What Is Maca? Health Benefits and How To Eat It
Maca powder is the latest superfood craze. So what is it and where did it come from?
Maca is a plant that was first discovered in Peru, and has been used for medicinal purposes there for thousands of years. You have probably heard of maca referred to as maca root, and that is because the root of the plant is the main edible part.
Maca is a crucifierous vegetable, and is therefore a cousin to broccoli, kale and cabbage. You can find maca root in a wide variety of colours, from white to red to black.
Although maca is consumed primarily in powder form, you can also eat maca as a supplement or a liquid extract.
Why is it the latest health food trend?
Maca has taken the world of superfoods by storm because of it's numerous health benefits. Here are a few:
- Maca is a great source of multiple essential nutrients. Just one ounce of maca powder contains 133% of your daily recommended Vitamin C. It is extremely high in iron and copper, and even contains many bioactive plant compounds.
- Maca is most popularily used to increase libido. Research has shown that eating maca can help increase sexual desire in both men and women. It has even been proven to increase fertility in men!
- Maca can better your mood. More specifically, maca reduces anxiety and depression (especially in menopausal women).
- And finally, maca boosts energy. Maca powder is commonly used among athletes because it has been proven to increase performance. Eating maca will help you gain muscle and increase strength.
How to use maca
Maca is super easy to incorporate into your diet, because of it's nutty and earthy taste. If you are using the powder form, you can mix it into any baked goods and energy bars.
Using maca powder is a quick way to start your day with an extra nutrition boost. You could sprinkle some on your morning oatmeal, or even blend some into a smoothie.
Maca powder can be purchased at most health food stores. Or you can order maca powder at U-raaw and have it delivered right to your home.
If you're looking to really add extra vitamins and minerals to your morning smoothies, you can create your own smoothie mix from U-raaw. This way you can mix and match with whichever protein powders and antioxidant powders you prefer. There is a huge variety of nutritional powders to chose from; from acai powder to chlorella powder to bee pollen.
If you are looking for an energy and libido boost, maca root may be the way to go. So give maca a try, and let us know what you think!