been used in traditional medicinal practices in China, Korea and Japan. Goji berries are related to the tomato family and are rich in nutrients such as vitamins and anti-oxidants. These berries grow in the Far East. Now they are available at health food stores and supermarkets. Berries are typically sold dried, but can also be found in beverages such as juice and tea. Supplements containing goji berries are available, as well.

Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is found in goji berries. In fact, 30 g of goji berries contain 46 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin B6. Involved in more than 100 reactions in the body, pyridoxine aids the production of energy and the oxygen-carrying metalloprotein hemoglobin.

Thiamin

One 30 g serving of goji berries provides 138 percent of the vitamin thiamin, also called vitamin B1. Thiamin plays an important role in the breakdown of carbohydrates and protein into energy, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Beta-Carotene

One anti-oxidant found in goji berries is beta-carotene. Once in the body, beta-carotene is converted to retinol, which aids vision. Retinol can be converted to retinoic acid, which is important in growth.

Zeaxanthin

A yellow carotenoid, zeaxathin promotes eye health and, according to University of Illinois Extension, is one of many anti-oxidants found in goji berries.

ORAC Score

Thirty grams of goji berries have an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity of 177, which is six times the score needed to be in the superfood category, according to the Dole Food Co. Goji berries' ORAC score is 10th behind other superfoods such as Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples, blueberries, cranberries and blackberries.