This week we will talk about Maca. I had never heard of Maca until 6 months ago and now I know I could not live without it!
What is Maca? It's a root from the radish family and grows in the mountains of Peru. It contains amino acids, carbohydrates, and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E. There are no known serious side effects from consuming Maca,but as with any supplement you can check with your doctor if you have concerns.
How do you eat Maca? Maca is best in smoothies in powder form. I consume maca each day in my Shakeology. But people in Peru do eat it daily cooked or mashed up and used as a type of flour for breads.Once source states that all benefits of Maca are lost when it is heated.
What are the benefits of Maca?
1. Endocrine Function- This is probably the most important one for me. I have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) and history of infertility and have taken a low dose of Synthroid for the past 3 years. Three months after I introduced maca (as well as a variety of other superfoods) into my diet I was able to stop taking my medication. I had my thyroid labs drawn and everything is normal and I feel great. I am not saying this will be possible for everyone but it can definitely help improve your endocrine function. "The endocrine system includes all of the glands, and the hormones they secrete, that exist in the body and that control such conditions as fertility, sexual function, digestion, brain and nervous system physiology, and energy levels. Hormonal regulation is responsible for all of the physiological attributes that enable us to enjoy the myriad sensations of being vibrantly alive, including those related to sexual arousal, physical activity and mental-emotional states of being. Maca root has also been called an adaptogen, which means that it increases the body's ability to defend itself against both physical and mental weakening, hence potential illness. It is believed it achieves this by supporting adrenal and pituitary gland health, both of which underlie proper endocrine function."
2. Sexual Function- Some people report increased libido as well as a balancing of the hormones to increase fertility. One small study completed did show that maca helped alleviate SSRI induced sexual dysfunction.
3. Women's health- Maca can relieve symptoms experienced during menstruation and menopause. These symptoms include cramps, body pain, hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings and depression. I don't have first hand experience on this because I have never been one to exhibit those symptoms.
4. General health- Maca helps your overall health in a number of ways. It supplies iron and helps restore red blood cells. People with chronic anemia can cardiovascular diseases could see a benefit from the use of Maca. "When used in conjunction with a good workout regime you will notice an increase in muscle mass.But be very cautious if you have a cancer related to hormones like testicular and ovarian, among others. If you have liver issues or high blood pressure you should ask your doctor before taking maca."
5. Skin-Maca can also help clear up skin issues such as acne.
So are you ready to introduce Maca into your life? Here are couple ways you can do it.
-Via Shakeology like me.
-Purchase Maca powder and try these Raw maca balls, Maca Energy Bars. Google maca recipes and you will find many more.
-Add it in your smoothie
Sources:
http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/7-top-health-benefits-of-maca/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18801111
http://realrawfood.com/maca-history-info
*These statements have not been reviewed by the FDA. These statements are not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Check with your MD before starting any supplement*
No comments:
Post a Comment