MACA – A SUPERFOOD FROM THE INCA’S TIME

Said to boost energy, increase stamina, and enhance libido and fertility, it’s no wonder maca has been labelled a superfood.

Native to Peru, the story goes that maca root was eaten by the Ancient Incas before going into battle to give them strength.

These days, it’s most commonly available in a powdered form that’s added to things like smoothies, yoghurt, chia pudding and muesli.

WHAT EXACTLY IS MACA?

Maca powder is the dried root of the maca plant – a relative of the radish – which grows in the Andes. The plant survives in harsh and freezing conditions, which probably helps give it its medicinal qualities. Maca powder is usually light brown in colour has a mild nutty taste.

WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

Maca powder is generally used as a health/nutritional supplement. The flavour is often described as malty or butterscotch-like, and works best when blended with smoothies or other foods like cacao.

WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE IT?

People take maca for a whole host of reasons as it has been long believed to boost energy levels (great as a substitute for your morning coffee caffeine hit), many swear that it it evens out the female hormone cycle and has been attributed as a mood booster and stress reducer. It might even perk up your sex life.

HOW TO ENJOY IT

Adding maca to a smoothie is an easy and delicious way to try this superfood. Start small – a little goes a long way. 1/2 a teaspoon in your smoothie might be enough at first. Over time, you can increase to a tablespoon.

MACA CACAO SMOOTHIE

You will need:

1 frozen banana

1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)

2 tbs raw organic cacao powder

1 tsp organic maca root powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 pitted medjool date