Recently I was at an event where a speaker mentioned Maca, a root from Peru that is similar to a potato. Now I have heard about maca and I have seen it in a number of recipes but I have never taken the time to learn more about it. This speaker caught my attention because she said that maca is great at helping with hormonal issues and I am so tired of experiencing hot flashes I thought I would investigate this food.
It turns out that maca is a nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. Maca root is rich in B-vitamins, which are the energy vitamins, and maca is a vegetarian source of B-12. Along with all of this amazing nutritional density, maca has high levels of bioavailable calcium and magnesium and is a great source of minerals.
For me, the important part of this investigation was to learn if maca could help with hot flashes. It turns out that maca root helps balance our hormones by stimulating and nourishing the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. These glands are the master glands of the body and regulate the other glands, when the hypothalamus and pituitary glands are in balance they can bring balance to the adrenals, thyroid, and pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands. Wow, I think I may have found the answer to my hot flashes.
Maca works as an adaptogen. According to Wikipedia, an adaptogen when administered results in stabilization of physiological processes and promotion of homeostasis, or balance. Or in simpler terms it responds to what your body needs. If you are producing too much of a particular hormone an adaptogen will regulate the production downward. On the other hand if you are producing too little of a hormone an adaptogen will regulate production upward.
Since hormones regulate many things including mood, growth, sexual development, and tissue function the result of balancing your hormones could make a significant difference in your life. Hormones also play a role in many diseases, like cancer and depression.
Maca root has been shown to be beneficial for all sorts of hormonal problems including PMS, menopause, and hot flashes. Maca is also a fertility enhancer and is best known for improving libido and sexual function, especially in men. For this reason, it’s earned the nickname “nature’s Viagra.”
But wait; there are other reasons to consume maca. Are you sluggish in the morning? Do you NEED that cup of coffee? Perhaps you should try maca powder it offers an amazing energy boost for people low in energy. Coffee offers energy but does not support the body. There are many negative effects to drinking caffeinated beverages. Maca on the other hand offers the energy benefits of coffee and supports the body.
Now the question is how to add this food to your diet. I purchased organic maca powder online and have been adding it to hot water and drinking it just like coffee. It has a good nutty flavor, the powder dissolves in the water and I enjoy this new drink. According to naturalnews.com you can stir a teaspoon of maca in a bowl of vegetable and lentil soup before serving; sea salt and maca root are a wonderful soup flavoring. Add a teaspoon to any herbal tea. Pour maca powder over organic, non-microwaved popcorn and flavor with coconut oil and sea salt.
Now that I am using maca, I wonder what took me so long, don’t wait, try this super food today!
Jean Sumner has pursued an interest in wellness her entire life. An avid runner, she is passionate about exercise, eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Jean was diagnosed with cancer in May, 2009 this only served to fuel the flames of her passions and encouraged her to learn more about wellness. This diagnosis actually led to the beginning of World Wellness Education with a mission of “Teaching the world about wellness — one story at a time.”
As Jean pursued alternative methods of treating cancer she met countless individuals who had great stories to tell regarding how nutrition, spirituality and exercise helped them to overcome their various illnesses. Since these stories were moving, motivating and timely she thought that each of these stories may make a difference in others’ lives. With the knowledge that we learn from stories more quickly than other teaching methods an organization was born in hopes to make a difference in the well-being of every individual on the planet.
Prior to Jean’s involvement with World Wellness Education she was a bank manager. With the significant change that was going on in the banking industry, Jean learned that her staff did much better with change if they took it one step at a time. She has now transferred this learning to the Wellness industry and created small weekly changes that one can make which will lead up to a significant amount of positive change by the end of the year.
This information is not meant to be medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken solely on the contents of this information. Instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.
Dear Jean, We spoke several times by email last year. I am the entertainer, Nutritional coach and friend of Susan and Storm. I am in Peru as I write to you and have done some investigating on Maca. Maca is meant only for the Man, NOT for the woman. I work with an amazing healer who is from the Iquitos jungle and knows about every herb. He has told me that the protein in maca will cause muscle gain in women and cause them to lose progesterone. He has also stated that maca will cause osteoporosis in women. Here in Peru none of the women eat or drink Maca. The root powder similar to maca for women is called Huiarpo.
I feel this is vitally important for you to know and convey to your readers.
All the best of health,
Rodi
Thanks Rodi, I will pass this information on.