Healthy Foods: If your mood’s out of whacka, try some maca

Maca is a root that belongs to the radish family. It hails from Peru, where it has long been valued for its health benefits. Nowadays, the rest of the world is catching on to the wonder of maca.

Used for everything from boosting libido to relieving symptoms of menopause, maca is quite the item to have in your natural medicine cabinet. Maca contains tons of minerals and vitamins, including B12, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Over the centuries, maca has been believed to:

• Increase *ahem* endurance (wink wink)
• Boost energy levels
• Restore red blood cells
• Enhance cardiovascular health
• Heal wounds quickly
• Support tooth and bone health
• Increase muscle mass when combined with regular workouts
• Clear up acne
• Balance your mood

Maca is available in pill, powder, and liquid form, and it can be used in yogurt, smoothies, salads, or fresh fruit and veggie juices. Maca tends to lose its potency when heated, so try to consume it in cold foods.

You should not consume maca in large amounts, especially when you first start taking it. A tablespoon of the powder per day should be plenty. More than that can possibly throw your hormones out of whack.

You also should not take maca if you have a hormonal type of cancer like ovarian or testicular. Those suffering from high blood pressure or liver issues also should speak to a healthcare provider before taking maca, or any supplement for that matter!

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0 Responses

  1. It is nice to hear about the products that you talk about but do they have any side effects if your on medication? If you do not know do you know of a website that is doctor friendly where I can see if the natural products will not coincide with my medication. Thank you

    1. Hi Shirley,
      We are not sure of any side effects with medication. We always suggest checking directly with your physician or pharmacist. Have a great day!

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