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3 Easy Ways to Add Maca to Your Diet

Benefits include stress and period relief.

Food
3 Easy Ways to Add Maca to Your Diet

Get used to the word maca; you’re about to see it everywhere. And with benefits like increased libido and all-around health booster, it’s easy to see why there’s mucho love for maca. So what’s this plant-based superfood about? We got schooled on the matter thanks to Samara Zelniker, health and wellness coach and founder of Mindfulness Matters.

This nutrient-rich plant hailing from Peru has been used for its medicinal qualities for thousands of years, and thankfully, North American health food stores have caught on. Maca is known as an adaptogen, which means it lowers our body’s stress hormone (aka cortisol). Speaking of hormones, it also helps reduce PMS symptoms like cramping and increases our libido (not necessarily at the same time…). Maca is also a natural stimulant, is packed with protein and other good stuff, and is said to elevate “feel-good” endorphins.

Interest piqued? Here are 3 easy ways to add maca to your daily staples. (Bonus: It has a nutty and cinnamon-like flavor, making it an easy addition to coffee, smoothies, and snacks.)

 


“BETTER THAN COFFEE” MACA

“You can add a tablespoon of maca to water as a substitute for your AM coffee. For real!”

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup almond milk
1 tbsp maca powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp cacao nibs
2 tsp coconut oil
pinch of salt

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat up almond milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers, then add in vanilla.

2. Blend maca, cacao nibs, cinnamon, coconut oil, and salt. Add in almond milk, and blend until frothy.

 

MACA SMOOTHIE

“1 tbsp of maca daily can lead to the above benefits. You can increase your consumption to 2-3 tbsp daily for optimal performance. You want to consume it in powdered form and can add it to smoothies, cereal, and oatmeal.”

 

INGREDIENTS:

handful of spinach
half a cucumber
1 lemon
1/4 inch square of ginger
1 green apple
1 tbsp maca powder

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add water. Blend and go.

 

BLISS BALL RECIPE

*Makes about 15 balls

“Maca has a slight nutty flavor, and you can add it to baked goods; however, cooking it at a high heat may affect its medicinal qualities.”

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
6 medjool dates
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp maca powder
1/2 cup natural almond butter
1/4 cup ground flaxseed

 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine dates, almond butter, honey, and coconut oil in a blender (or food processor), and pulse until dates are fully chopped and everything is combined.

2. In a bowl, mix the oats, flaxseed, maca, and cinnamon together. Add date and almond butter mixture, and stir until fully combined.

3. Roll into 1-inch balls and place in a container or baking sheet in the fridge. Enjoy throughout the week as an AM or afternoon snack!

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