You Are What You Eat: Gaga for Goji Berries?

Each week, we'll be naming a Super Food and offering unique ways to use those Super Foods that pack nutritional power. After all, you are what you eat -- make it count!

Ever heard of goji berries? You should have -- they're the new kids on the superfoods block, the health food that everyone seems to be talking about these days (including us -- we wrote about them here, here , here and here.) Still not sure what all the hype is about? Here are some health benefits that have been attributed to goji berries:

• Boosted liver protection and immune function
  
• Improved eyesight
  
• increased sexual function and fertility
  
• Increased muscle strength
  
• Improved circulation
  
• Greater longevity

Here's a bit of history on the goji berry: Also called the wolfberry, Lycium barbarum, gou qi zi Fructus and lycii, they grow naturally in areas of China, Mongolia and the Himalayas in Tibet. They're packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, iron, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which is part of the reason they're so good for you. They look like dried cranberries and they taste about the same -- a bit sweet and sour with a tangy flavour. They're sold on their own or as a juice, and at about $4 for 60g of dried berries, they can be a bit expensive.

But are they worth picking up? Many people believe so and swear by their regular intake of goji. But while there's no doubt that goji berries can compliment a healthy diet, many people are understandably skeptical of claims that they are going to change your life. The final verdict? They're good for you but ultimately, there's no substitute for a healthy lifestyle based on a balance of proper nutrition and adequate amounts of exercise. Here's an article from The BBC that helps break it down for you.

Still, as long as it's not breaking the bank, it can't hurt to add a bit of goji to your diet. Some ideas? Try them on cereal, in your trail mix or on their own as a snack. You can also pick up goji berry juices and teas, but be careful of schemers trying to make a quick sale on the internet. Your best bet is to pick some up at your nearest health food store.