Some superfoods hit the scene and are all the rage for a hot minute. We’ve seen it over and over again.
Maca is not one of them.
Although it’s popularity continues to grow, Maca has been around for years. Thousands of years in fact! For good reason too! Archeological findings taught us that Indigenous tribes in the Andes has been cultivating maca 5000 years ago. It wasn’t until 1843 until it was introduced to the Western world and started making a name for its self as Peruvian Ginseng due to it’s energy enhancing properties.
Funny enough, it has no relation to the Ginseng plant.
You may have seen it in supplement form on the shelves of you wellness markets, or perhaps noticed it in smoothies, elixirs, and even showing up in baked goods. With it’s wide range of benefits, I have no doubt this superfood will continue to grow in popularity.
It’s a personal and client favorite, as it supports many areas of our health, wellness, energy and….libido. I’ve got your attention now huh?
After you ready this blog on the benefits and how to incorporate maca, I’m sure will become one of your staple superfoods as well!
WHAT IS MACA?
Maca is a root vegetable native to Peru grown in the high elavation of the Andes. Along with our well known cauliflower and broccoli friends, Maca is also apart of the cruciferous family. If you were to imagine that a beet and a radish had a less bright colored offspring, that would be maca.
Although we most commonly see red, black and yellow maca on the store shelves, there are actually 5 varieties which also include purple, blue or green. Each type providing a unique variety of nutrients.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MACA?
ENERGY & FOCUS
I love adding maca to my morning smoothies or elixirs for the energy and focus boost it provides! Specifically black maca has been proven to increase memory performance.
Many athletes have been known to take maca before their games and races as paired with increasing energy, it is also said to improve endurance.
FERTILITY
Unfortunately infertility has become extremely common in young healthy men and women these days. Maca may be worth speaking to your specialist about as it has showed to stimulate the production hormones essential for reproduction.
In a study with male rats, black maca was shown to stimulate sperm production.
LIBIDO & HORMONES
Maca has provided positive results for women in menopause who noticed a decrease in anxiety and depression when taken regularly. It also provided results of lower blood pressure and increased libido.
Maca is often marketed as a natural libido boost for men and women of all ages. It is important to note, that like most supplements and superfoods, it is recommended to supplement daily for at least 6 weeks before noticing the benefits. Sorry friends, this is no quick fix to the little blue pill but a healthy alternative providing longer lasting benefits!
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY & UV PROTECTION
Attention sun lovers! A few studies have shown that applying maca to the skin can help protect from sun damage and ultraviolet radiation. Although it is not a substitute for sunscreen, it is a great addition to add to your skin care routine when spending time outside.
Dealing with an injury or chronic pain? Consuming maca on a regular basis could also benefit those who suffer from arthritis due to it’s painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties.
HOW TO USE MACA:
Maca can most commonly be found in capsule or powder like form. It has a slight nutty like taste that allows it so be incredibly versatile and delicious in many recipes!
As mentioned above, like most superfoods and supplements, it is recommended to take daily for u to 6 weeks to start to attain the benefits.
Supplements are often easy to incorporate maca into your daily routine but personally, I love the taste and would much rather enjoy and savour it!
Here are my favorite maca products:
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A maca and chocolaty combination. Great for smoothies, baking and elixirs.
MACA RECIPES
Chocolate Maca Monkey Smoothie Bowl
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1/2 banana
- 1 handful spinach fresh or frozen
- 1/2 small zucchini chopped and frozen
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp maca
- 1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder I use Genuine Health. Use CHARAMARIE for discount at check out
- 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla non dairy milk
Toppings:
- 1 tbsp goji berries
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs
- 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 banana
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into the blender
- Blend well for 40 seconds
- Place smoothie in bowl and add toppings.
Notes
Sugar Free Zucchini Vegan Maca-Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/4 cup nut butter almond, mixted or peanut butter is great
- 3 scoops vegan vanilla protein powder I use Genuine Health. Use code CHARAMARIE for discount at checkout
- 1/4 cup sugar free vegan chocolate chips I use Lily's
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed
- 4 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla non dairy milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375
- Mix all ingredients together and place in fridge for 5 minutes
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and form 10 cookie balls about 2/3 size of your palm
- Place baking sheet in oven and bake for around 20 minutes or until slightly golden brown
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before enjoying
Notes
Maca-licious Latte
Ingredients
- 1 tsp maca powder
- 1/2 tbsp mct or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup oat or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 tsp stevia or monk fruit to taste
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Place oat or coconut milk in a sauce pan along with 1/2 cup water and bring to almost a boil
- Place liquid and all ingredients into a blender mixing on medium to low speed for 30 seconds
- Pour into mug and top with additional cinnamon
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