NutraChamps Blog

Tag: maca

Embrace Your Inner Warrior With the Amazing Benefits of Maca!
Maca is a root vegetable that has made its way over to North American supplements and wellness powders for its amazing benefits. Although it’s becoming more popular, this powerful plant is nothing new to Peruvians. In fact, it has a history of being used for thousands of years, especially within communities who have lived around the Andes mountains. This plant is extremely durable, as it is grown in the high Andes of Bolivia. Maca is tolerant to frost and even able to withstand strong winds and sunlight. It has been used traditionally as both a food and medicine. In cooking, it is similar to a potato in its starch content and can be boiled in a soup. What you also may not know is that traditions say that maca root was eaten by Ancient Incans before going into battle to give them strength. In this blog, we are going to go into depth around the health benefits of Maca and it’s healing properties. If you want to know more about the marvellous benefits of Maca, keep on reading!

Maca can increase libido

When it comes to engaging in intercourse, libido plays an important role. Libido is all about the desire and drive to participate in sexual intercourse. Lots of factors are at play when it comes to having a healthy libido or sex drive, some common signs that you may have a low libido include:
- A decreased interest in sex
- A decrease in sexual fantasies or thoughts about sex
- Feeling generally more unhappy and down.
Different conditions and blockages might be in the way of a healthy libido which include:
- Relationship issues
- Medical conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
- Stress
- Aging
- Mental health conditions
The good news is that there are different ways you can support your libido, and one of them is with Maca! This root has been used for centuries to support fertility and sex drive, and now there is even research to back it up. Research has shown that Maca helps to keep estrogen and progesterone levels stable, which improves sexual health for females. Maca has even been shown to benefit men who have low libido or sexual desire.

Maca can support stress levels in the body

Stress is a feeling too many of us are familiar with in the world we live in today. Between tight deadlines, balancing busy schedules, and increasing demands, many of us feel bogged down. The good news is that Maca can actually help to support these daunting stress levels due to its adaptogenic nature. Adaptogens, such as Maca, balance the body’s HPA axis which is responsible for the central nervous system and how we respond to stress. Stress causes cortisol levels to go up, Maca can work to balance things out and keep levels from rising.

Maca increases energy

When it comes to our energy levels, sometimes we need all the help we can get. The powerful benefits of Maca have been shown to impact energy levels and enhance mood. While there needs to be more studies done on the connection between Maca and energy levels, one study in particular found that participants who took 3 grams of Maca for 12 weeks reported more of an energy boost than those who didn’t consume the Maca powder.

Maca can reduce blood pressure

Healthy blood pressure levels is a key aspects to good health. The higher your blood pressure, the higher risk you have in experiencing health issues. All of the body’s organs including the brain and heart receive nutrients and oxygen through blood flow. When it comes to Maca and blood pressure, there have been multiple studies showing that people who consume Maca more regularly tend to have lower blood pressure than people who don’t. Before getting off any blood pressure medication or adding Maca to your routine alongside medications, we always recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.

When it comes to the powerful properties of Maca, the list is extensive. What’s amazing is that Maca is now more accessible than ever before! At NutraChamps, we offer two different kinds of Maca for optimal wellness. You can choose from our Maca capsules or our Maca powder, which can be added to smoothies, coffee, or even baked goods. Just like any other supplement, Maca is not a bandaid solution or an overnight fix. Alongside taking Maca, we always recommend eating a nourishing diet, moving your body, taking care of your mental health, and being mindful of your daily choices!
April 25, 2024
Summer Chill: Iced Coffee with Maca Powder
Iced, iced baby.

I’m not much of a Summer person because I like a nice hot coffee.

Unfortunately, I can’t enjoy it as much in the Summer. However, I’ve done some playing around, and I think I found a recipe that has worked for me just as well as my hot lattes.

This iced coffee provides a great source of energy, even if you use a decaf brew. I’d recommend switching up your coffee from time to time if your body can handle the decaf. It’s great for your body to adapt to something new!

Energy

Coffee isn’t the only thing that will wake you up in this bevy.

Some other energy sources in this iced beverage are Maca and Cacao powder.

Maca is a root that grows in Peru that we want everyone to know about. It can be taken daily for energy, alongside food. It can be eaten as the root itself, but I personally prefer taking it in capsule form so that I can save my calories for other foods I enjoy a little bit more. I cannot deny the benefits of taking Maca on a daily basis. It has been proven to increase libido and can increase testosterone in both men and women. What I find most fascinating is that it is said to help menopausal and postmenopausal women in almost all facets, including decreasing anxiety, insomnia, hot flashes, and depression!

Cacao is also very nutrient-dense. It’s high in antioxidants and nutrients like magnesium (which can help reduce stress), potassium, and iron. Cacao is also high in healthy fats, which helps to keep you satiated. It’s known to boost your energy throughout the day, rather than spike your blood sugar for a short burst of energy. Another perk to cacao is its alkaloid content, a naturally occurring compound found in many plants. It interacts with different neurotransmitters in your body to help you feel good. This is probably why we reach for a piece of chocolate when we aren’t feeling our best.

Milk

I personally no longer drink cow’s milk, as my body doesn’t like lactose or any dairy products produced where I live in North America. However, if you prefer the taste of it or can tolerate dairy, use it as you wish!

I have grown a liking to Macadamia and Oat milk, but I understand that this is not easily accessible everywhere. I would recommend looking for an option that works for you and your dietary preferences.

Many people like to use lower-calorie options, sometimes containing less fat. Keep in mind, lower-fat milk will contain more carbohydrates in the form of sugar. This includes, and is not limited to, any product that has: “reduced calorie,” “light,” “low fat,” on its label.

Be aware when you get rid of one property in a food source, you are likely adding another.

Ingredients:

→ Note: You will need a blender if you want to mix the powders well!
- Instant coffee blend or 1 cup of chilled coffee
- Milk or milk substitute (nut milk, oat milk, or leave it black!)
- Sweetener of choice (optional)
- 1-2 tsp of maca powder (3g-6g)
- 1 tsp raw cacao powder (2.5g)
- Ice
Instructions:
1. Start by placing 4 ice cubes in your blender.
2. Pour your cup of coffee into the blender.
3. Add your sweetener of choice (omit if not using sweetener).
4. Add your Maca and Cacao powder.
5. Optional: Add in a splash of milk beverage or a whole cup if you want more of a Flat White style drink (half coffee, half milk). You can choose to do this after you’ve poured your coffee into a travel mug or Clear glass so that you can see the milk and coffee start to blend naturally. 😉
6. Add more ice cubes to the finished product if you want it extra cold!
7. Sip with a straw or straight from the glass!
Recipe Notes

Depending on what you add to your iced coffee, your coffee could contain anywhere between 10 calories to 200 calories. If you do not add a high-calorie sweetener or any milk, you are drinking a chilled, adaptogenic coffee that will keep you powered up for hours.

If you drink this as a mid-day snack, you may want to add some milk as a boost of protein + calcium. This will add to the calorie content, meaning you do not need to take a break to eat a snack between calls or emails.

If you want an extra boost of superfoods, feel free to blend in extra ingredients such as hemp hearts, chia seeds, cacao nibs, or adaptogenic mushrooms. These ingredients will also add to the calorie content and affect energy levels in different ways. Try adding a little at a time to ensure this blend works for you.

Some sweeteners I would recommend are Agave, maple syrup, 1 date blended into the coffee, monk fruit extract, erythritol, Stevia, or honey. The options are endless. Try to choose an option that will not spike your blood sugar and give you a rollercoaster of energy throughout the day. Some of these sweeteners are 0 calories, and some are quite high in calories but have not been tampered with by humans or machines. I try to choose the option that spikes my blood sugar the least!

Coffee Bonus! Ice can be made of previously made and frozen coffee or espresso if you want to avoid watering down your iced coffee! This will add more zing to your drink!

Let me know if you end up trying this energizing Maca Summer Chill drink and how it went!
August 11, 2021
Maca – The Mighty Superfood!
You’ve likely heard of Maca before.

You probably know that it is good for you, but don’t know why you should add this into your supplement regiment when Maca isn’t necessarily crucial to your well-being. Well, the Peruvians would beg to differ. This nutritional powerhouse has been a staple in the diets of many South Americans, specifically those in the high Andes mountains of Peru. Let’s see why this herb has gained so much buzz in the past few years.

Used medicinally for centuries, Maca is nothing new to South Americans. It was and continues to be used to enhance fertility in humans and in animals. This is what helped them stay fed through tough, stormy seasons. That’s right – animals in Peru were fed Maca, and this continues to go down in history (by the Spanish colonizers) as an incredible way to raise strong and healthy livestock that then helped the mountainous areas thrive, as well.

Ancient history carried into the present!

Domesticated over 2000 years ago by Inca Indians, Maca is a lot older than we think. Like, 1600 B.C. old! Also known as the Peruvian Ginseng, this plant can grow in altitudes of up to 14,500 feet, meaning that rain, snow, or sun, this plant is hearty. It is planted for a lengthy 7-9 months in order to produce the harvested roots we use. These are some of the strongest crops I’ve ever heard of. They live in an area that is inhospitable to humans and animals, seeing as it sees intense sunlight, violent winds, and below-freezing weather. These Maca roots are basically grown in rocky soil. That would be almost impossible for other plants or crops to inhabit, but Peruvians have made this method work over centuries!

Nutritional facts:

Carbohydrates– 59%

Protein– 10.2%

Fiber– 8.5%

Essential Amino Acids– the building blocks of proteins, these compounds play many critical roles in your body. Maca contains nearly all of the amino acids, much like meat does!

Fatty Acids– these are cellular fuel sources, aid in the composition of hormones and lipids, and the modification of proteins. They also store energy within your adipose tissue (specialized fat cells). Maca contains 20 of these!

Vitamins– Thiamin, Riboflavin, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin are the main players in this root veggie. These help to convert carbs into energy, red blood cell production, supports antioxidant activity, and healthy blood circulation.

Minerals– Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium, just to name the major ones.

If that wasn’t enough, here is why Maca is a superfood:

It’s basically the original sugar-free energy booster. Although it is naturally in a root form, you can take it in powder, liquid, or whole and achieve similar if not the same results. This cruciferous vegetable is actually related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale! However, that’s not what makes this a superfood. Maca has adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens help the body naturally adapt to all kinds of stressors, whether they be environmental, physiological, and psychological.

Source: mountainroseherbs.com

Benefits of Maca:

Fertility – although the research is relatively new and mostly on animals, it may be worth adding maca to your diet if you plan on conceiving. Maca’s vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients have shown to support the endocrine system. This helps the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands balance your hormones. Both men and women can use it for this reason.

Hormone balance – Maca helps your thyroid (thanks to its content of iron and iodine), which in turn helps your sex hormones and skin! Say goodbye to painful, cystic pimples!

Strength & Endurance – both in sport and in the bedroom, this supplement can keep you in the game for longer! Arginine, which stimulates nitric oxide production (the same way Viagra works), is likely why it is sometimes called the Peruvian Viagra.

Concentration – Maca is a brain booster! It can help with concentration, especially for those in school or working long hours. Although we do not recommend this for children, it has been shown to help in brain function and memory in adults.

Treats Menopausal symptoms – Because maca is an adaptogen, it adapts to your body’s needs and can help balance your system to naturally avoid or lessen hot flashes, loss of libido, mood swings, night sweats, and more.

Anti-depressant/anti-anxiety – Because maca helps to support healthy brain chemistry, it has been associated with helping those with depression and anxiety in replacement of, or, in conjunction with doctor-prescribed medicine.

Try it!

So what are you waiting for? Have you used Maca before? Tell us how you take it. Do you prefer it in powder form, capsule form, or as the root itself? Did you know you can get a gelatinized version, where most of the starch is removed? Say goodbye to the bloat! Do you like to put it into your meals or take it on its own? Feel free to try some of the recipes on our blog: our Chocolate Maca Energy Smoothie or our Maca Iced Coffee. Let us know how Maca has helped you in your life!

Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20452008/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21781063/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19781622/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20633111/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21780878/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21840656/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24730393/
December 17, 2020
Hearty Boost: Chocolate Maca Energy Smoothie
A smoothie that tastes great and is good for you, too?!

Summer is finally here, and what better way to get your breakfast or snack in than with an easy-to-digest smoothie? This smoothie has enough energy and calories to replace your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also great to have post-workout if you decide to add protein powder. This energizing smoothie is filled with superfoods, such as Maca, Cacao powder, and Hemp hearts to keep you fueled all day or all night.

The Health Benefits

Maca

Maca is both an adaptogen and a superfood. It’s a root vegetable rich in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids such as glycine and arginine. As an adaptogen, Maca helps to regulate hormone production so that it is neither too high, nor too low. It enhances the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, helping to restore balance to the adrenals. It has a nutty, butterscotch-like flavor that can easily be mixed into smoothies or baked goods for a potent energy boost! Other benefits of Maca include increasing libido for men and women and improving mood and menopause symptoms.

Cacao powder

This is where the chocolate flavor for the smoothie comes from! Cacao is the raw, pure form of chocolate. Made from the fruit of the cacao tree, cacao is minimally processed. Cocoa is one of the most polyphenol-rich foods that is widely consumed in the world. It contains flavanols, a type of phytonutrient found only in plants. Consuming cocoa flavanols improves cardiovascular function and lessens the burden on the heart that comes with the aging and stiffening of arteries. Cacao flavanols can also lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the brain and heart, prevent blood clots, and fight cell damage. Cocoa powder has a higher antioxidant activity than green tea, making this a pretty incredible superfood to add to your meals!

Hulled Hemp Hearts

Hemp hearts are a superfood, containing high amounts of protein, ranging from 19.5 to 26.9%, and low in carbs/starch, making it a perfect addition to many foods across most diets. They contain plenty of omega-3 fattyacids, which help to boost immunity, stabilize blood pressure, fight inflammation, and help your brain to function optimally. Hemp seeds contain antioxidants that protect against LDL oxidation, a major contributor to heart problems. The amino acids in hemp seeds help to repair and build muscle tissue for those looking to build muscle and maintain it! In this recipe, we use hulled hemp hearts, but keep in mind, you can absolutely replace that with the whole hemp seed. The main difference? Hemp seeds contain a form of insoluble fibre we do not get much of in our diets, so this can be beneficial for those looking to flush toxins from their intestinal tract. Hulled Hemp Hearts have the fibre removed, and are much softer, and to some, more palatable than the former. We’ll leave it up to you!

Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice (nut milk, cow’s milk, coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ground hulled hemp hearts
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon ground NutraChamps Maca Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon)
- 1 ripe banana (frozen)
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Garnish as desired.
Recipe Notes

If you want an extra boost of protein, you can add a scoop of protein powder, but keep in mind, this will change the consistency of your smoothie. Other great additions are chia seeds, flax seeds, MCT oil or powder, and Collagen. You can also replace the coconut milk with a nut butter to keep the thickness, but add a different flavor profile to the smoothie. The calorie-count and nutrition facts will change depending on which ingredients you use in your smoothie and what you top it with.
June 8, 2020