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Adaptogens help you respond to stress…
Who doesn’t need help responding to stress in our face-paced world?
Maca is an amazing plant that has been grown and used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. This nutrient dense tuber or root is grown in the Andes mountains of Peru.
One of the world’s few known adaptogenic herbs, you will want to make sure you keep this one in your pantry and consume it on a regular basis.
Why are adaptogens helpful?
Adaptogens are a plant or herb that help the body adjust to changes in life and stress. These herbs can help with illness, a busy lifestyle, a demanding job or a traveling husband. You name it.
Maca is also called “Peruvian Ginseng.” A relative to the radish, this superfood has a slight sweet taste and an odor similar to butterscotch. Maca is commonly sold in a powder form and can be used as a supplement in smoothies and as an ingredient in other dishes to increase nutrient value.
According to Web MD Maca powder has many uses:
“Maca is used for tired blood (anemia), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, enhancing energy, stamina, athletic performance, memory and fertility. Women use Maca for female hormone imbalance, menstrual problems and symptoms of menopause. Maca is also used for weak bones (osteoporosis), depression, stomach cancer, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, erectile dysfunction (ED), to arouse sexual desire and to boost the immune system.”
Nutrition Profile of Maca
Maca contains 17 essential amino acids, 8.5% fiber, 10.2% protein, and 59% carbohydrates. There are also 20 fatty acids contained in Maca, making it a perfect nutritional profile for giving the body what it needs.
It also contains:
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Ascorbic Acid (C)
- Niacin
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Iron
- Selenium
From what I’ve read through my research it sounds virtually impossible to take too much Maca. However, everyone respond differently. One source recommends 1-3 teaspoons daily. I’ve seen other sources recommend 1-3 tablespoons daily. Ultimately, do what works for you. Start out slow and see how you feel. If it gives you more energy, and if you feel like you are hyped up on caffeine, decrease your usage and work your way up.
Always ease into a new dietary regimen to help your body to properly adjust.
Maca should not be taken during pregnancy.
Where to Buy Maca
Maca can be found at most health food stores. You will want to look for raw and organic Maca. I purchase this brand here.
Need Some Recipes?
Try this Apple Strudel Smoothie, Chocolate Pots De Creme, Nourishing Hot Chocolate, or Cinnamon Coffee Latte.
Have you ever used Maca Powder? Did you notice a difference? I would love to hear your thoughts below!
Resources:
http://www.themacateam.com/maca-nutrition-facts
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/custom/2193874/0?print=true
http://www.natures-whey.co.uk/articles/the-benefits-of-maca/
Sounds like I could really benefit from maca – this is one of those health things that’s been on my list of things to look into forever!! I’m sure you know how that goes. Lol. 🙂 Takes me forever to star something new!
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I have used maca for almost ten years, but in pill form. My husband is Peruvian, and he brings me bottles of it when he goes down there. It is a higher concentration than what you can get in pill form in the U.S. (800 mg), and it is just powdered maca pressed into pill form. It has been a life-saver for me. I am the mother of five boys, ranging in age from 17 down to 3. Maca gives me the energy to keep up with them. I know people in Peru who give it to their kids to help with concentration. I love it!
That’s awesome! SO great that you get pure Maca that your husband can bring back from Peru.
If you have never TASTED the powder, I suggest trying to hide its taste, it tastes AWFUL – I almost can’t stomach it – the best way to consume it so far has been in flavored lemonade – but the problem is tha t I can never get it to dissolve fully and haven’t yet tried it in my bullet blenders! I couldn’t consume it long enough to reap any benefits but may try to get back on it – in smoothies is awful, in shakes is awful, if anyone has any suggestions on HOW to negate the awful taste, please share them!
I’m not sure if it is the brand you’ve tried or what Chris. I don’t think the taste of Maca is horrible at all. It has a little bit of a caramel type flavor to it. It does not bother me at all.