The Magic of Maca for Better Health

The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.

The human body is quite amazing! When we put it to the test, it doesn’t cower in the corner; it adapts to the situation. We’re wired with a survival mechanism to get us through tough times (i.e., stress). What a gift!

But this gift can quickly turn into a curse when we push ourselves too far. Our perpetual quest to do more, be more, and have more is depleting…and our bodies sense this chronic stress at their core. I’m not suggesting we should stop striving to do our best, but when is enough, enough?

Ongoing fatigue (not alleviated by sleep), brain fog, poor memory, trouble sleeping, and hormonal problems are all warning signs that something is off balance. Sometimes you may not notice these symptoms, which means you’ve gotten used to feeling this way and perceive these feelings as “normal.”

Are you tired of feeling tired? Do you long to go back to the days when you had a little pep in your step? Step one in getting back to your old self is removing the source of the problem. Consider rearranging some things in your life to help ease unnecessary stress. For example:

• Try not to say “yes” to every invitation to allow for more “me time.”
• Delegate tasks to others when appropriate.
• Distance yourself from people who do not positively impact your life.
• Ask for help when you need it.

Neglecting this step is like mopping up water from an overflowing sink yet failing to turn the water off first. You won’t get very far!

Once you’ve formulated a plan to lighten your load, the next step is to consider inviting maca into your life.

The Magic of Maca

Maca is a root vegetable grown high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It belongs to the same plant family as cabbage and broccoli, yet carries a nutty, butterscotch-like flavor.

Maca has an impressive resume of benefits, but its real claim to fame stems from its adaptogenic nature. As an adaptogen—a natural substance that helps the body adapt to life’s stressors—maca plays a key role in lowering the stress hormone cortisol. While some cortisol is healthy, too much can be problematic.

The goodness doesn’t stop there! Maca can also benefit your health in these life-enhancing ways:

• Boosts energy without giving you the “jitters.”
• Balances hormones, which can boost libido and fertility.
• Alleviates symptoms of PMS, menopause, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
• Supports memory and cognitive function.
• Elevates exercise performance.
• Improves pain and stiffness of osteoporosis.
• Protects skin against harmful UV rays.

Where to Find Maca at Heinen’s*

Maca can be consumed in powdered or capsule form, and Heinen’s Wellness Department carries them both with these products:

• Thunderbird hazelnut coffee maca bars
• Sprout Living chocolate maca protein powder. Add a scoop to smoothies or hot cereal.
• Navitas and Bare Organics maca powder. Add one teaspoon to lattes or yogurt, or make these homemade Maca Energy Bars!
• Nutritional Roots maca capsules: Farmed in Peru’s Andes Mountains, one capsule of Nutritional Roots organic maca is all you need because it’s concentrated to be 10x more potent, delivering the equivalent of 5 grams of raw maca.

Key Takeaway

Maca enhances strength, stamina, and mental clarity. It does so, in part, by helping your body adapt to stress and by supporting healthful hormonal balance and wellbeing. If you could use a little lift in these areas of your life, consider adding maca powder or a maca supplement to your self-care routine. And if you don’t have such a routine, this may be the perfect place to start!

*Please check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements.