If you’re like me, nothing adds to the enjoyment of a delicious dish more than knowing the health benefits that accompany the nutritious ingredients it includes. One wellness-promoting ingredient I’ve been stuck on for a while is maca powder. There is a long list of reasons to love maca – allow me to highlight a few, and share with you why this subtly sweet, superfood powder has become a staple in my pantry.
Maca root is an energy-boosting superfood from ancient Peru. For centuries, it has been renowned as a fiber-rich source of plant-based protein, as well as for its ability to boost energy and increase stamina. Additionally, maca is loaded with life-giving vitamins, minerals, and amino-acids such as vitamins B1, B2, B, C, D, E, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, selenium, phosphorous, and calcium (just to name a few!). Its impressive nutrient profile allows maca to nourish the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormone production in the body. Specifically, maca has been known to promote healthy ovarian function by aiding in the production of progesterone. Even more, maca root can suppress the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that is detrimental to health when it is present in excessive amounts or over prolonged periods of time.
Now that you have some incentive so start incorporating this long-admired superfood into your diet, let’s discuss some common ways to use it! While Pinterest has no shortage of delicious recipes and ideas to inspire your culinary creativity, here are a couple of my personal favorite ways to enjoy maca root powder!
“Loaded” Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Bake a sweet potato on a cookie sheet in the oven at 425 degrees for 40-60 minutes depending on the size of your potato. Flip over half way through baking. Once it is cool enough to handle, use a knife to slice the sweet potato in half from top to bottom, then use your hands to peel off the skin, placing the baked sweet potato into a small bowl (if it is baked thoroughly, the skin should peel off very easily). Using a fork, mash the sweet potato with a tablespoon of coconut oil and mix in 1 teaspoon of maca root powder. Top with additional desired toppings – typically I use hemp, chia, and/or pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, Celtic sea salt, and cinnamon. Enjoy!
“Good Moringa” Maca Mocha Smoothie: In a blender, combine the following ingredients: 6oz. milk of choice, 2oz. espresso or strong coffee (chilled), 2 Tbsp sunflower butter, 1 Tbsp hemp seeds, 1 tsp chia seeds, 1 tsp moringa powder, 1 tsp maca powder, one serving (about 4 T.) of Standard Process’s SP Chocolate Complete, and 2-3 ice cubes. Blend until desired consistency and have a great morning!
When you’re ready to give it a try, Maca Powder can be found at almost any health food store including Trader Joe’s, Dierbergs, and Whole Foods. Have fun experimenting and don’t hesitate to share some of your favorite ways to enjoy maca with your Crossroads Family!