Maca
Magic
You’ve heard people name-dropping ‘maca’ this and ‘maca’ that around the place but what exactly is maca?
Touted to be the superfood of the Icas, maca originates in Peru, where it has been cultivated as a food for thousands of years. The maca root is part of the radish family, is grown 4,000m above sea levels and is said to have a whole load of revitalizing and energizing benefits. I absolutely LOVE maca – it’s packed full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. It has an abundance of vitamin B, C and E, and also contains zinc, iron, phosphorous, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, sulphur and calcium (higher calcium level than milk). Maca contains 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids, and is also a rich source of phytonutrients. Pretty impressive hey!?
Maca root powder is comprised of approximately 18% protein, 76.5% carbohydrates, 5% fat, and 8.5% fiber (indigestible carbohydrates).
While more research is still needed to reveal how exactly maca benefits the body’s hormonal and nervous systems, initial studies that have shown promising results for use of maca.
Some of the main benefits of maca are:
- Increased energy levels and stamina. Many athletes swear by the maca energy benefits!
- Relief of menstrual issues and menopause (Please note: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then best to avoid maca).
- Improvement with skin issues, including acne and blemishes.
- Balancing moods and increasing focus, memory and mental energy.
- Helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Antioxidant boost.
- Improves sexual function for both men and women. It can boost libido and increase endurance. Having so-called aphrodisiac qualities it has been used to balance hormones and increase fertility.
It is so easy and tasty to enjoy Maca, just add the powder to…
- Any smoothie or protein shake
- No-Bake Maca-Roons
- Your morning porridge or yogurt
Maca can be found in most health stores or online stores, and many supermarkets are now stocking maca powder in their ‘health’ aisle. Maca is a great pantry staple – its unique nutty, caramel taste is a welcome addition to many a dessert or smoothie.
To add some magic to your life just add some Maca (to everything you can!)
