Last week I wrote about an ingredient known as maca root which is included in the Inika Organic skincare range. I also mentioned there are some other very beneficial therapeutic properties found in maca root which I thought I might expand on this week.

It is interesting how we have seen so many super foods come out of South America over the past decade. Most of these foods have been around for centuries however have only become known to rest of the world in recent times. One of these super foods is Maca powder which was an energising and revitalising super food of the Incas, being grown in the Andes in Peru.

We have found Maca helpful for –

• Menopausal Symptoms
• Osteoporosis
• Low Libido
• Adrenal Fatigue
• Increasing Energy and Stamina
• Stress and Anxiety

This root is not only packed with vitamins and minerals, Maca is also believed to work amazingly well with our body’s endocrine system. Our endocrine system is a structure of glands which produces our body’s hormones. It is also responsible for secreting the hormones into our bloodstream or surrounding tissues as they are needed. The immune system, nervous system and endocrine system essentially work together to ensure our body can cope with various events and stresses.

Maca powder is what we call an ‘endocrine adaptogen’ which means it doesn’t in fact contain any hormones, however it does contain the nutrients which we need to support their normal production. If our body is producing too much of a particular hormone, Maca may regulate the production downward. If we’re not producing enough, it may regulate this production upwards.

Maca is therefore a great supplement for all types of hormonal issues such as menopause, hot flushes, and PMS. It may also be helpful for improving fertility as well as improving libido and sexual function. In fact, some know Maca as ‘nature’s Viagra’! Maca may be helpful for men as it boosts the androgenic hormone or testosterone levels plus increases sperm fertility. It may be beneficial for both men and women who find their libido is waning.

Since Maca contains not only calcium but also magnesium and silica, it is a great supplement for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It is found to be a very absorbable form of calcium.

Because Maca helps balance the endocrine system which includes the adrenals, pancreatic, pituitary, and thyroid gland, it may help improve energy, endurance and mental balance. Maca may also be helpful in coping with stress and anxiety and even mood swings. It is often used for adrenal fatigue as it nourishes the adrenals and reduces stress hormones.

If you are an athlete, Maca is a great supplement to include in your protein shake as it not only helps with energy but also endurance. In fact, it is said to also help increase muscle mass when exercising regularly.

Maca can be taken in a capsule or as a powder. Below is my favourite superfood protein shake in which I have included Maca Powder. When you first start out, maybe kick off with just 1 teaspoon a day of Maca powder which you can increase to a dessertspoon daily. I either add it to my smoothie, fresh juice or sprinkle over my muesli. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we would advise against supplementing with Maca powder.

For more information on Maca Powder or any other health issue, call to see Bev and the team at Go Vita, the health shop in North Street, Batemans Bay, or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev and on 2EC on Go Get Healthy every Wednesday at 12.30pm.

CACAO MACA BANANA SMOOTHIE

1 cup almond or soya milk; 1 banana; 1 scoop White Wolf Vanilla protein powder; 1 dessertspoon Maca Powder; 1 dessertspoon Raw Cacao Powder.

Place all ingredients in blender (or use a bar mix) and blend. Enjoy!