MACA ROOT 101 + USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS

MACA ROOT 101 + USES AND BENEFITS: ALL THE WONDERFUL HEALTH BENEFITS THAT THIS SUPERFOOD HAS AND SOME OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO USE IT. 

WHAT IS MACA

Maca is a root veggie from the radish family. It is available in powder form, in capsules and can be consumed in different ways or forms. Maca root comes from Peru and is a great adaptogen and also happens to be in the same family that broccoli and cabbage belong to- cruciferous. Maca is grown in high altitude places all over South America. Maca is a pleasant tasting root that is rich in nutrients like calcium. WAY more calcium then milk. A pretty good source of calcium for vegans, lactose intolerant folks like me and for people who just don’t fancy milk.

MACA HEALTH BENEFITS

Maca is used for a healthy balanced hormonal production. It is a great energy booster and helps with adrenal fatigue. Maca can help with reducing stress hormones, balance our hormones in general when they are out of whack. It has been shown to help with hot flashes during menopause, it is also known as a fertility enhancer and great to boost your libido and sexual function. Basically it is a sex powerhouse. It is known as the natural viagra in the holistic world. Maca is also great for mental clarity and focus. People feel more energetic, alive and a sense of calm all together when they consume it.

FEEL GOOD WITH MACA

Maca is filled with tons of plant based nutrients like protein, fiber, magnesium and calcium. Maca is also filled with over 20 amino acids including 8 essential ones. It is also filled with all types of vitamins like B-1, B-2, C and E. PLUS it has high levels of manganese, potassium, selenium and more.

When starting off with maca use 1/2 T at a time and work your way up to 2-3 T. I love using it before exercising due to it’s increase of energy and stamina. I do try to limit my intake before bed, because it can disrupt my sleep. You gotta listen to your body and see what works best for you.

Some of my favorite ways to incorporate maca are in my smoothies, in my morning lattes and even when I am making baked goods.

Check out some of these awesome recipes to try out maca in.

Try sometime for the entire family with these Paleo Adaptogenic Cinnamon Roll  Pancakes, they are so good, full of healthy fats + the superfood of choice-maca.

Try out maca in my favorite Bulletproof Iced Matcha recipe it is SO good and perfect to start of your day.

BLUEBERRY MACA TAHINI SMOOTHIE

1 cup of frozen blueberries

1/2 an avocado

1/2  frozen banana (optional)

2 T of flaxseeds or chia seeds

1 T of cinnamon + maca

1.5 cups of cashew milk, almond milk or milk of choice

2 T of tahini

1 tsp of vanilla powder or extract

Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy right away, you can top it with granola if you want.

MY FAVORITE MACA BRANDS

I like buying  a lot of my superfoods in bulk from either the lovely folks at Terrasoul or Mountain Rose Herbs. It depends really on what else I am ordering. I’m not gonna just get one thing so it really depends on that. They are both GREAT quality.

You can get Terrasoul on their website or Amazon which is pretty cool.

Mountain Rose Herbs is directly on their own website and you can buy I think maybe 2 oz at time which is good if you are trying it out for the first time.

Alright babes there you have the 101 on maca, why I like it so much, why you will too and some of my favorite ways to incorporate it into my daily eats. Have you ever tried maca? What are some of your favorite ways to use it?