What is Maca? Why should I put it in my smoothie? If you spend any time researching ways to improve your health, stamina, energy, or immune system. You’re sure to come across thousands of glowing testimonials about “Maca.” Given how highly esteemed it has been for ages as a miraculous meal.
Even though it resembles a very powerful radish and is related to broccoli, radish, and watercress, it has an earthy flavor with a nutty undertone that makes it the ideal smoothie ingredient. One teaspoon of maca powder contains just 10 calories, which is similar to the other cruciferous roots.
The Incas and Peruvians are two of the world’s oldest and formerly most advanced civilizations. Both highly valued the superfood, Maca, which is a native of the Andes Mountains. It has earned the nickname “magic, the meal of the gods.” A natural Viagra and a miracle medication over the years. and for good reason it works. The majority of people simply enjoy the non-caffeinated energy boost they get from adding maca to their smoothies. Despite the fact that people have been utilizing it for generations. For everything from improving their fertility to increasing their immune system or libido.
What is Maca? |magical root
It’s not because the root has mystical properties; rather, it’s because of the root’s very real, very scientific makeup. And how it impacts everything from circulation to the endocrine system. Its use has no recognized hazardous side effects as of yet. In fact, according to scientists, using it regularly is similar to exercising frequently. It causes the body to adapt as well as grow stronger with each use.
Despite having some adverse effects, maca is not harmful. Instead of causing stress like caffeine, high amounts are thought to have a calming impact on the heart. High doses may also affect both men and women’s fertility and may interfere with various types of birth control, though studies are unsure of this. Some women say that maca helps with their hot flashes and other issues related to menopause, whether they are pre-menopausal or post-menopausal. However, some women indicate that maca can also lead to more frequent menstruation.
It’s crucial to drink plenty of water if you do take excessive doses. While taking the advised dose can give you more energy. Large doses can occasionally make you feel tired because of dehydration and elevated potassium levels.
Maca helps reinforce the advantages of a healthy smoothie habit. Because the advantages are felt right once and grow over time with consistent use. Despite how potent maca’s effects can be, it is not a drug. A plant, that is. More than 55 advantageous and naturally occurring phytochemicals can be found in maca (plant chemicals). These substances have a significant impact on the hormonal balance of our bodied. Having an impact on the thyroid gland, immunological system, reproductive system, and brain.
What is Maca? Benefits for Health
Once or twice a day. One teaspoon in your smoothie can do wonders. Just a few of the benefits of include maca in your smoothie include the following:
- Energy: For the majority of people, their mood and level of energy immediately improve. Users describe their vigor, endurance, and stamina.
- Sex Drive: Studies have revealed that maca increases both male sex drive and sperm production.
- Fertility: Maca boosts both male and female fertility.
- Memory: Maca improves memory along with our capacity for mental learning and processing. It increases our awareness and alertness.
What is Maca? Health benefits
- Wounds: Maca helps the circulatory system and speeds up the healing of wounds.
- Vitamin-rich: Maca contains 55 phytochemicals, including zinc, vitamins C, B1, B2, and B12. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids.
- Immune Booster: The 22 fatty acids in maca serve as a local antiseptic as well as a fungicide. These effects, coupled with the organic Vitamin C and zinc, are thought to aid in enhancing immunity all around.
- Migraines: You might wish to give maca a try if you frequently get migraine headaches. It works by bringing hormone levels into equilibrium since imbalanced or changing hormone levels are a common cause of migraines. The body produces hormones on its own; it only assists the body in doing so more reliably and efficiently. It assists in keeping the body’s production of progesterone and estrogen in check.
What is Maca? Health benefits
- Stress: Maca helps lessen the effects of cortisol on the adrenal glands. And other organs that are negatively impacted by a “Type A”. High-pressure lifestyle or employment in those with adrenal stress brought on by work, illness, exercise, or PTSD. Anyone who leads an active lifestyle, including professionals, athletes, and businesspeople. Will value how it addresses the damaging effects of mental, emotional, and physical stress on the body. It can improve how the body breaks down and uses food, as well as lower high blood pressure.
- Thyroid: The thyroid gland regulates the body’s pace of nutrient-based energy production. The alkaloid extract found in maca stimulates the body’s calcitonin hormones. Which control the blood’s metabolism of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P).
- Pancreas: Maca also enhances the function of your pancreas, which regulates your blood sugar levels. A crucial component of the digestive process is the pancreas. The pancreas’ digestive juices may digest the organ itself. Cause pancreatitis, or even cause pancreatic cancer if the pancreatic duct becomes obstructed for some reason.
- Thymus: Your thymus is the organ in charge of keeping your immune system in good shape. When receiving treatment for HIV, AIDS, or cancer. It is extremely crucial since it creates the T-cells that fight sickness and infection. Maca includes trace amounts of zinc and vitamin C. Researchers discovered many years ago that taking zinc and vitamin C combined helps the thymus gland’s immune system function.
Definitions
When characterizing Maca, a number of terminologies, including “phytochemical” and “adaptogen,” are frequently employed. The most widely used words and their definitions are shown below:
- Phyto-chemical: The term “Phyto-chemical” refers to the study of the chemical substances that naturally occur in plants. Phyto means “plant,” and “Phyto Genisis” is the study of plants. For instance, a Phyto-chemical is what gives blueberries their deep blue hue. The phrase is typically used by scientists to describe plant compounds that may have biological importance. But have not yet been proven to be essential nutrients.
- Adaptogen: An organism’s capacity to adapt to environmental influences (stress, food, toxins, disease). And to prevent harm from such causes without experiencing any negative side effects. Is increased by the use of a new class of metabolic regulators called adaptogens, such as maca. Another illustration of an adaptogen is the widely used root plant ginseng. Many medical experts as well as mainstream researchers embrace and use the name and notion.
FAQs
The following are some of the most typical inquiries individuals have concerning maca. While no single blog post or website can address every potential query:
How much time will it take?
If maintained in a cool, dry, and dark area. Maca will last up to a year, although like most vitamins and plants, fresher is better and more potent. If you’re using it at home, use it within a few months after obtaining it. Given how rapidly most smoothie shops consume it. Due to the great demand, if you’re adding it to smoothies there, odds are good that it’s very fresh.
What form—liquid, powder, tablet, gelatin, or capsule—should I use?
All of the aforementioned forms of maca are available. It works best in liquid or powder form when used in smoothies. You’re more likely to take it consistently if you utilize a preferred method. (Liquid, for example) than a recommended approach (powder). Use a form that you will be most comfortable taking over time because it only works when you take it. Think about the taste and the way you intend to consume it. Many people enjoy adding it to smoothies; others favor dissolving it in water; yet others enjoy taking pills or capsule.
What differentiates cooked maca from raw maca and gelatinized maca?
Prior to use. Maca root is customarily boiled in Peru. its roots are roasted or boiled and mashed like potatoes in Peru. The fact that cooked maca is simpler to digest than the raw root is one advantage. You can purchase a supplement or powder made from cooked maca. If you try it raw and find that it disturbs your stomach. The gelatinized form of it is another choice if raw maca upsets your stomach.
Is there a difference between organic and raw food?
Yes, there are differences based on the source, particularly in how it is handled. Organic doesn’t always imply raw. Some producers briefly heat their maca, and even a small amount of cooking renders maca no longer raw. Inquire about the maca at your smoothie shop or supplier if rawness is essential to you.
What flavor does it have?
The flavor of maca has been described in a variety of ways by different people. The raw ones have a different flavor than dried ones. But in general, it has an earthy flavor that is somewhat nutty with a hint of butterscotch. It doesn’t have a noticeable flavor when mixed with other foods or beverages. Making it simple to incorporate into superfood smoothies, different milks, chocolates, or put with flour for dessert dishes. Although some restaurants and locals in Peru do prepare foods like soups and bread with it. In yogurt, chocolate bars, as a spice, a supplement, and as a tea, maca is utilized.
How frequently should I use it?
It’s advisable to cycle or take breaks occasionally when using any workout, herb, supplement, or other product. Regular timetables change. You might want to use it for a week and then rest from it for a week. Alternately, you might alternate months of work and rest. Adhere to a timetable that suits you best while paying attention to your body! Probably, depending on how much you put in the smoothie and how your body reacts to it. Is the answer to the question of whether you can drink a couple of smoothies every day. If you have trouble staying awake, try
Recipes for Maca Smoothies
In my experience, maca blends beautifully with just about every type of smoothie. Many of the smoothie recipes on this website suggest adding maca for all the aforementioned advantages.
Start with a lower amount and increase it gradually. Just like you would with any new smoothie ingredient, vitamin, or supplement. One teaspoon of maca per smoothie is a nice place to start. But you can easily increase that to two teaspoons.
Check out this Maca Superfood Smoothie Recipe
Please share your experiences with maca’s health benefits in the comments section below if you use it in your smoothies.
How to purchase Maca
You may find maca at your neighborhood health food store. Ask a staff member what they think of this superfood. If you want to buy maca online, Navitas Organics Maca Powder has the finest value and quality available.