Health benefits of maca powder

Miranda Kerr recently dished on her superfood smoothie, and it contained an ingredient we’re not so familiar with: maca powder.

So, naturally, due to our desire to have the skin, body and hair of a supermodel, we just had to do some research on this maca, which unfortunately isn’t a misspelling for ‘Maccas’…

What is maca powder?

Maca powder is sourced from the root of the maca plant, which grows only in the glacial slopes of the Andes Mountains in Peru. The root was first used in medicines, but is now commonly ground into a powder form and taken for its many health benefits.

What are the benefits of maca powder?

Maca powder is especially known for its ability to balance hormones, so if you’re going through menopause or having menstrual problems, it can actually help to alleviate some of the symptoms. The powder has been proven to boost fertility in men and women (there have even been cases of increased sperm count in males), plus it can amp up sexual desire to get things going in the bedroom in the first place!

Hormonal troubles and baby-making aside, maca powder is rich in vitamins, calcium, zinc and iron, all of which can help to increase energy, clear up skin, reduce stress and improve immunity.

Alright, I’m in – what’s the best way to consume maca powder?

You can do like Miranda does and add a spoonful to your favourite smoothie recipe, or even just to your daily coffee, oatmeal or hot chocolate (it has a nutty flavour).  Maca is really versatile, so why not get creative and try out some recipes? With just a quick google, we’ve already seen the likes of maca superfood balls, maca ice cream and even maca salted caramel cookies – yummo!

Maca powders available in Australia:

1. Swisse Organic Maca Superfood Powder ($14.99, 100g, swisse.com/au)

2. Bioglan Superfoods Maca Powder ($12.95, 100g, www.priceline.com.au)

3. Isowhey Organice Maca, Cacao + Mesquite Superfood ($17.95, 70g, www.isowhey.com.au)

4. Power Super Foods Maca Powder ($19.95, 200g, www.powersuperfoods.com.au)

Did you know maca powder had so many benefits? Have you ever tried it? Let us know how you like to use it in the comments below!

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