Mighty Maca: Superfood of the Andes

Written by: Hannah Thyne

Lets talk about the fascinating superfood of the Andes called maca.  Maca has been harvested for its root for centuries in Peru, its health benefits being so revered that it has been used as currency though out history.  The dried maca root is ground into a powder and used for many different culinary preparations. 

Interestingly, maca is a member of the cruciferous family, including such vegetables as broccoli and brussel sprouts.  Maca is known to be a powerful adaptogen. Adaptogens are plant substances that help our bodies manage stress, in all its forms, and restores balance after a stressful situation wether it be physical, emotional, or hormonal. They also help our bodies fight the fatigue associated with stress and boost our immune system.  When our bodies are stressed it compromises our immune system. As an adaptogenic superfood, maca increases our energy levels by fighting exhaustion associated with endurance and strength training. 

What draws many people to maca is it’s medicinal benefits of balancing hormones for both men (testosterone) and women (estrogen).  Increases in libido in both men and women are seen as well.  Maca has been studied for its relief of  menopausal symptoms associated with estrogen imbalances.  Food is truly medicine.  Maca has been shown to lower levels of cortisol.  Cortisol is the primary stress hormone that slows functions that would be nonessential or even harmful in a flight-or-fight situation. Cortisol also functions to enhance our brains ability to use glucose from our bloodstream and increases our ability to repair tissue damage. 

Maca is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, and iron.  Also in therapeutic amounts are vitamins B1, B2, C, and E.  B vitamins help our bodies convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose). They also help the body metabolize fats and  proteins.  Maca is safe to use everyday. 

A daily serving is 1500mg - 3000mg, about 1 tablespoon. 

Maca can be easily incorporated into any smoothie!
Here is a great smoothie recipe by Claire Cary @eatwithclarity

Creamy Maca Smoothie

1 frozen banana

1 cup milk of your choice

2 pitted medjool dates

1 teaspoon ground maca

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

2 tablespoons almond butter

1 scoop protein powder (optional)

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender till smooth and creamy.
Enjoy :)