Sprinkle some maca into your diet and soak in the array of nutritional benefits!
Grown in the Central Peruvian Andes at 11,000 feet elevation and above, maca root powder may seem like a far-away supplement or confusing cousin of matcha green tea powder. However, maca has created its own name for itself and established a credibility in nutrition circles that start steering it away from a “supplement” and closer to a “staple.”
Below is a brief explanation of what exactly maca root powder is, what it does for you, and how to use it.
Maca is a member of the cruciferous family and its root is boiled or ground into a caffeine-free, yet stimulating powder. This tuber also upholds a high nutritional profile. With 19 essential amino acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and D, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, sodium, potassium, and calcium, maca proactively assists the body’s central nervous system in times of stress instead of spiking then taxing the body’s cortisol levels, like caffeine does.
Maca also fights to rebalance hormones, enhance fertility, and increase sexual function in both men and women. Not enough can be said about the importance of hormone health as well as balanced stress levels. If any of these are off, they can lead to a myriad of physical, emotional, and psychological issues. Maca targets these bigger issues and naturally balances the body in order to enhance overall vitality and lifelong health.
Maca is an adaptogen. Like its name implies, adaptogens help the body adapt to stress and combat the body’s overuse of its fight-or-flight tendencies that lead to chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression. It can positively affect mood, stress, blood sugar levels, and stamina throughout the day. By balancing energy levels in a natural way, maca helps people regain their daily rhythms and fills them with natural energy during the day as well as restful sleep throughout the night.
The flavor of maca powder tastes slightly earthy but leaves the tongue with notes of butterscotch or caramel. You can buy it in powder form and blend it together in ways that either hide or boost its taste. The powder pairs well with cinnamon and complements nuts or nut butters as well.
Popular ways to use maca powder include mixing it into smoothies, sprinkling it into energy bars or on top of oatmeal, and stirring it into sauces and drizzles.
You can find my favorite brand of organic maca powder here.