Superfoods: Maca / Raw energy balls

Maca is a root vegetable and belongs to the radish family. It is native to the high Andes of Peru and is commonly known as Peruvian Gingseng. The health benefits of maca have been long valued in Peru, and historically maca was even regarded as 'the food of the gods' by the Incas, one of the oldest civilizations on earth.

Some of the most well known and key benefits of incorporating maca into your diet.

Vitamins - maca contains over 55 beneficial and naturally occurring phyto-chemicals, including vitamin B1, B2 and B12, vitaminc C and zinc among others. These play critical roles in the hormonal health of our bodies, including supporting our thyroid gland, immune system, reproduction system and brain.

Sexual health - whether you see this as a good or bad thing, maca is known to boost your libido whilst also increasing fertility in both men and women. It is also fantastic at balancing hormones (see mood balance below).

Memory - maca is great at making us more alert and aware, which in turn enhances our memory and our ability to learn

Energy - most people feel their energy levels lift instantly. It is a fantastic way of getting a non-caffeinated burst of energy for when you are feeling a little tired. Not only this, but it is widely used to boost stamina and endurance, perfect for pre-work out!

Mood balance - maca may help to alleviate depression, mood swings, anxiety and stress. It can also relieve menstrual issues and menopause by easing cramps, body pain, hot flushes and PMT. It does all this by helping to balance your hormones. Great if you wake up feel a bit cranky!

What is interesting to know is that repeated use of maca is like repeatedly exercising - your body will adapt to it and the benefits accumulate over time with regular use. 

If you are a first time user of maca, it's easy to be a little intimidated due to the 'first time users start small' message that is put out everywhere. But as long as you stick to this piece of advice, then you will be absolutely fine. High doses can cause a few side effects which are actually the re-balancing effects. This is just your body dealing with a lot of change at once. It's important to note these side effects will only be temporary. A safe place to start is 1/2 teaspoon, from which you can slowly build up to 2 teaspoons if you wish, which is a perfectly safe quantity to consume in one go.  If you are taking a larger quantity, it is perhaps a good idea to have the odd day off here and there. If you do experience some side effects - simply lower your dose, use maca less often or simply stop taking it if you really do not get along with it.

Honestly though, do not be put off by these side effects as a lot of good things are bad in large doses! Just do not take high doses. Everything in moderation as they say!

My favourite maca is from Organic Burst which I know can definitely also be purchased at Planet Organic shops. There are a load of other brands available though, a google search will bring up lots.

So how can you get maca into your diet? It has an earthy taste with a nutty flavour, which in fact makes it very easy to add into your diet. What's more is that it is low in calories! Smoothies are always without a doubt the easiest and best way to get superfood powders into your diet. Maca goes great with bananas, dates and milk. It is also great added into porridge. But there are so many more ways. Today I will be sharing with you raw maca energy balls.

Raw maca energy balls

These are a great little pick me up when feeling a bit tired, or alternatively they are great for a pre-gym snack, giving you boosted energy, endurance and stamina!

Ingredients
1.5 tbsp raw cacao

3 tbsp maca

5 tbsp nut butter

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp agave nectar

Suggested toppings: sunflower seeds, dessicated coconut, cashew nuts, almonds, linseed, walnuts, pecan nuts

  

In a food processor, blitz the wet ingredients: nut butter, honey, agave nectar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, add in the cacao and maca. Add the dry ingredients into the combined wet and blitz again. Using your hands, form small balls with the mixture and roll in your desired topping or place a nut on top. Store in the fridge, they will last for weeks.

You can find the other superfood posts I have done listed here. I have a whole load of others in the pipeline too so keep an eye out. I will also be showing you how you can incorporate some of the not very nice tasting ones into your diet as well! 

What is your favourite superfood and how do you enjoy eating it? There are so many out there and they are all bursting with health benefits - whatever you are wanting to improve with your body or health, there will no doubt be something out there to help! Just hope it is one of the nice tasting ones!