Why we love Maca Root: 6 Amazing benefits!
What is Maca?
Maca is a small root vegetable grown at altitudes over 3500 metres and is native to the Peruvian Andes. Due to the extreme harsh conditions and height, it is one of the only vegetables that grows there. A Maca root is sometimes also referred to as a Peruvian ginseng. It looks similar to a turnip and comes in different colors. Most maca powders you find in store only contains 1 type of maca, namely the yellow version, however our Maca Blend is a mixture of 4 different roots: red, yellow, purple, and black. Each offering a unique nutritional profile and health benefits. The maca root is generally dried and consumed in powder form. Its very nutritious profile gives it the name of being a “superfood”.
Its widely recognized benefits are:
- Highly nutritious
A maca root is highly nutritious and one portion (about 1 tsp) a day is a good source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals such as iron and copper. Maca, and superfoods in general, are low in carbs and calories as well so you don’t have to worry about that!
- Increase fertility
Maca is known for increasing fertility in men. Yes! You never thought that a root plant could do that right? Studies have shown that it increases semen count and quality. It therefore enhances fertility in men. But, fear not, there is lots of benefits for women as well. Continue reading!
- Increase libido
Maca increases sex drive in both men and women. It is a common issue among adults, but daily intake of maca powder can help this problem, which is also backed my lots of research.
- Balances hormones and mood
Many women suffer imbalance in hormones and mood, more often than men. Many studies have shown that maca can improve your mood by balancing your hormones. Studies have also shown that maca root can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, especially in menopausal women. This is because it contains flavonoids, which are essentially powerful antioxidants with immune system and anti-inflammatory benefits that are found in plants.
- Boost energy & sports performance
Maca root has actually been a popular superfood amongst athletes and other sports performers. The properties of maca gives you a boost of energy, which enhances performance and increase strength. Maca root therefore very suitable in combination with protein powders, such as shakes, or even protein bars and protein balls (bliss balls).
- Improve learning and memory
Maca may also improve brain function! As maca is grown in Peru, it is traditionally used by children to improve their performance in school. The black variant of the maca root appears to be most effective than other variants but it is also less common. Our Fairy Superfoods maca blend consist of all four variants: black, red, purple, and yellow. Each variant provides different amazing health benefits.
How to use Maca powder?
Maca has a strong flavor, so it is recommended to use ½ tsp to get used to the taste. Then you can try 1 tsp, which is the recommended serving per day. Maca can be described as a nutty, earthy flavor. This goes super well with cacao, nut butters, coffee, chocolate milk, smoothies, hummus, oatmeal, soups, and baked treats such as cookies and bread.
Visit our Instagram page for more recipe inspiration!
Buy Maca powder here
