From Fatigue to Vitality - How Maca Can Supercharge Your Day

If you're searching for a natural way to boost your health and energy, maca might just be what you need.  This ancient root has been used for centuries to support well-being, and it's becoming increasingly popular today (often called a 'superfood').  This blog will explore the benefits of maca, how it can be used, and help us understand any potential downsides. 

As always when it comes to your health, please seek medical advice if you have any questions or concerns before using, especially if you have any health issues, or are on any medication.

What Is Maca?

Maca is a root vegetable that grows high in the Andes Mountains of Peru (although due to its popularity, it is now grown around the world).  For over 2,000 years, the people of Peru have been using maca for its energizing and health-boosting properties.  Often called "Peruvian ginseng," maca is packed with nutrients that can help your body and mind thrive.

The Benefits of Maca

1. Energy Boosting - Maca is known for its ability to naturally increase energy levels without the jitters that caffeine can cause.  It could be perfect for those busy days when you need a little extra help.
2. Supports Hormonal Balance - Maca may help balance hormones, making it especially beneficial for women dealing with PMS, menopause, or irregular cycles.  (It can be wonderful for hot flushes/flashes!)  It can also support men's hormonal health.
3. Improves Mood and Mental Clarity - Regularly taking maca may improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity.  
4. Enhances Libido - Traditionally, maca has been used as a natural aphrodisiac.  Many people have found that it can help to increase libido, and improve sexual function.
5. Rich in Nutrients - Maca is full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, copper, and iron, all of which can help support overall health and vitality.

^{Gelatinized Maca Powder}

The Difference Between Raw and Gelatinized Maca

I recently heard about gelatinized maca, as it was recommended to me by Nancy at NewDayWholeHealth.  I’d never heard of it before, even though I’d had raw maca for years.  So I did some research, as nobody else I knew had heard of it either.  What's the difference, you ask?

• Raw Maca is the pure, unprocessed form of maca.  It's simply dried, and ground into a powder.  While raw maca is potent, some people find it hard to digest.
• Gelatinized Maca has been heated and processed to remove the starch, making it easier to digest.  This process doesn't involve any gelatin (so it's vegan-friendly), and can make the maca more concentrated.  If you have a sensitive stomach, or just want a more potent form of maca, gelatinized might be the way to go.

While I’ve never really enjoyed the taste of raw maca, the gelatinized version is actually quite tasty.  So I’m probably going to continue using this version, as I use it to add a pleasant flavour, as well as for the health benefits.  (My Golden Milk (recipe in next section) is so much yummier with the gelatinized maca than it ever was with the raw maca.)

How to Use Maca

Adding maca into your diet can be fairly simple, as it is a versatile powder.  I’ve used maca in all of the following (except tea/coffee, which I don’t normally drink). 

• Smoothies - Add a teaspoon of maca powder to your morning smoothie for an energy boost.  (I use maca in a lot of my smoothies, especially with the yummier taste of gelatinized maca.)
• Baking or bliss balls - Mix maca into your favorite baked goods like muffins or cookies for a nutritious twist.  Or even no-bake bliss balls, especially the gelatinized version, as it tastes a touch caramel-y.  (My banana oat bliss balls (photo below) had maca in them, and were delicious!)
• Oatmeal or Yogurt - Sprinkle maca over your breakfast bowl for a nutrient-packed start to your day.
• Tea or Coffee - Stir maca into your tea or coffee for a natural energy lift.
• Golden Milk - I use gelatinized maca in my golden milk.  In a small saucepan, add a number of spices/powders and your favourite milk, and heat.  (Rice milk is ok, but a bit watery – coconut milk is better, as it is a richer flavour.  I used to love oat milk as well.)  Once the milk mixture has reached a temperature you can drink (I put my hand over the saucepan to gauge this), pour it into a mug and enjoy.  (I like it so much I usually make 2 cups at a time!  😊)
• Spices/powders etc. you could use include:  turmeric (which gives it the golden colour), cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, maca, reishi mushroom, chaga mushroom, lion’s mane mushroom – perhaps even some black pepper (to help our bodies absorb the turmeric), or some cayenne pepper.
• You can of course use any supplement powder you like – experiment, and see what you like!  I’ve found the Reishi doesn’t mix as well as Lion’s Mane or Chaga, for example.  And some supplement powders are quite strong, so take that into account as well.  You may like to experiment with milks as well – the richer the milk, the more powder it can potentially take.
• If you need a sweetener (I use the gelatinized maca and mesquite and find they are sweet enough), you could use some honey (preferably organic), or a tiny drop of maple syrup.  Or some other natural sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit.  (New blogs are coming soon on these!)

Are There Any Downsides?

While maca is generally safe for most people, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Hormonal Sensitivity - If you have a condition that's sensitive to hormones (like breast cancer or endometriosis), please confirm it is ok with your doctor before adding maca to your diet.
• Thyroid Issues - Maca contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function, especially if you have an existing thyroid condition.  Please seek medical advice if you have any thyroid issues prior to using maca.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - There isn't enough research to confirm the safety of maca during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to consult with a healthcare provider first.
• Any health concerns you have - Please consult with your health professional prior to using.

Maca’s Rich Cultural History

The people of the Andes have been using maca for over 2,000 years, often to improve stamina and energy, especially in harsh mountain environments.  It's a staple in their diet, consumed as a food, and medicine.  While this superfood has been used for centuries, it is also gaining popularity in other countries as well.  I have been using the raw maca for years, on and off.  Now that I have the gelatinized version, I have it most days, if not every day (depending on what I’m eating that day).

Boost Your Health with Maca – and More!

At Your Best Life Academy, we're passionate about helping you live your Best Life, full of energy, joy, and purpose.  Maca is just one of many natural tools that can support your health. If you're looking to reset your health and wellness, especially with a busy schedule, our Busy Life Health Boost Bundle is here to help.

This bundle includes everything you need to get back on track, from ebooks and meditations, to practical tips, and fun challenges.  Whether you're new to natural health, or looking to deepen your practice, our bundle is designed to fit seamlessly into your life.

Final Thoughts

Maca is a powerful and ancient superfood that can offer a range of benefits, from boosting energy, to balancing hormones.  It's easy to use, and has a rich history of supporting health and vitality.  Whether you choose raw or gelatinized maca, it can be a great addition to your wellness routine.

Ready to take your health to the next level?  Check out our Busy Life Health Boost Bundle, and discover how you can reboot your health naturally and effortlessly.

Other Blog Posts

You might also be interested in other blog posts we've done, providing more hints and tips to help with our goal of living in good health and wellness. 

- Discover Black Salt: The Secret Ingredient That Tastes Like Eggs!

- From Couch to Active: How Often Should You Really Work Out?

- Discover the Secrets to a Healthier You

Feel free to share this post with your friends and family – because everyone deserves to feel their best!  😊

Further reading/References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-maca-root

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-maca