You’ve probably already heard of maca – the stimulating supplement that’s a trendy addition to superfood smoothies.
But do you know exactly why you should introduce this energy-boosting root into your life? In this blog post, we give you the lowdown on maca’s most impressive health benefits and why you need to give it a try!
1. Potential to Boost Brain Function
Ever since maca was first cultivated by Peruvians almost 2,000 years ago, people have appreciated its ability to improve concentration. In fact, Peruvian parents traditionally give this superfood to their children to help their performance at school.
In fact, research has suggested that maca really does boost concentration. According to one study, mice that had been supplemented with maca for five weeks showed far better coordination, spatial learning and memory than those fed a normal diet.
2. Maca is an Adaptogen
If you’ve ever tried ginseng, ashwagandha or rhodiola, you’ll know how effective adaptogenic herbs can be in promoting calm, concentration and energy levels.
Just like these superfood herbs, maca boasts adaptogenic properties, meaning it can help the body adapt to all kinds of physiological and psychological stresses.
3. Energy Enhancer
Looking for a healthy alternative to coffee? Then maca might be exactly what you need. Rich in energy-boosting vitamins, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids, maca has a revitalizing and invigorating effect. In fact, its energy boosting benefits are so well-known that it’s a popular supplement for athletes looking to boost stamina and endurance.
4. Promote Hormone Balance
Plagued by acne? Feeling sluggish? Dealing with mood swings? If so, hormone imbalance may be to blame, in which case consuming adaptogens like maca could really make a difference.
Nigma Talib, ND, a naturopathic practitioner who works in London and LA, observed that “maca contains both iron and iodine, which are essential for your thyroid. When your thyroid is working properly, it helps with your sex hormones and skin.”
In particular, maca stimulates the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, also known as the “master glands” in charge of a whole range of important functions. This means that a regular dose of this adaptogen could help bring balance to the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal and testicular glands.
5. Improve Endurance
Maca is known for its instant energy boost, but did you know it can also support long-term endurance? In 2009, research was carried out on a group of athletes, some of whom were supplemented with maca powder for two weeks.
At the end of the period, the athletes completed a 40 km cycling course. The results showed that those who took maca reduced their times, while the athletes who took the placebo had times that remained close to or the same as their previous personal bests.
6. A Tasty Addition to Smoothies
Superfood supplements don’t always taste nice, but luckily maca bucks the trend. With an earthy and nutty taste, some people compare maca to butterscotch, making it a tasty addition to a smoothie.
But its uses don’t stop there. From soups to energy bars, there are loads of uses for maca powder – it's a simple superfood to add to your everyday diet.
Maca is an adaptogen, like ashwagandha. You can buy high quality ashwagandha from our recommended suppliers here, or perhaps you’d like to find out more about maca – in which case read on and find out more incredible health benefits of maca and why energy boosting maca is essential for everyday life.
