Is there anything better than an afternoon pick-me-up? A hot beverage can be exactly what you need to help you be productive. Why not add some maca powder to your hot coffee to get some extra benefits? Never heard of maca? You’re not alone, read to learn more now!
What Is Maca?
Maca is a blonde-colored root vegetable with a sweet flavor. Its size and shape is similar to a radish.
Maca can be cooked and added to all meals and can served in a stew or as a side dish. The sweet flavor of the root vegetable naturally lends itself well to baking.
Dried and powdered maca root has become popular. It can be added to smoothies or hot beverages, and it can even replace coffee entirely. The flavor is nutty with notes of butterscotch, a sweet lover’s dream!
What Are The Health Benefits Of Maca?
The root vegetable has been used in holistic therapy for thousands of years. It is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are health-driving compounds that prevent disease.
The nutrients and vitamins in maca may improve libido, also known as the sex drive, in some people.
It may improve fertility aspects in some men. Some studies suggest that taking 2g of maca powder daily can improve sperm motility, which is essential to reproduce successfully. These results are not consistent and more research is needed.
Maca may also improve energy levels and mood. The exact mechanism of how maca can influence mood is unknown. The root might contribute to your energy levels because of the wide range of vitamins and minerals, which help keep your body functioning at its best.
How Do You Make Maca Energy Coffee?
There are two popular ways to make maca coffee. The first: you replace coffee beans or coffee products with maca powder. Here is an easy recipe you can use to try and make maca energy coffee at home:
- Heat or warm up your favorite milk for coffee (animal or plant-based).
- Add ¼ tsp of the following spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and turmeric.
- Add 1 tbsp of maca powder.
Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined. You may have to experiment with ratios of the ingredients until you find a version that is perfect for your taste buds.
The second popular option for maca energy coffee is to add an espresso to your maca drink (following the same recipe above). This will appeal the most to coffee lovers who can’t give up their daily java! Try both ways and see which one suits your taste buds the best.
Which Maca Powder Should I Use?
There are three different powders on the market: yellow maca powder, red, and black. Yellow is the most common option available while red and black are rarer.
All three colors have slightly different nutrient profiles, but the yellow maca root is said to be best for daily consumption. The rare varieties are preserved for medicinal purposes and are more precious.
How Do I Store Maca Powder?
Keep your maca powder in an airtight container when not in use. Store it in the fridge or freezer to further prolong the shelf life. Some evidence suggests that frozen maca powder can hold on to nutrients for up to two years, but there is little research to support this.
Most food products that are high in antioxidants can be held in the freezer up to one year. After this point the delicate health compounds can start to break down, and the food loses some of it’s nutritional potency.
FAQ
- Are there any health risks of maca powder?
No, there are no reported health risks of taking maca powder. If you have any concerns follow up with your healthcare provider.
- How much should I take?
The general guidelines suggest staying under 3 grams of maca powder per day. Always follow the directions on the product for exact amounts.
- Does Maca have caffeine?
No, there is no caffeine in Maca powder.
- Can I add milk or sugar to my maca coffee?
You can add other ingredients to enhance the flavor of your coffee if you wish. They will not interfere with the maca powder.
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