Any Pitch Perfect fans out there?

Every time I use Maca, it makes me think of this, and that makes me laugh, because I’m a dork.

Maca is a root that originated in Peru. Traditionally, it has been used to aid in fertility and increase energy. It falls into the category of adaptogens, compounds that enhance the body’s own ability to regulate hormones, depending on what it needs. It is thought to help the body regulate cortisol production by the adrenal glands and sex hormone production by both the adrenals and the sex glands (ovaries and testes). Although there have been limited studies in humans on the medicinal benefits of maca, it may help reduce stress and improve hormone balance, in both men and women.

Maca is also rich in nutrients, especially vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.

One note: if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should probably hold off on incorporating maca into your diet…there are not enough data to show that it is safe in these populations.

So, what does it taste like? It has an earthy, mellow, caramelized flavor that blends well into smoothies. Some people think it tastes like butterscotch. I especially like it combined with bananas and chocolate, which I’ve done in this smoothie, which I enjoy regularly. It’s perfect during the second half of your menstrual cycle because of its use of sunflower seeds, and it’s also great for pre-menstrual chocolate cravings due to it’s high B6 levels!

I buy my Maca powder from Amazon…I like this one, because it’s raw, but they were out of it last time I ordered, so the one I used in this recipe is this one.

I used unsweetened coconut milk as the base, then added the maca, cacao, SunButter (you could use any nut butter), hemp protein (or any protein powder), a frozen banana (if you don’t have a frozen one, add an ice cube or two), and a Medjool date for sweetness (totally optional, but it makes it super sweet and creamy).

This makes for a filling breakfast smoothie that’s high in fiber, iron, and potassium. It’s got plenty of protein and healthy fats to keep you full until lunch! Or try it after a workout!

Enjoy!

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