All About Maca Powder
There are many products on the market that claim to provide health benefits and improve energy, but if you are looking for a product that can deliver all of that and more, consider adding maca powder to your health food diet.
Organic maca powder, which is derived from the maca root, and originates in Peru, is known to have stress-reducing properties, as well as many other health benefits. Maca is a high-quality source of many nutrients that our bodies need including fiber, calcium, iron, amino acids, as well as (not on nutrition facts)magnesium. Magnesium is known to help with rest and recovery associated with sports injuries, as well as everyday life. Because maca has a sweet flavor, it is commonly used as a supplement in smoothies, yogurts, milkshakes and more to boost protein and fiber levels in a balanced diet. The overall flavor of the maca powder has a hint of butterscotch, which is easy to enjoy in all of your favorite meals, and even desserts.
History of Maca Powder
Maca root resembles a gnarly turnip or radish, and it grows in cold, harsh climates in the high mountain plateaus of Peru. What's interesting about maca root is that it tends to grow where no other plant life will grow, on mountain tops and in traditionally inhospitable land. Maca is dried for several weeks and ground into what we know as maca powder today.
It was first used in Peru to help warriors increase their endurance and strength when preparing to head into battle. Interestingly enough, it also happens to be widely known as an effective aphrodisiac and fertility aid, which is part of Peruvian tradition. During the Inca Empire, maca was accepted as currency among the Peruvian people and the Spanish, increasing its value and providing leverage for the Peruvian people. It has also been used by Peruvian people to fight against the cold mountain air, and repair and replenish skin that has been impacted by extreme weather exposure.
What are the Benefits of Using Maca Powder?
While we have mentioned a few of the more popular benefits of using maca powder, several others are important to mention. The positive impacts of maca powder go well beyond increased energy and stamina. You can enjoy maca powder in smoothies and other blended drinks. The powder helps to regulate adrenal glands, which can also regulate hormones making you feel more relaxed and calm. As a result, it helps manage stress levels effectively. Just a few teaspoons of this magical powder can help balance the hormones that cause and perpetuate stress in your life.
Another benefit of maca powder is a natural mood boost. It releases hormones from the endocrine system that can rebalance your hormone levels when they are a little off, thus improving your mood overall. Maca powder is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and aid in stubborn digestive systems. Using maca powder on a regular basis can help your body to become a nourished vessel in which illness has a hard time penetrating. Because of the high source of vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, Vitamin-B complexes, and zinc, your body will be ready to fight off colds and viruses. While maca powder is not a complete source of protein, it is considered a superfood in a class all its own.
Menopausal women will appreciate how maca powder interacts with their hormones to reduce the sensation of hot flashes during menopause. It also helps to control mood and disturbed sleeping patterns that happen when experiencing menopause. Maca powder's high levels of calcium (not high on nutrition facts) are vital to menopausal women who are at risk of developing osteoporosis throughout menopause and beyond. Women of childbearing age will appreciate that maca powder helps to relax their muscles, so they experience less cramping and pain associated with menstruation. Rather than reaching for over-the-counter painkillers or hormone creams, women can enjoy a scoop of maca powder to help them feel some relief during these times of their life.
The maca root is known as an adaptogen plant, which means that it helps to stabilize processes in the body. As a result, maca root powders can impact your iron levels and reduce your risk of anemia, or reduce the symptoms of anemia if you have been diagnosed with this condition.
In addition to these benefits, maca powder can also help improve the look and feel of your skin. Rich in antioxidants and nutrients your body needs to replace skin cells as they die, maca aids in better-looking skin to reduce acne breakouts over time as well.
Unlike many store brand or highly manufactured protein and supplement powders, maca does not have any side effects that cause nausea or sickness (some people have problems digesting maca, which is why we offer gelatinzed maca). Of course, you can enjoy too much of a good thing, so it is best to follow the dosing instructions on any maca powder product you buy. You'll enjoy the benefits of this wonderful powder without the added chemicals and fillers that many supplement products have on the market today.
How to Use Maca Powder to Improve Your Diet
Maca powder is simple to use. The recommended dose is about ½ teaspoon of maca powder per day, and as you become accustomed to that dose, you can increase the amount you use to about 1-2 teaspoons per day depending on your dietary needs. It is an excellent addition to any meal you enjoy including breakfast cereals, oatmeals, smoothie and milkshake blends and more. The critical thing to remember when using maca powder in hot foods or drinks is to add it the meal or beverage after cooking so that the nutritional value of the maca powder is not lost during the heating and cooking process. You can also enjoy the powder as a seasoning on fresh popcorn, on top of your fruit or mixed into your yogurt. Of course, the ground texture of the maca powder makes it easy to incorporate into baking, including bread, muffins, and even cupcakes.
For storage, maca powder can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. What's wonderful is that you can freeze it for future use; freezing doesn't break down any of the nutritional compounds of the the powder. Maca powder can be stored up to a year after opening and can be stored frozen for up to three years.
What to Know About Maca Powder Before Use?
The great thing about maca powder is that there are no known side effects. If you are not sure what kind of maca root to buy, consider buying a powder product that has a high percentage of maca root in it. Some products are ground with flour or other whey proteins, creating a synthetic product. Investing in organic maca root means you are getting a 100% natural quality product and that is where you will see the best results from adding it to your diet. When you buy products that are mixed with lesser quality ingredients, you get a lower quality result. Be sure to start with a small amount of maca powder and increase your dosage as you become more used to using the product. Finally, if you plan to use maca powder on a regular basis, it is essential to give your body time to absorb all the nutrients that have been brought into your body. Taking it once a day is advised. Some experts recommend taking maca powder in sprints; for example, consuming it every day for three weeks, and then taking a week off without any dose at all to let your body come down and regulate its hormones on its own. If you aren't sure about which method is right for you, speak to your health professional, and keep notes about how you are feeling as you increase your dose of maca powder over a few days. This will help you understand and follow the benefits of taking maca in a more controlled way.
What Does Science Say About Maca Powder?
While many claims have been made about the effectiveness of maca powder, scientists are always looking for new and interesting ways to use plant-based proteins and superfoods to improve the lives of human beings, animals, and the planet. The more we know about these powerhouse plants and vegetables, the more benefits and uses it can have. Despite any conflicting information about the effectiveness and positive impact that maca root powder might have on person's health, one thing is for sure: there is a consensus that there is no risk associated with taking maca root. The more it is studied and tested, the more applications and uses will be discovered to enjoy this superfood well into the future.
Conclusion
If including superfoods in your diet is a priority, then be sure to add maca powder in your diet. It has a great taste and numerous health benefits that can improve your quality life. What's more, increasing calcium levels can help improve your bone density, keeping your body stronger longer. Increasing iron levels through the use of maca powder can help keep your blood rich and full of the platelets it needs to circulate oxygen throughout your body. You'll look better, sleep better, and feel better in many ways when you include maca powder in your diet. Include it in many delicious recipes and see the results for yourself.
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