Have you ever tried Maca before?? I love this plant and got turned onto it many moons ago! This is one superfood you’ll want to have handy to get off the hormonal hell ride for sure!
A little info about the maca plant…
The Maca plant is part of the Brassicaceae family, so it’s botanically related to broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. And we already know these are some superhero veggies for sure! This vegetable is native to the Andes, in Peru. While all parts of the plant are edible, it is the root that’s considered a superfood. The root has been used as a food and medicine in the Peruvian culture for centuries. An adaptogen (keep reading to learn more about adaptogens below..), the Maca root contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have a balancing effect on the body. And we love to be balanced!!
According to The Maca Team, LLC, “The high amino acid content of maca plants (which includes arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine) is likely responsible for many of the profound health benefits offered by our organic maca powders. These essential amino acids are responsible for several crucial human biological processes, including the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline, both of which support not only mood stability but also sexual health.”
Maca is generally found in dried powder form and is available in larger grocery stores and online. I get mine at my local health food store – pretty much you can find it anywhere. The rich malt-like-flavor of maca tastes divine when brewed alone or with cacao (another well-known superfood). Maca can be added to smoothies, overnight oats, and even into porridge and stews to help improve stamina and boost energy. Many people can break free of a morning coffee habit by making the switch to Maca!
Let’s explore Maca in a little more detail so you can decide for yourself if it’s right for you.
It is a great source of nutrition.
This root is a nutrient powerhouse! It is high in protein, fiber, Vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium, B6, and manganese. Maca is also a good source of riboflavin and niacin. The amino acids profile in maca may be behind the exceptional health benefits (see the note above.) Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and every cell in the body needs them.
Eases stress and supports the body.
Maca root belongs to a category of substances called adaptogens. Adaptogens help the body respond better to stress and illness while they gently restore balance. Where the caffeine in coffee boosts energy and stress the adrenal glands, the nutrients in Maca boost energy and support the adrenals! The adrenals are responsible for regulating cortisol, which is our major stress hormone.
Maca regulates hormones.
The nutrients in Maca nourish and support the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, also known as the master glands in the body. Incredibly, Maca also regulates blood sugar and blood pressure (with a lowering effect on both!)
It may boost sexual desire.
Maca helps to increase your libido and sexual desire. This natural aphrodisiac has also been shown to increase sperm counts! It can also increase libido in women who have gone through menopause.
Maca eases menopausal symptoms.
The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine completed a review of 17 major medical databases and found that all of the studies done on maca and menopause showed that maca eases menopausal symptoms in women. While the researchers did not say that Maca treats menopausal symptoms, their findings prompted a call for further research into this exciting aspect of the root!
Maca root eases depression and anxiety.
This beneficial root is also known for alleviating anxiety and depression as it has an antidepressant effect on the user when included as part of a healthy diet.
It eases migraine headaches.
By balancing the progesterone and estrogen levels in our body, maca reduces the severity of migraine headaches. The long term effect of hormones that are balanced may mean fewer migraines for sufferers whose migraines are hormonal in origin. Some research also shows that maca is neuroprotective in non-hormone related ways as well.
It supports the immune system.
Maca root is also capable of enhancing our immune system due to which it also protects us from getting ill occasionally.
Maca helps prevent bone loss after menopause.
One 2006 study concluded, “Maca was effective in the prevention of estrogen deficient bone loss.” The research team noted that Maca might normalize estrogen levels while boosting progesterone, balancing blood sugar, and reducing systemic inflammation. Those factors all contribute to bone loss, so it makes sense that supplemental Maca would help!
Maca is a FOOD, so pretty darned safe to start adding.
However, there are always the caveats to be aware of as well:
According to health expert Yuri Elkaim, there are some safety guides for getting started with Maca.
“If you’re on HRT: Women on HRT should talk to their doctors who are knowledgeable about maca and heath and nutrition, and ask them about using maca. It may be possible to replace some or all of your estrogen dosage with maca, but please do it under a doctor’s supervision.”
As always with pregnant and breastfeeding women, consult your health care provider who is knowledgeable in nutrition and superfoods.
Additionally those who have thyroid issues may want to follow up as well because Maca contains goitrogens, substances that may interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland.
But ultimately ask yourself this – how safe is it to eat oreos and ice cream daily vs a little bit of Maca?….
How To Start Using It
If you’re just starting out with maca: The best way to begin reaping maca benefits is to start adding it to a daily green smoothie. One half-teaspoon the first week is a good place to start. Increase this amount to one teaspoon per day as your body becomes accustomed to the supplement. If you notice any side effects like breast tenderness or aggression, feel free to pull your dosage back a bit. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to find the amount that’s right for you.”
A Hormonal Reset is one click away
So here’s the deal – unfortunately you aren’t the first person to struggle with diet and hormonal disruption, and you won’t be the last! Everyday I meet with people, just like you, who often find themselves crashing in the afternoon. They’re exhausted, grouchy, and they just can’t seem to get it right when it comes to getting enough energy through sleep.
Nothing is more frustrating than when you truly want to make the necessary changes to your life and your diet, but you don’t know how. Adding maca is definitely one superfood you can try, but that is only one piece to that big jig saw puzzle called your hormones! With the right tools and the best know-how, it becomes a completely natural part of your day to day routine. It’ll be EFFORTLESS! Learn more about my upcoming 21 Day Hormonal Reset here!
Don’t forget to follow me on IG and FB, and better yet, join my FREE Thrive Body Community private FB Group – a safe sisterhood for women who want to thrive in their bodies, not simply survive!
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