The accumulation of lipid peroxides in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis and stroke. Our blood contains the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to fight against lipid peroxidation, but levels of SOD decrease as we age. In a clinical study, goji berry consumption was accompanied by a remarkable 40 percent increase in SOD levels, and a decrease in lipid peroxides of an impressive 65 percent.
In another study, vital red blood cells were protected by flavonoids found in goji berries. The protective effects of the total flavonoids of Lycium barbarum goji berries on lipid peroxidation in liver mitochondria and red blood cells of rats induced by oxygen radicals was investigated by Huang Y et al (1999) in China. They observed that the mitochondria lipid peroxidation was significantly inhibited by the total flavonoids of Lycium barbarum and the fluidity of mitochondria membrane was also protected effectively. The shape of red blood cell has remained intact for those with the addition of total goji berry flavonoids, while the shape of the control red blood cells was significantly damaged by oxygen radicals. Diabetes (adult-onset, non insulin-dependent)