MACA MADNESS: THE USE & BENEFITS OF THE PERUVIAN SUPERFOOD

Are you mad for Maca?

If not, maybe you should be!

The Peruvian root vegetable has an abundance of health benefits, and can easily be incorporated into the diet.

What gives Maca its superpowers? Well, the fact that it’s an adaptogen, meaning it adapts to the body’s needs.

Its main regulatory method is to adjust hormone production. For example, if you were not producing enough of a specific hormone, Maca would help elevate that hormone. However, if you were producing too much of a particular hormone, Maca would help decrease the hormone production. Therefore, it helps keep your hormones in tip-top shape!

Historically, the Maca plant was used for fertility and strength, as it is believed that the Inca imperial warriors consumed Maca to prepare for battle. Presently, due to its vast health benefits, Maca has gained in popularity the last few years.

Key benefits Maca:

• Provide You With a Burst of Energy: Maca works great as a coffee alternative for a little wake-me-up. Many people see improved stamina with only a small amount.
• It’s an Aphrodisiac: Maca has been shown to improve libido & sexual function, as it considered to be nature’s Viagra. It was actually once banned by Spanish soldiers because it worked too well!!
• Mood Balancer: If you often experience anxiety, stress or depression, it may be beneficial to incorporate Maca into your diet. By consuming small amounts of maca each day (about 1 tablespoon), many people report positive effects on their mood.
• Hormone Regulator: Consuming small quantities of maca each day can help you balance out your hormones. Maca is made up of nutrients that support and nourishes the hypothalamus & pituitary gland (which in turn regulate the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian & testicular glands). Due to its effects on estrogen, it has even been shown to reduce the hormonal impacts of menopause and PMS
• Memory Enhancer: When taken regularly, Maca can help improve your concentration and memory capabilities. It may even be beneficial in preventing Alzheimer’s.
• Clear Skin: Due to its hormonal regulation, taking consistent amounts of Maca has been shown to improve skin conditions (like acne or eczema). By improving hormonal imbalances, Maca increases collagen production, improves hydration, and reduces oiliness – all factors of skin health.

If wanting to incorporate Maca, it is widely available in powder form and is easy to add to your diet. My personal favorite way to incorporate Maca is to add it to my morning smoothie. I’ll usually just add about 1 tablespoon to my drink and I find I can barely taste it!

DO YOU EAT MACA OR PLAN TO ADD IT TO YOUR DIET? LEAVE ME A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW!