Maca is known as a hormonal adaptogen, which essentially means it contains nutrients that help balance hormones.
How does it help? First, it helps balance cortisol levels that may be out of balance due to stress. It can help to prevent the effects of high cortisol and improve the function of the adrenals despite low cortisol. It also helps with low thyroid function, stabilizes blood sugar levels and improves energy levels.
Maca also helps with sexual function. For women, it can help with menstrual cycles, fertility, menopausal symptoms, improve bone health and muscle mass as well as help libido. For men, it helps with libido and energy levels, improves testosterone levels, improves bone and muscles mass, helps with prostate function, fertility and erectile dysfunction.
How to use Maca:
Maca is a root vegetable that is available as a powder in a package or as capsule or an extract. To use it in recipes, the powder goes well with ingredients like chocolate in a smoothie or in dips like guacamole or legume dishes. Strong flavours like garlic, onions, cumin and cayenne also work with maca.
Here’s a delicious latte made with maca and another superstar food, turmeric, to help support hormonal health:
What you need
1 tsp maca powder
1/2 – 1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ghee
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 – 1 tsp honey (if desired)
2 Tbsp cashew milk or other non-dairy milk of choice
What you do
In one cup of boiling add all the ingredients and either stir well until everything is dissolved or blend all ingredients in a nutri-bullet or blender to get everything frothy and looking like a latte.
For the cashew cream:
- Soak equal portions of filtered water and cashews for a minimum of 4 hours to overnight
- In the morning, blend the cashews and water together to make a preservative-free cream (yes you can use the soaking water)
- Add more water if you prefer a more milky option instead of a thicker cream
- Add maple syrup, vanilla and/or cinnamon if desired
I hope you love this energizing, hormone balancing drink as much as I do!
Cheers to healthy hormones,
