Maca-Rena Superfood Smoothie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does maca do in smoothies? ›

Maca powder is my go-to addition to morning smoothies because of its energizing properties. It's rich in vitamins B, C + E; helps balance hormones and mood; increases energy + stamina; and has skin-clarifying properties. Maca has a nutty, malted flavor so it pairs well with creamy, nut-inclusive recipes like this one.

It has a nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet flavors like caramel and cacao. Those who use maca powder as an adaptogen (herbal medicine) add it to smoothies, granola, overnight oats, chia seed pudding, and hot beverages like lattes and hot chocolate.

Complement maca's woodsy flavor with vibrant citrus fruits or tangy berries; oranges, strawberries, and blueberries are some excellent options. You can also play up maca's unique taste with ingredients that share its nutty-malty undertone. Try coffee, chocolate, nut butter, or coconut to start.

One of the best ways to incorporate maca powder into your diet is by adding it to your smoothies. While you can do this with more or less any of your favourite smoothie recipes, maca is naturally sweet and malty so goes well with nuts, chocolate and caramel flavours.

Eating maca every day can help to lower blood pressure. Can reduce and fight the symptoms of menopause. Can increase and improve fertility in both men and women. Maca can fight osteoporosis in women.

Special precautions & warnings:

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Extracts from maca might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by estrogen, do not use these extracts.

Are there any side effects of maca? Maca root is generally safe for most people, but there is a potential for side effects. “Maca might cause headaches, gastrointestinal issues, insomnia or cause you to feel jittery,” Powers-Parker said.

The Best Time to Take Maca Root

Maca does not contain caffeine or any other stimulant, but it can increase your levels of energy. For that reason, we recommend that you enjoy it first thing in the morning. If you work in the night or want an extra boost on a given night you could also try taking Maca in the evening.

Maca tastes best in drinks that have added milk or cream, so try it mixed into hot chocolate, a cozy latte, or even simply warm milk! Start your day with a maca latte or maca coffee, blending gelatinized maca powder with your milk of choice and a touch of maple syrup for a combination that offers a morning energy boost ...

But there are many ways you can incorporate those three grams into your diet. You can use maca in recipes or sprinkle it on top of your food: “It can be put over cereal or a salad, or in a smoothie or soup,” Giancoli says. “It's pretty versatile.”

What does maca do for females? ›

What does maca root do to a woman's body? Maca root may help make hormonal balance better in women, which can uplift libido, fertility, and menopausal symptoms. It could also give more common health benefits, for instance supporting heart health and brain function.

Using maca root for weight gain

The nutritional composition of maca powder may help support the cells and muscles in your body. There are also a range of protein powders and snacks that can help you to gain weight, as well as foods and drinks that could be added to your diet to support your goals.

Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. A study in 14 postmenopausal women found that maca may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Also, a 2015 study found that maca could reduce symptoms of depression in Chinese postmenopausal women.

“It may make you feel more energized,” Giancoli says. “And if you feel more energized, it may help you have a better workout.” Davis agrees: “Maca does not directly help you lose weight, though it might boost your energy levels and increase your motivation to be active,” she says.

"Some claims are over the top -- compared to a placebo, maca only slightly enhanced sexual desire. The strongest evidence is that it may increase sperm count and improve fertility in certain men," she says.