Maca Powder? The Superfood Hype

(2 minute read) 

Maca Powder not to be confused with Macha powder (green tea powder) is a superfood that has hit the spotlight recently due to its health benefits. So let’s look into it a little more and hopefully answer some questions you may have about it.

What is Maca? 

It comes from the root of a Maca plant native in high altitude areas of Peru. It comes from the same family as broccoli, kale, cabbage and turnips. You can find it in powder, liquid and tablet form in the shops and traditionally, Maca Powder is used for boosting energy and is thought to improve brain and reproductive function. 

What are the benefits of Maca powder?

 Maca is a superfood because it's high in a number of nutrients, it’s a great source of all three macronutrients- protein, fat and carbohydrate and includes more than 20 amino acids (perfect for growth and repair of muscle and other tissues in the body). 

 Maca is also a source of Vitamin C, copper, B6, iron, fibre, potassium and magnesium- perfect for helping your immune system. 

Boosting energy levels: 

 It has been used to increase energy, which may be that perfect boost you could add to your smoothie in the morning. 

Improve brain function:

Maca is high in antioxidants which is very important to fight cell damage, helping to protect your brain as you age.

Mood booster and hormone balancer: 

Maca powder is an adaptogen herb, this means that it can help the body adapt to stresses. Adaptogen herbs support the body systems; endocrine, immune and nervous system to help manage daily stresses put on the body. By helping support your endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones, it may also help to regulate metabolism, sleep and mood. When your endocrine system is better balanced it can lead to lower fluctuations in hormones which can lead to better sleep patterns and mood. 

How to use Maca powder:

Start with one teaspoon (about 5g) per day, however, it is safe to take up to 20g each day if you have been taking it for a while. Maca Powder has a butterscotch like smell and nutty flavour, perfect for adding to smoothies, energy balls or bars, nut milk drinks such as homemade chia latte, or hot chocolate.

Are there any side effects?

As Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, which are known to be a little more difficult to digest for some people, especially on sensitive stomachs. If you have any stomach issues such as bloating from vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower or leafy greens then Maca may have the same effect on you, so start with a smaller amount. 

 Conclusion, should you try it?

If you feel your body may be affected from the stresses you are faced with in daily life and you feel this could be affecting your endocrine system, immune system or nervous system then try giving it a go. 

If you also feel you could benefit from some extra nutrients in your diet, especially if you are training hard and want to help with recovery, then this may be one for you to try. 

*If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have thyroid or other health issues consult a health care professional before taking Maca. 

Hope you find this useful and as always fire away with any questions, 

Kasia :) 

BSc Sports Science, Women’s Fitness Specialist and Personal Trainer