Pleasant-tasting, healthy, and versatile, maca is a radish-like root vegetable from Peru with an impressive array of nutrients and antioxidants. Not only does it provide natural support for a healthy body, but it also has a long history of being consumed for its health benefits for thousands of years throughout the world.
Maca is an adaptogen, which is the name given to a broad family of herbs and plant medicines that help the body maintain homeostasis (normal levels of functioning). Adaptogens work to help balance hormones, as well as help the body to better respond to internal and external environmental factors such as occasional stress and anxiety.Â
Every adaptogen has its own special skill set, and maca’s talents are pretty impressive. Maca is known for the compounds it contains called macamides, which promote blood circulation throughout the body. The increased blood flow delivers more nutrients and oxygen to your muscles, helping to relieve occasional fatigue, support energy levels and endurance and may even support sexual health!
Maca is categorized based on the color of its roots, which come in yellow, black, or red. All varieties have an earthy, yet slightly sweet taste and benefit the body in similar ways, although specific maca colors are thought to be more helpful for certain health conditions. For example, black maca has shown in studies to support many health benefits .
One ounce (or about 2 tablespoons) of maca powder contains about 91 calories. As far as nutrients go, maca contains an abundance of calcium, iron, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorous, and an assortment of vitamins including C, E, B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin).
Need more healthy protein in your diet? Probably one of maca’s most standout qualities is that it’s a complete protein, providing over 20 amino acids — including all eight essential amino acids that your body needs, but can't produce on its own. This attribute makes maca a popular choice for people following a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Maca has a nutty, malty flavor that combines well with many recipes. Maca powder can be easily blended into juices and protein shakes. It also gives a nutrient-dense boost to pancakes, protein bites, and brownies. If you’re not fond of maca’s taste, a high-quality capsule is your best option.
Because maca is known for increasing energy, many people like to take it in the morning before starting their busy day or before exercising. For a superfood latte to get you revved up in the a.m., blend turmeric, black pepper, and maca powder with a cup of warm plant-based milk. Maca’s flavor also blends well with oatmeal, cereal, coffee, and banana-cacao smoothies.
Maca is a great way to boost energy, support the immune system, and calm anxiety naturally. You can make maca a part of a healthy lifestyle, simply by adding a daily maca powder into your diet. Maca is safe for use by most people, but as always, check with your doctor before making the move to maca.
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*FDA DISCLAIMER:Â These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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