Maca powder is fast gaining recognition within the health industry for its nutrient-dense qualities. Maca is a root vegetable found in the Andes of Peru. It supplies the body with essential vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, calcium, and vitamins C, B1, B2, B6 and B12. All these nutritional values are extremely important for our body’s health and functionality. This is why the South Americans have been using maca powder as a medicine for centuries. In its natural powder form, maca is made up of 10% protein containing 20 amino acids, 8 essential amino acids, 60% carbohydrates and 9% fibre.
How does it work?
The most prominent health benefit of maca powder is its ability to stimulate hormone productivity throughout the endocrine system. This system is a network of glands which includes the adrenal glands, pancreas, the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland. These glands are responsible for the production of our body’s hormones in the blood stream. Maca powder acts as a catalyst in the human body to stimulate hormonal efficiency, helping the endocrine system to regulate and release hormones into the blood stream.
That’s not all!
Maca powder has the ability to enhance our energy levels and stamina, while increasing recovery time and metabolism. A combination of this along with increased testosterone levels can lead to fat loss, muscle synthesis, increased workout performance and endurance.
If you suffer from indigestion and bloating, maca powder can be helpful as it aids in detoxification. It also lowers high blood pressure, fights harmful cholesterol and decreases stress by lowering the stress hormone called cortisol and improving the quality of sleep. It can help with mood balance as well. So, if you often feel anxious, stressed or depressed, maca can prove beneficial.
The best thing is that it can be easily added to most meals, although its advisable to not use it to cook. Over-heating may cause it to lose some of its benefits. I instead add it to salads and vegetables, coffee, porridge and protein shakes.
Tom Winterbottom personal trainer St John’s Wood Personal trainer Marylebone