With so many so-called superfoods coming out of South America, you could be forgiven for being skeptical about their apparent benefits. Maca root, however, is a genuine wonder food, used for centuries by local people for its health-giving properties.

WHAT IS MACA?

The maca plant (Lepidium meyenii) grows at a very specific altitude in the Andes mountains in Peru and local people have used it for hundreds of years for its energising effects and to increase fertility. It also plays an important role as a staple food, as it provides a rich source of nutrients.

Maca comes from the Brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables. The root is the most common part of the plant eaten but maca leaves also have therapeutic benefits.

This extraordinary plant is packed full of key vitamins and minerals, is anti-inflammatory and has powerful antioxidant activity, which helps keep cells healthy and protects them from free radical damage.

WHAT’S IN MACA?
Vitamin C	Vitamins B2, B3 and B6.
Protein	Antioxidants including phenols, glucosinolates, alkamides and polysaccharides
Fibre	Calcium
Iron	Potassium
Manganese	Copper

Source: SELFnutritiondata

6 MACA POWDER BENEFITS

1. IMPROVES YOUR SEX DRIVE

Maca is known as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. Studies also show it can help men with erectile dysfunction .

2. PROMOTES FERTILITY

If you’re a man and struggling with fertility, maca is certainly worth a try, as it increases sperm quality , as well as sperm count and motility.

3. BALANCES HORMONES

Maca contains a powerful substance called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane supports the liver’s detoxification processes and helps us eliminate excess hormones. This is why it can help reduce risk of breast and prostate cancers.

It is also high in B vitamins, especially B6 which is needed for healthy hormone production and balance.

4. MENOPAUSE RELIEF

Maca is the go-to functional food for relieving uncomfortable menopausal symptoms . Studies show a multitude of benefits including:

• Fewer hot flushes
• Fewer night sweats
• Better sleep
• Better concentration
• Weight loss
• Lower blood pressure

5. INCREASES ENERGY AND ENDURANCE

As well as hormone support, maca has been used traditionally to help relieve fatigue and increase stamina. Phytochemicals contained in the root help your cells produce more energy, making it a useful food for supporting a hectic lifestyle, or for improving your exercise performance.

6. BRAIN BOOSTER

Maca protects brain cells, reducing risk of neurogenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

7. MOOD LIFTER

This plant also helps improve mood. A study of a group of post-menopausal Chinese women reported greatly improved mood after using just 3 g of maca a day  for six weeks.

HOW TO USE MACA POWDER

Maca is not only good for you it is tasty and has a slightly sweet, rich butterscotchy flavour.

For best results, you will only need around 1 tsp of powder a day.

Here are some good ways you can add it to your daily diet:

• Blend into smoothies
• Sprinkle onto yoghurt
• Mix into cereal
• Sprinkle on porridge
• Use as a topping on your ice cream
• Add to your pancake batter
• Mix into brownie or muffin mixtures

If you want to try maca powder  for yourself, check out Good Mix Organic Maca Powder in our online store.

MACA POWDER RECIPE: MACA CHOC CHIA MOUSSE

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp chia seeds
2 1/3 cups almond or other milk
1 tbsp cocoa
2 tsp maca
pinch of natural unprocessed salt e.g Himalayan pink salt
2 tsp maple syrup or honey
fruit of your choice (optional)

METHOD

1. Mix together ingredients in 2 large glasses.
2. Store in fridge overnight.
3. Top with fruit and serve.