If you’re on the lookout for a superfood that’s unlike any other, maca just might be the one for you.

Native the Andes mountains, the maca plant (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous vegetable, which means that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale — all of which are superfoods in their own right.

Aside from its unique flavor profile — which is described by experts as being earthy and nutty — maca is also known for being very nutrient-dense. Its roots have been found to contain large amounts of essential minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium and copper, as well as vitamins B1, B2, C and E. Not only that, but the maca root also contains ample amounts of dietary fiber and protein, making it an almost complete food in and of itself.

Maca is known to the scientific community as an adaptogen, which means that it can contribute to one’s overall wellbeing by helping balance the body’s systems.

Because of this, it’s not surprising to learn that maca root has been linked to an interesting array of health benefits such as the following:

Maca root can help increase energy and endurance

Maca as it turns out, has the makings to be an athlete or a sportsman’s best friend, with the plant said to help improve their performance in terms of their energy and endurance.

This, according to experts, is a feat that’s likely due to its nature as a superfood, noting that maca was consumed by the Ancient Inca to give them the strength to adapt and survive the harsh Andean mountains and its blistering cold, low oxygen and rugged terrain.

Maca root can help address issues pertaining to fertility and libido

Those looking to start a family may find maca root to be of help. This is largely due to a review, which found that maca root compounds can actually improve the quality of semen, as well as the libido in men.

In addition, maca root is also said to help address problems related to erectile dysfunction (ED), with a study noting that the addition of just 2.4 grams of maca root per day for 12 weeks helped improve the sexual well-being in men with mild ED.

Maca root can help reduce the symptoms of menopause

Maca isn’t just for men, apparently.

According to studies, maca can actually help ladies by reducing the signs of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. This, experts said, is largely due to maca’s ability to help balance the levels of the female hormone estrogen.

Moreover, recent studies have also shown that maca can even help address sexual dysfunction in women. How’s that, for a superfood?

Maca root can help address high blood pressure

Those who may be affected by high blood pressure — particularly postmenopausal women — may find maca root to be of great help at addressing their health issues. This is because maca root, according to several studies, has the ability to lower the availability of angiotensin in the body, a hormone that raises blood pressure.

Maca root can protect the body against oxidative damage

Maca, according to its proponents, can also help protect the body at a cellular level — a result of its ability to assist in the production of natural antioxidants in the body.

These antioxidants, which include glutathione and superoxide dismutase, are known to help fight off free radicals, which can cause severe cellular damage that can lead to chronic health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Maca root can help improve one’s mood

Feeling a bit blue? Go add some maca root powder to your cup of cocoa! Why? Well, it’s because maca, according to research, is rich in plant compounds called flavonoids which are known to help uplift one’s mood, as well as reduce signs related to anxiety and depression.

Maca root can help improve cognitive function

People looking for a bit of help with their memory may benefit from a bit of maca in their diet.

This is according to a study that found that the antioxidants in maca may help assist one’s learning and memory, with researchers even noting that the root could be helpful in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Talk about brain food.

Maca is easy to add to one’s diet

Lest you think otherwise, maca, despite its exotic nature — it was a favored vegetable by the Ancient Inca civilization, after all — is actually quite easy to find, with the dried roots often sold as powders in health food stores.

This form also means that maca can be easily added to one’s favorite foods such as baked goods, vegetable stews and even hearty soups. It can also be easily added into drinks, such as smoothies, hot cocoa and even coffee. Talk about being versatile, right?

Planning on adding this wonderful superfood to your diet? Here are some recipes that you can try:

Maca-Whole Wheat Waffles

Breakfast, according to nutritionists, is the most important meal of the day. This means that breakfast food — in this case, wholesome goodies such as these waffles from 100 Days of Real Food — make for the perfect vehicle for maca root powder and its potent health benefits.

Ingredients:

• 2 free-range, organic eggs
• 1 3/4 cups unpasteurized milk OR organic almond milk
• 1/4 cup grass-fed butter, melted OR organic camelina oil
• 1 tablespoon organic Manuka honey
• 1 tablespoon organic maca root powder
• 1/2 teaspoon organic cinnamon, ground
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Pure organic maple syrup
• Organic fruits (mixed berries, mangoes, citrus fruits), sliced

Preparation:

1. Preheat the waffle iron.
2. While waiting for the waffle iron to come to temperature, whisk together the eggs, milk, butter, honey, cinnamon, and baking soda in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Next, add in flour, baking powder, maca powder and salt and whisk everything together until the large lumps in the mix disappear.
4. When the waffle iron is hot, dab the center with a little butter or oil, followed by the batter. Cook the waffles for around 3 minutes each, then set aside. Keep the waffles warm to prevent them from getting soggy.
5. Top the waffles with cut fruit and maple syrup just before serving.
6. Enjoy!

Green Maca Smoothie

Looking for a way to get your superfoods in one fell swoop? Blend them into a delicious smoothie, just like this green, antioxidant-packed one from Don’t Waste The Crumbs!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup organic coconut milk
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 loose cup fresh, organic spinach
• 1 tsp organic maca root powder
• 1–2 tablespoons organic nut butter (peanut, almond and cashew butter will work well in this recipe)
• 1 ripe, organic banana, frozen

Preparation:

1. Add ingredients to a blender and blitz until everything is smooth and well combined.
2. Taste the smoothie and adjust as needed.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Maca root is one of the most nutritious superfoods available on the market right now. Add it to your diet now in order to experience its potent health benefits.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

BBCGoodFood.com

ScienceDirect.com

PubMed.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

TandFOnline.com

Hindawi.com