Maca, a root that belongs to the radish family, is most commonly available in powder form. Grown in the mountains of Peru, it has been called “Peruvian ginseng.” Maca’s benefits have been long valued, and has recently been popularized as a supplement and food ingredient. Learn why this radish is the perfect addition to your kitchen plus a maca root smoothie recipe, keep scrolling.
The Top 8 Reasons to Add Maca to Your Kitchen
One: Vitamins
Maca is rich in vitamin B vitamins, C, and E. Provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids.
Two: Sexual Function Men & Women
Maca has long been used to promote sexual function of both men and women. It’s thought to boost libido and increase endurance. Maca has also been used to balance hormones and increase fertility.
Three: Women's Health & Mood
Maca has been used to relieve menstrual issues and the side effects of going through menopause. Some women have used it to alleviate cramps, body pain, hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings, and depression.
Four: Men, Natural Muscle Building
Maca is anabolic (muscle building). It has a high content of bio-available protein and other nutrients that support healthy, natural muscle growth. It is a favorite supplement among natural bodybuilders as well as an ingredient in many muscle building blends. Based on professional or high-level amateur athletes who swear by maca for increased performance. They recommend, black maca, either raw or gelatinized for muscle building.
Five: Increased Energy
Some have experienced an increase in energy level within days of beginning to use maca, it is also known for increasing stamina. Many athletes take maca for peak performance. If you find yourself tired much of the time, experiment with maca to see if it helps. Just a small amount could be exactly what you need for a boost. An increase in mental energy and focus has been reported by users of maca, as well.
Six: General Health
Maca helps your overall health in a number of ways, it supplies iron and helps restore red blood cells, which aids in avoiding anemia and cardiovascular diseases. The nutrients in maca may help to keep bones and teeth healthy and help heal wounds more quickly. When used in conjunction with a good workout regime, supplementing with maca may help to increase in muscle mass.
Be very cautious if you have a cancer related to hormones, like testicular and ovarian, among others. If you have liver issues or high blood pressure you should ask your doctor or practitioner before taking maca.
Seven: Skin
Many people take maca for skin issues, as for some people it helps to clear acne and blemishes. Another benefit that some users have experienced is that it decreases skin sensitivity. in hot or cold weather, maca may help skin withstand extreme temperatures.
Eight: Mood Balance
If you find yourself overcome with anxiety, stress, depression or mood swings, maca may help alleviate these symptoms.
Maca Smoothie Recipe
This recipe is good for one large serving or two small servings.
Ingredients
1.5-2 cups milk of choice
1 large frozen banana or 2 smaller bananas
4-5 Medjool dates
2 tbs almond butter or peanut butter
6-8 ice cubes (if you have frozen bananas you don't need ice)
1 tablespoon vegan vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoon gelatinized maca powder
Blend and serve!
Tip: the more frozen bananas you add, the thicker it will be
