The Magic of Maca
The first month of 2016 is coming to a close; most people are back at work and while the intention was to start as you meant to continue, the novelty of your New Year resolutions may be starting to wear thin. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. If you’re lacking that “get up and go” energy you need to get motivated, we may have just the thing…
Maca, a superfood that is quite simply magical. This ancient Peruvian root vegetable has been used for its nutritional benefits for centuries by one of the oldest civilisations on earth, the Incans. According to their history, Maca root was known to have special properties that enhanced energy and stamina. It is widely believed that the Incans’ Maca-rich diet played a large role in the creation of Machu Picchu. After all, you’d need a lot of energy to carry tonnes of stone at an altitude almost 2.5km above sea level! So if one of the Seven Wonders of the World can be built with a little help from the Maca root, just imagine what it can do for you.
Maca root is a nutrient powerhouse containing a high nutritional value including amino acids, plant sterols, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

How it works
Maca also has a long history of being used to help overcome stress due to its adaptogen properties which enables the body to more easily adapt to and regulate stress by supporting the adrenal glands. These adaptogen properties help the body to de-stress, increase vitality and support the adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands are over-worked, a hormonal imbalance occurs, often resulting in a condition called Adrenal Fatigue. This causes excessive tiredness and an inability to cope with stress.

Extra benefits
Hormone Balancer
Maca’s ability to support hormonal function for both men and women is unique. As we age, our hormone levels tend to decrease, contributing to lowered energy levels. Maca is traditionally known for its nourishing effect on the body’s hormonal system and can be beneficial for regulating and balancing the production of hormones, particularly the ovaries, testes, thyroid and adrenal glands.

Supports Mood
Regulated hormones often contribute to an improved mood, but it’s the fatty acids in Maca that really support mood and brain function.

Libido Booster
For centuries, Maca has had a reputation for being a powerful aphrodisiac. Most likely, this is due to the fact that it balances hormone levels and is full of important nutrients such as iodine and zinc. With hormone levels under control and general health and mood improved, it’s often easier to achieve arousal.

Soothes PMS & Menopause Symptoms
Because of its hormone balancing properties, Maca is often used as a natural aid to menopause symptoms, easing hot flushes, night sweats, depression and sleep disruption. As an added bonus, Maca’s ability to regulate oestrogen levels can actually help to increase bone density. Oestrogen protects against bone loss, ensuring new bone is formed at a similar rate as old bone is broken down.

How to use it
One of the most common ways to take Maca is in powder form. It has a lovely, malty, nutty flavour that works well in many recipes, particularly smoothies or even sprinkled over breakfast cereal. It’s also available in a convenient high strength capsule form. Both forms will do the trick; it just comes down to your preference.
Aside from ingesting Maca, it can be incorporated into a natural face mask, improving your complexion when your skin is feeling a little lack lustre.

It’s safe to say this incredible superfood is taking the health world by storm. Incorporating a little Maca into your daily diet could just give you the energy boost you need to get up and go, but if your New Year resolutions are feeling a little unachievable (even with some added energy), it could be worth reframing them into something that isn’t so daunting – we’ve got some ideas for those here.
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