Maca has been quite the superfood trend recently for its many health benefits, especially for women. But what is maca exactly, and why may you want to consider including it in your diet?
Maca is a root that has traditionally been used as a natural remedy in South America for centuries to help treat conditions affecting menopausal women as well as fertility.
Recently, westerners have caught on to this nutrient-dense superfood, particularly due to it’s benefits of helping balance hormone levels. Other great benefits include helping with sleep pattern, nervousness, and depression, to name a few.
In addition, research has shown that it has helped women with reduction in body weight, blood pressure, and increasing iron and HDL (good) cholesterol levels. So how can you start incorporating it in your diet?
You can find maca root powder at Whole Foods, on Amazon, or through direct superfood retailers online that supply it. OMG! Superfoods brand is one of my favorites. It’s great to add in any smoothie, soups, coffee latte or tea latte drink. My favorite way to enjoy maca is through this hot chocolate recipe:
Maca Hot Chocolate Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened nut mylk
1/2 cup water
1 Tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp maca powder*
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
1/4 tsp honey or maple syrup (if vegan)
Instructions:
Warm up your nut mylk and water over the stove (or in microwave) until almost boiling
Add in the remaining ingredients, stir in well and enjoy
Tip: You may want to consume maca in a hot beverage or soup as Peruvian natives believe that consuming fresh maca root may have adverse health effects.
Have you tried incorporating Maca into your diet? Would love to hear your experience. Comment below on what you thought.
References:
- Meissner HO1, Reich-Bilinska H, Mscisz A, Kedzia B. Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon) used as a Non-Hormonal Alternative to HRT in Perimenopausal Women – Clinical Pilot Study. Int J Biomed Sci. 2006 Jun;2(2):143-59.
*Although I am a fitness nutrition specialist, information I share is for educational purposes only. When trying a new supplement, it’s best to discuss with your doctor first.
