Who has not woken up in the morning and needed/depended on a nice strong cup of coffee to give them a boost to get them through early morning fatigue?
Although coffee tastes great, and has a few proven benefits, an excessive reliance on caffeine to give the system a ‘boost’ can lead to some harmful consequences, so why not try something different? Something that gives you energy in a non-caffeinated way and on top of this, is healthy and nutritious! The answer is Maca, a root from the highlands of Peru that has been cultivated and used for at least 3000 years, and its finding its way to western health food stores across the world and is growing rapidly in use and popularity.
Maca is classified as a ‘Superfood’
Maca contains:
- Macca is high amount of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids (protein building blocks) that the body needs.
- Macca is rich in B-Vitamins (energy Vitamins), calcium and magnesium and a vegetarian source of B12.
- Maca is great for re-mineralization and helps to balance hormones by stimulating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, the so called “master glands” of the endocrine system.
- Maca is an adaptogenic plant which means it responds and adapts to each individuals body depending on what that person requires, more than earning the ‘superfood’ label. If you produce too much or too little of a specific hormone Maca has been known to regulate its production.
Maca is beneficial in treating
- anemia
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- weak bones (osteoporosis)
- depression. It is used for all
- a wide variety of hormonal problems including PMS, menopause
- Maca can be used as a fertility enhancer, it is known for improving the libido and sexual functions.
- Maca is good for the brain and stimulates memory
- strengthens the skin and the hair, reducing hair loss
There are a variety of ways to eat Maca
- Maca root is eaten baked or roasted when in its natural whole form
- Maca can be prepared/cooked in soups or stews
- When dried and turned into powder is adds a delicious nutty flavour when mixed in drinks and smoothies.
Ask in your health stores in your hometown where to find it, or if you are staying in Ubud, Bali you will find Maca on the menus of Down to Earth, Bali Buddha or Kafe, and make sure to give it a try. Maca gives you a noticeable kick when you need it, and it makes you feel good in body and soul without any of the negative side-effects of some of the main stream caffeine based energy boosters that are available today.
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