This is why I get so excited about maca. You don’t want to wait until the onset of an illness to start making your health a priority. And while there is no way around a balanced, nutritious diet, there are some foods that provide “extra credit” for your health profile.
Maca is a root that is a member of the radish family. It is native to Peru and has been used for centuries as natural medicine. Today it is considered a miracle superfood. Haven’t tried maca? Here are the top 8 healthy, sexy benefits of maca!
It’s very nutritious.
It is a great source of vitamin B, C, E as will as iron, magnesium, calcium and more. In addition, it has a great amino acid profile. This is where it gets its reputation as a superfood. Maca can help increase your reserves of these important nutrients and can support a healthy body.
It’s an adaptogenic herb.
Adaptogenic herbs are those that help your body adjust to stressors. This includes worrying, overworking yourself, or even exercising too much. Using maca doesn’t provide an excuse not to take care of yourself. But it can support everything else you do to calm the stress of everyday life.
It has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac.
It was originally documented to improve fertility by increasing sperm count. However, many people also believe that it helps get them “in the mood”. One would think that its benefits for depression and anxiety might also be a boost to libido. You’re certainly not feeling sexy when you’re down in the dumps.
It’s health supportive.
While it is important to see to discuss your health concerns with your doctor before self-treating, maca is supportive of health in many ways:
- Increases energy
- Enhances memory
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves sexual function
- Helps skin tone
- Balances hormones
- ….and more!
It can help you kick your caffeine addiction.
Maca root is similar in effect to the herb ginseng. So if you’re trying to cut down on caffeine, maca is the way to go. It will give you an all-natural energy boost without the jitters or the afternoon crash that normally comes with caffeine consumption. Don’t want to give up your daily latte (or two)? Try this instead:
- 1-2 tsp. maca powder
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- stevia to taste
Warm slowly over medium heat.
There are many ways to consume it.
You can purchase it as a powder and add it to smoothies, stir it into hot cereal or add it to paleo pancakes. If you’d rather drink it, you can find it in tea bags. Or buy it in capsule form and take it as a supplement.
Most people respond positively to it.
An exception might be someone who is pregnant. Pregnant women have to be careful around herbal treatments as consumption may increase the risk of miscarriage. Also, a small percentage of people feel jittery or have an upset stomach with maca.
You only need to consume it in moderation.
A few teaspoons daily is fine. Health is something that you build a day at a time. Don’t try to show an entire lifetime of getting healthy into a one-week herbal treatment binge. Slow and steady is the way to go.
Never used maca in your diet before? Give it a try! Consuming maca doesn’t take the place of an all around healthy diet. But it is a terrific supplement that’s likely to help you feel upbeat, energetic and sexy. How great is that?
Sounds pretty terrific Erica. I confess I have never heard of Maca, but considering the list of potential benefits I’d certainly be open to giving it a try. The usual issue for me is whether or not we can get it here or if I’d have to buy it online and pay for shipping, which is usually ridiculous to Hawaii, but I’ll definitely take a look at our local health food store. Thanks for the inspiration!
Marquita, if you can’t get maca locally, there are plenty of other Superfoods to include in the diet that you probably do have access to. If they do have it, it would be at the health food store.
I have never tasted maca, probably because it is from the horseradish family. Who would have thought there are a minimum of eight uses.
I have it most often as a warm drink. It definitely doesn’t taste like horseradish when prepared like that! But it is never worth it to eat a food you really dislike.
Erica, I haven’t heard of Maca but with all the benefits I think I’ll be looking for it. I wonder if I could add it to my Spice Tea – will have to give that a try.
Love your posts – always learn something. 🙂
You should give it a try, Lenie. I think you would like maca.
Sounds great. But I never heard of it. Glad you added the part at the end about how you can consume it because I would have been in the grocery store looking around by the radishes.
Great point,Ken! I forgot that people might not know where to find it. And you definitely won’t find it in the radish section.
With me watching my diet now, posts like this mean a lot.
Thanks for sharing about Maca, I have never heard of it, I will try it now.
I’m glad you found this helpful, William. And I hope you like maca!
Erica, thanks for the information. I never heard of Maca but sounds interesting. I will look for it. I can always use more energy. =)
Isn’t that the truth, Sabrina? I think most of us could use more energy!
I’ve never heard of Maca, but I’ll ask my holistic guru friend about it. I don’t mind anything from the horseradish family either, so that’s a plus.
Jeri, in the ways I’ve consumed maca, I’ve never even noticed that it has any relation to horseradish in taste. But I guess it is all how you consume it.
Never heard of maca before but with all the benefits I shall be look out for it in the shop. Thanks for sharing x
I’m telling everyone that you are a health Guru! :} I will be trying this during the week. you always have the best health tips thanks.
Thanks Sacha! You’re the best!