Maca Powder Will Make You Want To Ditch Your Morning Coffee
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We know, why would you ever want to ditch your morning coffee? Whether you rely on caffeine for your sanity or you just enjoy the taste of drinks that give you a boost, one would think there’s really no substitute for a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. That being said, some people want to wean themselves off of caffeine for health reasons and this is where maca powder comes in. Maca has been used since the days of the Inca Empire, as a caffeine-free plant-based energy enhancer.
Maca root itself is an adaptogen, meaning a natural substance that’s been known to help the body adapt to stress. Related to the radish family, maca is most commonly available in powder form after it has been harvested and ground down. The plant-based superfood has been called the “Peruvian ginseng” and it is grown way up in the mountains of South America in regions of high altitude like you’ll find in Peru. It’s considered to be a natural superfood and a natural source of healing in nutrition, but like any other superfood, it shouldn’t be consumed in large amounts.
You should start with a small dose, see how your body reacts and eventually add a teaspoon into your diet if you see encouraging results. Start by dissolving one-half of a teaspoon of maca powder into any liquid, mix it into a smoothie or sprinkle it on top of a chai latte. Maca powder has a nutty and earthy flavor, but don’t expect any similarities to coffee, tastewise.
The health benefits of maca powder are pretty impressive. Historically, it has been considered an aphrodisiac and a secret weapon to increase fertility in both women and men, specifically for populations living in the Andes Mountains. The beige powder contains the necessary nutrients to support normal hormone production (it can benefit all kinds of hormonal issues ranging from PMS to menopause) and it’s high in minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. Maca can stimulate and nourish your hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which can help to regulate the balance of the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands.
You can pick up a tub of maca powder at most health food stores and health-conscious grocery stores. We’re not saying you need to ditch coffee just yet, but maca powder is worth a try.
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