Meet Maca
Sometimes called “Peruvian Ginseng” it’s actually a root, a tuber like a potato and somewhat resembles a beet root. Maca root is the highest-altitude growing plant in the world, thriving despite altitudes of 7,000 to 11,000 feet in the mountains of Peru. Maca root has Vitamins A, C, D, and E is rich in B-vitamins- even B12. Maca is full of essential fatty acids, enzymes, has over 55 different active phytochemicals, 18 amino acids, and is rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, and silica.
Adapta-what?
Maca is an adaptogen, which means that it supports our individual bodies in different ways, balancing and improving conditions where needed- sounds vague, but feels amazing. Because maca is an adaptogen, keep in mind it is necessary to use it over time to feel full benefits- taking it once is great, but not nearly as powerful as when you use it regularly. It is helpful for promoting overall, balanced health of the endocrine system, including the adrenals, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These glands serve as “master glands” regulating other glands, so when they are in a healthy, balanced state they can create balance for the thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands.
Stronger, Better, Faster
Tatiana From Loving Fit
If you’re an athlete, you might already use maca to increase energy, mental focus and stamina, but you might also be interested in the fact that Maca is used, because of it’s naturally occuring plant sterols, as an alternative to anabolic steroids among natural bodybuilders seeking increase in muscle size and strength. Here is a list of benefits you might expect as you add maca to your smoothies, teas and other recipes daily. Below I’ve added a few links to get you started!
- Improved libido and sexual function
- Increased energy and endurance
- Support the nervous system
- Supports the digestive system
- Elevated mood and improved emotional health, some even experience increased happiness and euphoric feelings
- Balanced hormones for men and women, even during PMS, peri-menopause and menopause
- Enhanced memory and brain function
- Superior adaptation to stress
- Extended youth and vitality
- Protection against osteoporosis
- Increased fertility
- Improved health and size of prostate
Rawkin Maca Recipes
My favorite source for maca is HealthForce Nutritionals (we buy many of their products at Jimbo’s Naturally.) Joel and I both love their Vanilla Spice blend of maca with other raw vegan synergistic and energetic ingredients. I also tried some maca top leaf tea from Sol Raiz and realy enjoyed the calm, enlightened feelings I had while drinking it. The first maca we ever bought was actually Sol Raiz, which we found at The Greenery before it became Peace Pies. I’m also very inspired by this specialty almond butter blended with red maca. I’d love to make something like this, or get a hold of a jar of Jem.
