Amazing Maca Smoothies and Maca Benefits

Maca root is one of the most efficient “superfoods” in a long line of herbal remedies that boost your health, stamina and energy.

If you wish to get that all-important extra strength throughout the day, but nothing seems to cut it, maca root may be the solution.

You are going to learn how to adequately utilize its medicinal properties and make the healthiest maca smoothie recipes you will brag about on your Instagram profile.

Health Benefits and Origin

Lepidium meyenii, better known as maca, belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables. Originally from Latin America, this nutrient-packed plant has been a staple folk remedy for centuries. Maca is very similar to turnips or radishes. It has green foliage on top and the roots in question are yellow, purple or black.

Indigenous tribes of the Andes have benefited from the medicinal properties of maca root for hundreds of years. In recent years it has come under the spotlight for its natural health benefits. Here are some of the popular benefits of maca root.

1. Enhances Energy and Mood

Researchers believe that maca regulates fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This supports the adrenal gland, which maintains energy levels in your body. Having more energy directly affects your mood and reduces feelings of depression.

The added benefit of maca powder is that, unlike caffeine-based products, it does not make you feel jittery.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Maca root is rich in antioxidants such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants help you get rid of free radicals, improve cellular activity, and limit the impact of chronic disease.

A recent study showed that maca root supported healthy cholesterol levels, blood sugar and triglycerides. Another study found that maca root could limit neurological damage.

3. Increases Male Fertility

Maca’s positive effect on libido is probably the most commonly cited benefit. Maca root can step up reproductive health and sex drive in men.

Research showed that regular consumption of this traditional medicine enhances sperm motility and quality.

4. Improves Female Sexual Health

A number of studies (1, 2) have pointed to maca powder’s effectiveness in helping with female sexual dysfunction.

Besides increasing libido, a study found that maca root helped reduce menopause associated depression and anxiety within 6 weeks.

5. Balances Estrogen Levels

Maintaining optimal levels of estrogen is crucial for any female. Imbalance can cause hot flashes, mood swings, bloating and irregular menstrual cycle.

A study found that maca root may be able to help post-menopausal women deal with these conditions.

Taste and Nutritional Benefits of Maca Root

Maca root powder is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients and minerals. It includes a few vitamins; vitamin C is dominant at 79.8mg per one ounce of maca root powder. The major minerals found are copper, iron, manganese and calcium.

The taste of maca root powder can differ depending on the type of the plant. The black maca root tends to be a bit bitter, while the yellow and red variants are mildly sweat.

Generally, the taste is nutty or earthy with hints of butterscotch.

Important Things to Consider

When you prepare one of your favorite maca smoothie recipes you should avoid heating up the mix in a microwave. Just boil the water or heat up soy milk, add the desired amount of maca powder, blend it all up and you are good to go.

Storing maca powder is quite easy. You can store it at room temperature, though you should keep it away from humidity and direct light. Some people prefer to keep maca powder in the fridge, but this is not necessary since the shelf life at room temperature is 2 years.

There are a great number of options to choose from. You can get the most benefits of maca root from 100% pure organic powder. You should keep in mind that although the medicinal properties are similar, different types of maca root may be more beneficial for certain medical conditions.

Recommended Dose of Maca Root

There is not an official recommended daily allowance (RDA) for maca root powder. It is believed that the indigenous people of the Andes consume up to a pound of maca root daily.

However, the smart way to go about it is to start with one tablespoon of maca powder and gradually increase the amount. The amounts range from ½ teaspoon to multiple teaspoons, but bear in mind that you don’t have to drink it all at once.

4 Delicious Maca Smoothie Recipes

1. Green Maca Smoothie

This green maca smoothie is great for stress-related problems. If you are suffering from poor sleep, concentration problems, extreme mood swings or forgetfulness, this maca smoothie is the thing for you.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of spinach
• ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp of peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 banana
• 1 Teaspoon of Maca root powder
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk or water

2. Cacao Maca Smoothie

The Cacao maca smoothie is the best way to get your day started and it tastes delicious. It can energize and reinvigorate your day in a matter of minutes. You can also consume this smoothie before or after your morning workout.

Ingredients

• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup mango (pitted) fresh or frozen chunks
• 1/2 Banana
• 1 Tbsp almond butter
• 2 Tbsp Cacao powder
• 1 Teaspoon Maca Powder
• 1/2 Tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 Cup Almond milk
• Optional : Sprinkle Cacao Nibs on top

3. Maca Superfood Fertility Smoothie

This fertility is perfect for men or women’s fertility.

4. Maca Fertility Smoothie

This simple smoothie offers healthy fats and the maca helps balance the hormone levels in your body.

• 1 handful strawberries (about 4-5 strawberries)
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon maca powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Optional: pinch of vanilla extract

Conclusion

Maca root powder has been consumed for generations in other parts of the world. Adding it to your smoothie can provide some unique health benefits.

The best way to take it is to mix it in a smoothie and drink it in the morning as it can give you a boost of energy.

Give the above smoothie recipes a try and let us know which is your favorite.