You’ve probably seen maca powder for sale at your local health food store. Here’s your quick guide to that vitamin-dense powder!

When it comes to herbs and natural substances, I believe in using as natural of ingredients as possible. Since I’m all about using clean and natural ingredients, it’s no surprise that I came upon maca powder.

Maca may seem a little mysterious, but this trendy “exotic” supplement is anything but a trendy superfood. It’s been around forever—we’re just learning about it!

The Origins of Maca

Maca has been used for health purposes for hundreds of years. It grows in the Andes mountains of Peru, at incredible elevations. Most maca roots resemble turnips most closely, but they’re also related to mustard and rapeseed. Pretty tough plants! The people of Peru were using it as a stimulant and a fertility booster for generations before they encountered settlers.

There are several different types of maca, and they each have different strengths and benefits. The most common colors are red, black and yellow. It’s important to research what color of maca you’re buying before you buy it. They each benefit different parts of the body, and they all look they same in powder form!

What is Maca Powder Used For?

Maca powder provides all the benefits of maca without all the cooking necessary for processing raw maca. It’s a great way to get all the nutrition within the turnip-like plant without… well, cooking a turnip-like plant.

Here are maca’s most famous benefits:

• Adjusts hormones to correct imbalances, including those tied to depression. This is the biggest one!
• Great source of natural energy (and healthy carbohydrates).
• Provides amino acids
• Great source of fiber
• Provides key minerals
• Relief for chronic fatigue
• Aids in stress and anxiety relief
• Natural treatment for anemia
• Improves fertility and libido (for both sexes!)
• Boosts immunity
• May help with mental clarity
• Helps clear up skin blemishes
• Helps support healthy hair growth
• Some treatment for osteoporosis and help with general bone density
• Aids in building muscle, endurance and stamina (I’ve heard maca’s pretty popular with weightlifters…)

How To Use Maca Powder

There are lots of delicious recipes to be found containing maca powder. My favorite brand of maca powder comes in a lot of different forms. But powdered is my favorite version, because it’s the most versatile for cooking.

Maca is notably used in smoothies, but it also does fantastically when you mix it into baked goods. Even just mixing it up with some milk is a nice treat! I add maca powder to my Coconut Berry Bars and to my morning hormone balancing smoothie (recipe below).

Hormone Balancing Maca Smoothie Recipe

Makes 1 maca powder smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup of milk, coconut milk, coconut water or Orange Juice (I’ve tried all combos and I like coconut milk and orange juice the best. Plus, since you can make both coconut milk and orange juice at home, you can go extra homemade!)
• 1 Frozen Banana
• 1 Teaspoon of Red Maca Powder

Instructions:

1. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Drink up!

 

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However you choose to take maca, consult with your doctor first. Maca’s safe for mot people, but since it works with hormones it’s only safe to make sure it won’t interact with any medications you may be taking. I hope you all enjoy the same balancing effects from maca that I’ve enjoyed with my family!

Do you have a maca powder recipe to share? What has your experience been like taking maca powder? Share your experience in the comments below!

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