Maca

What is it?

Maca, a tuber plant native to Peru grows in the high glacial peaks of the Andes. Maca has a long history dating back to 3600BC. The Peruvians cultivated the root and used it for a wide range of nutritional and medicinal purposes.

Maca the superfood?

Maca has become increasingly popular and has hit our shelves touted as a “superfood.” But why?

Maca is nutritionally dense containing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and all the essential amino acids. Maca is rich in B Vitamins, making it an excellent supplement to increase energy.

Maca is well known for helping to balance hormones. It works on the pituitary gland, the gland responsible for regulating hormones in the body. It is especially effective because …”instead of providing hormones to the body, maca works as an adaptogen which means that it responds to different bodies’ needs individually.”

Maca can help increase fertility, balance and regulate hormones, and supports other hormonal issues including symptoms associated with PMT, menopause etc. It is also known to increase libido, often known as ‘nature’s Viagra.’

How to Use

Raw maca has a nutty, malty flavour. It comes in powder form and is found in most health food stores. I’ve tried a few brands and particularly love Loving Earths Raw Maca Powder. Maca can be added to smoothies, sprinkled over granola, or yogurt, and added to baking, pancakes and cookies. Loving Earth also sell maca in capsules, which is a convenient way to consume it.

A word of caution~ take maca in small doses to begin with. Listen to you body and decide what’s right for you. It may be that you include 1-2Tbs in kefir smoothie each day or take 3-4 capsules daily.