If someone told you that there are foods that have undeniable health benefits, ward off illness, and put you in a better mood, would you eat them? Superfoods do exist and they are easily accessible and encouraged on the Paleolithic lifestyle plan. These foods will boost your immune system and provide you more nutrient-packed power than normal food items.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a tiny blue-green alga that lives in warm, alkaline fresh waters. The nutritional profile of this little organism surpasses red meat. It is made up of 60 to 70 percent complete protein. This means that spirulina contains every amino acid your body needs to build muscle and produce proteins.

Additionally, spirulina contains more vitamins and minerals than most land plants. This superfood may be taken as a supplement, but also can be used in cooking. Following is a great spirulina recipe:

Vegan Spirulina Pesto

This quick and easy spirulina recipe can be eaten immediately. Just blend up and enjoy.

1. Cut off stems and wash basil.

2. Grind sesame seeds in coffee grinder into a powder.

3. Add all dry ingredients to blender. Blend, adding water gradually to desired consistency.

4. Turn off blender then add spirulina powder to desired color.

Goji

The goji berry, otherwise known as the wolfberry, has been used for its medicinal properties as well as food for many years, although it has recently gained popularity as its superfood qualities are discovered. It is native to southeastern Europe and Asia and is primarily imported from China.

This fruit contains 11 essential minerals, six essential vitamins, 18 amino acids, and five fatty acids, including linoleic and alphalinoleic acid. It is usually sold in its dried form, but does not contain the high glycemic levels that other dried fruits such as raisins or dates have. It has a sweet taste, is especially great for snacking, and is a perfect food for adding to trail mix.

Cacao

Cacao comes from a dried and fermented fatty seed of Theobroma (which means food of the gods) cacao bean. Cacao is a rich source of flavonoids and contains more antioxidant properties than blueberries, goji berries, and green tea. Prolonged use of raw cacao and its high flavonoid antioxidants has been linked to cardiovascular health benefits.

Cacao can be used in cooking and eaten whole in the raw. Many Paleo enthusiasts use cacao to make sweet baked goods such as the recipe listed here:

Paleo Cacao Nib Cookies

If you are looking for a sweet treat try these Paleo cookies. These can be taken anywhere on the go and will give you satisfaction for your sweet tooth cravings.

1. Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

2. Spoon rounded teaspoon-sized balls onto a cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Cook for 9 minutes at 350°F.

Walnuts

Walnuts are an exemplary superfood because they were the first recognized superfood by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These nuts are a superior source of alpha-linoleic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, which has been shown to aid in all types of heart disease and other illnesses.

Walnuts can be purchased whole or as an oil and are a great addition to baked goods, salads, and side dish recipes.

Berries

It has been known for a while that berries have high antioxidant properties. The more antioxidants you eat, the better chance you have to fight heart disease and free radicals in your body.

In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry it was shown that berries, namely cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries, ranked among the highest of the fruits studied. As a general rule, the more colorful the fruit or vegetable, the better the antioxidant capabilities. It is always best to eat a variety of foods with a plethora of colors to promote the best fight against free radical oxidation in your body.