The Magic of Maca: What to Know Before Using
By Genevieve Cunningham
It seems as though magical superfoods are constantly finding their way into the market place. Kale, spinach, broccoli … it’s always evolving. If you stay up on the latest healthy food trends, there may be another to add to the cabinet. Take a look at why more people are adding the South American goodie maca to the dinner table, and why you should do the same.
What is Maca?
Maca is a root based vegetable -- think radish! -- that grows in the region of the Andes Mountains. It’s quite popular in Peru, having been cultivated as a crop plant for years. Its shape and size is quite similar to a radish, though it’s color is a yellow brown and its smell hints of the popular candy, butterscotch. Most who use maca do so in a medicinal sense, crushing it into a powder, as this root can bring quite a few healthy benefits to life.
What Are Its Benefits?
The benefits that maca may bring are plentiful. Whether the powder is mixed into food or taken as a capsule, some of the healthy side effects may include:
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Hormonal Balance - It is believed that the rich nutrient content of maca helps to control estrogen levels in the body, which in turn helps women balance and maintain healthy hormones.
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Boost Energy - Perhaps again thanks to the rich nutrients that maca pumps into your body, those who take maca regularly report high energy levels. Some use this as a substitute for caffeine, as the pick-me-up that maca provides tends to last longer and is a healthier option.
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Mood Stabilizer - Though maca is not a substitute for a doctor or a prescribed anti-depressant, many believe that maca helps to reduce anxiety and depression, and thus stabilize moods. Taking it regularly helps some people to regain a more positive outlook on life, which is likely due to their increased bodily health.
Should You Give It a Try?
Maca root has been used by millions for years and years, but whether or not you should use it for yourself can only be determined through research and advice from your personal doctor. While the chances are slim, some report adverse side effects -- such as acne or insomnia -- after use. While it can bring many benefits into your life, your doctor can help weigh whether the benefits outweigh any potential negative side effects, and therefore set you up on a path to better health and wellness for a lifetime.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cumming, Ga.