I replaced coffee with Maca powder!
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If, like me, you are a big coffee lover, you’ve probably noticed that aside from your morning cup, which acts as a true wake-up call (and let’s be honest, that’s its main role), the other coffees throughout the day no longer give you that famous boost!
This is completely normal: it means your body has gotten used to caffeine. Not a big deal, but then… what to drink to fight off afternoon fatigue?
Feeling that the effect of coffee was becoming less and less noticeable, I decided to cut back on my consumption and look for other alternatives (I was drinking up to 5-6 cups a day!). It was somewhat by chance that I discovered maca powder… Why and how to adopt this “pick-me-up” powder, I’m sharing everything here.
Where does maca powder come from?
It comes from Peru and is also known as Peruvian ginseng. Well-known, it has been used for centuries in South America for its energizing properties, rich nutritional content, and high fiber ingredients that promote endurance in athletes. And it’s no coincidence that athletes consume it: cultivated at over 4,000 meters above sea level, where the climatic conditions are extreme and the oxygen content is quite low, the plant is forced to develop “survivor” properties to stay alive.
Today, this root has become a true superfood, recognized for its adaptogenic qualities that help support energy and combat fatigue.
What are the benefits of maca powder?
If you’re a bit curious and type “maca powder” into a search engine, the first thing you will surely read is that maca powder is an aphrodisiac and helps to boost libido. This is probably true, and that’s great, but this powder, which originates from the Andes, will provide you with (in addition to boosting your libido) some valuable benefits.
- Energy-boosting properties
It is primarily thanks to its energy-boosting properties that you can replace a few cups of coffee with a drink made with maca powder. People suffering from anemia (iron deficiency) can find in maca powder an excellent ally, rich in iron.
- Improvement of libido
If maca powder enjoys such a good reputation, it’s because it would be particularly useful for those looking for a little boost for their libido. It’s also said that it could improve fertility, but studies on this specific topic are not yet very conclusive.
- Hormone management
A great advantage for women who sometimes go through hormonal roller coasters depending on their journey. Between menstruation and menopause, maca powder can alleviate women’s ailments and help reduce some menopausal symptoms, such as irritability, hot flashes, insomnia, or fatigue.
Maca powder is generally not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If that’s your case, consult your doctor.
- Stress reduction
Stress is a normal response of the body to external events. While momentary stress is natural, it becomes problematic when it becomes hard to manage daily or generates anxiety. Maca powder contains amino acids, such as glycine and lysine, which have a calming and relaxing effect.
- Muscle regeneration
Excellent for athletes who will see their endurance increase, maca powder is the champion of muscle regeneration. Enriched with essential nutrients like proteins, amino acids, and minerals, it helps repair muscles and reduce soreness, thus contributing to faster and more effective recovery after training.
How to use it?
I must admit… I hate the smell of maca powder. Therefore, it’s impossible to make myself a cup of tea. Yes, it’s good for health, but I had to find other alternatives to consume it.
In a smoothie
Mixing one or two teaspoons in a smoothie is a good idea, as blending your ingredients will, on one hand, prevent clumping, and on the other hand, the taste will be drowned out among the flavors of the fruits and vegetables you choose.
In muffins or energy balls
If you’re a fan of healthy homemade muffins or cakes, add one or two teaspoons of maca powder to your mixture to feel a real boost! Making maca energy balls is just as easy and delicious!
In yogurt
When you don’t have the time or desire to bake, or not enough fruits for a smoothie, there’s always the easy option: a little maca powder in yogurt. If you like the taste of maca, that’s perfect. If you’re like me and you grimace, I suggest adding a bit of cinnamon powder or jam.
In a cup of tea
You surely know matcha green tea? Well, multiply the benefits of matcha by pairing it with maca powder.
I recommend adding hot water, but not boiling. The reason? Boiling water (over 60 degrees) tends to destroy vitamins.
Coffee is not bad for health, but in high doses, it can cause stomach aches or palpitations, which is never pleasant. Replacing a cup of coffee with a maca powder smoothie has changed my afternoon habits. I love coffee and can’t do without it, but I no longer drink more than three cups a day!
