Maca: The Ancient Superfood to Balance Hormones
/While it’s certain not a magic potion, maca has burst onto the women’s health scene promising boundless energy and relief from all things hormone-related. Maca has become one of my go-tos and I’m excited to share with you a few reasons why:
Maca is an adaptogen.
Adaptogens are substances that can increase the body’s ability to withstand stressors. As such, maca can build mental and physical stamina to reduce anxiety + depression and sleep problems while boosting memory + cognition, energy + bone health.
Maca is not estrogenic.
This means that it does not mimic estrogen unlike some phytoetrogenic, hormone-balancing foods that can create concern in women who have experienced or have a family history of reproductive cancer. Instead, maca raises and lowers hormone production and supports both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland which are essential for kicking off the messages being sent by chemical messengers… our hormones.
Maca is a nutrient-rich superfood.
We talk a lot about consuming more nutrient-dense foods, pound for pound maca is a heavy weight. A small serving of maca powder contains protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids such as glycine and arginine. Maca also features iron and potassium for positive energy.
Maca can improve sexual health and not just energy.
From fertility to sperm count to sexual performance to enhanced libido, maca is a friend in the bedroom as well as the kitchen. One small study showed maca significantly reduced libido-inhibiting anxiety and depression and lowered measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.
How to Enjoy Maca
Maca has a smooth, very earthy taste, kind of nutty. A high-quality powdered root version (I like Gaia Herbs) is great to add to smoothies, yogurt bowls, energy bites, muffins and oatmeal.
Some of my favorite recipes:
Maca is not recommended in pregnant or lactating women and precaution is advised among women with a history of estrogen-dominant cancers.
