You might want to get used to hearing about maca latte, it is becoming quite popular among those living a healthy lifestyle. The maca latte recipe ideas below are just a few ways to add it to your diet, it is such a versatile edible.
What Is Maca?
Maca is a herbaceous plant that has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes for almost 2,600 years. Peru is the country which produces 90% to 95% of the maca sold internationally, although it is also produced in Bolivia and Ecuador on a much smaller scale.
The properties of the maca have been the reason many place it on a pedestal. It has shown to increase strength and libido, endurance, sports performance and the feeling of general well-being.
Maca is an adaptogen, so it helps the body adapt to stress situations by decreasing the hormone called cortisol.
It is also said to help regulate and increase the function of the endocrine system, the glands that produce the hormones necessary for essential body and metabolic functions such as fertility, sexual function, digestion, brain and physiology of the nervous system, and energy levels.
It sounds pretty awesome right?
Research About Maca
Gustavo F. Gonzáles Rengifo, biologist and endocrinologist director of the Laboratory of Endocrinology and reproduction of the Faculty of Sciences and philosophy of the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia, has been studying maca for over 15 years.
In 2010, he and his team of scientists investigated the results of maca consumption in people in the Central Andes of Peru, a native region producing this plant since ancient times. Scientists took a sample of 1,000 inhabitants of the area and compared the health of those who did not consume maca to those who did. The score of regular consumers over 75 years of age was such that they did not seem to have actually aged.
The expert believes these benefits of the plant are due to the hostile conditions in which it grows, since it is grows at 4,000 meters above sea level, where almost nothing else grows. Peruvians have been cultivating it for at least 2,600 years, and that only shows how much have this plant contributed to their survive thru all this time.
Maca is quite accessible in its powder form nowadays. You can buy it in health food stores and use it in hot and cold drinks, and it’s even a great option for baking as it has a light nut earthy flavor.
Maca: a Healthy Stimulant
The maca latte is an excellent alternative to coffee. A full-featured breakfast that combines several supercharging natural ingredients to start the day with an extra energy boost.
Why you should include maca smoothies and lattes recipes in your diet
Maca is an Andean superfood having amazing benefits for your body, brain performance and overall health, here are just a few:
- Promotes fertility.
- Relieves symptoms of menopause, menstruation, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- It acts as a natural aphrodisiac for both men and women.
- It’s a great ally against stress and fatigue.
It can be purchased in specialized stores as dehydrated powder or extract capsules. Maca powder can be easily added to your recipes and everyday diets. It is ideal for mixing with vegetable or cow milk and preparing drinks or smoothies that fill you up with energy.
Easy Maca Recipe Ideas
Below are a variety of maca latte-inspired recipes for you to try.
