5 Maca Root Benefits

I’m a big believer that food is medicine. So when I learned that maca root is filled with health benefits and is a natural way to help support healthy hormones, I started adding it to my daily routine.

So what exactly is Maca? Maca is a cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru. It’s been known to have medicinal properties for thousands of years, but is now beginning to take the scene in the natural health community and superfood status.

Maca is also considered an “adaptogen,” which is a label given to herbs plants and natural substances that help the body naturally adapt to every day stressors such as illness, work, or busy schedule.

5 Maca Root Benefits:

1. Enhances energy, mood and memory
   Maca can help increase energy without giving you the “jitters” unlock caffeine. It can also make you feel more awake, energized and driven. It may also help stabilize your blood sugar and maintain adrenal health, which also regulates mood and energy throughout the day. Animal studies have also found that maca root benefits memory and focus as well as reduces symptoms of depression.

2. Supports Women's Hormone Health
   Maca is able to balance female sex hormones and has even been shown to alleviate symptoms of menopause. Balancing hormones is key to many aspects of reproductive health and can help reduce infertility, weight gain, and bloating.

3. Balances Estrogen Levels
   Maca can help balance hormone levels and control the amount of estrogen in the body. It can also help relive menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. It may also help bone density, decrease PCOS symptoms and improve reproductive health.

4. Boosts Male Fertility
   Studies show that maca powder benefits male fertility and sexual health. It can help increase sexual desire and may improve sperm quality and motility, both of which can help with infertility

5. Rich in antioxidants
   Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, fighting off chronic disease and preventing damage to cells. This can help prevent chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

How to add it to your diet?
I love using this maca root powder (purchased on Amazon) which can easily be added to your morning beverage (coffee, matcha latte, hot chocolate), along with foods such as smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. I take about 1 tbs per day, but you can gradually increase you intake to 2 tbs per day.