Superfood Focus: Maca
Move over blueberries and salmon; give yourself a health boost with Maca.
What is Maca?
Grown and eaten in the high plateaus of the Andes Mountain in Peru, Maca, is a root that belongs to the radish family. Also commonly known as “Peruvian ginseng”, Maca has a distinct odour to butterscotch.
Maca’s powerful nutritional qualities made it the superfood of the ancient Inca world. The root contains over 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids, Vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, Sulphur, Sodium, Iron and is also a rich source of phytonutrients.
Benefits of Maca
Packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, Maca offers a variety of health benefits.
1. Balances Out Mood
Research has shown that regular consumption of the Maca root can have positive effects on your mood. The Peruvian plant is known for its ability to increase the body’s levels of serotonin, a chemical that is responsible for maintaining mood balance, thus decreasing levels of anxiety and depression.
In addition, Maca is believed to maintain adrenal health and thyroid hormone production, which both play a major role in regulating stress levels.
2. Increases Libido
Not feeling like getting it on lately? Put a spark back into your bedroom with Maca.
The Peruvian root is commonly known as ‘nature’s Viagra’ and can help improve sexual libido in both men and women.
3. Improves Fertility
In addition to increasing your libido, Maca can be used to improve sexual function and fertility in both men and women.
If you are trying to conceive, ladies should consider trying Red Maca, as this is the most nutritionally dense form of the plant and best for female fertility. For men, Black Maca has been shown to increase sperm count and motility, all important factors of increasing your chances of conceiving.
4. Increases Energy Levels
The Maca root was cherished by the ancient Inca Empire and was taken by warriors before going into battle as it offers and amazing energy boost.
Unlike coffee, Maca contains no caffeine or processed sugar, so it works with your body to naturally enhance energy levels.
5. Balances Hormones
One of the major benefits of consuming Maca is that it can help balance out hormones in both men and women.
Similar to ginseng, Maca, is an endocrine adaptogen, meaning it provides a unique set of nutrients that help your glands produce a specific amount of hormones tailored to the needs of your body; thus stabilising your endocrine system.
6. Promotes Healthy Skin
The Maca root is a nutritional powerhouse and in addition to its many health benefits, it also has a reputation for its ability to create healthy, glowing skin.
Research has shown that Maca helps increase collagen production, leaving skin feeling firmer, smoother and wrinkle free.
Get Your Daily Hit
Maca is commonly consumed in powdered form, you can add it to smoothies, yoghurt, drinks or even salads.
One of our favourite ways to get that much-needed morning energy boost is via a bowl of Luxury Maca Porridge from Nutritiously Delicious.
Made with Maca Powder, goji berries, toasted almond flakes and cocoa, get your maca hit with a bowl of Nutritiously Delicious, available now on Soulbia.