Before you sprinkle the popular ingredient into your next smoothie, read up on maca’s health benefits.
Maca, aka maca root, is having a moment right now.
It’s become a star ingredient in recipes and packaged products, from chocolate bars to drink mixes.
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But what is maca, exactly and what does it do for your body?
Read on to learn about maca root benefits, plus the best ways to eat it.
What Is Maca?
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A cruciferous vegetable, maca is part of theBrassicaceaefamilyalong with cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and mustard.
Maca Nutrition Facts
Maca’s claim to fame is its nutrient profile.
Maca root also containsvitamin C and key mineralssuch as calcium, iron, and copper.
Plus, maca root contains other antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
This may be related to its ability to combat oxidative stress, which can damage nerve cells.
In this sense, maca may provide energy by simply fueling your cells.
May Boost Mood
Maca often gets touted as a food withmood-boosting benefits.
But otherwise, the research on this effect is scarce.
As a result, it’s unclear how maca may affect certain chronic conditions orinteract with prescription medicine.
Otherwise, in the general population, maca is generally considered safe andside effectsare uncommon.
When they do occur, negative reactions might include mild GI upset and headaches.
It’s also available as capsules and liquid extracts, which are consumed as supplements.
it’s possible for you to buy these products online and at health food stores.
That said, you may start seeing more maca products at bigger supermarkets as demand increases.
Its flavor is often described as nutty, bitter, and earthy.
The heat makes the finished powder sweeter, which is sometimes compared to butterscotch, notes Beitchman.
It also breaks down the starches in maca, which might make it easier to digest.
Furthermore, the process for making gelatinized maca powder mirrors the way maca is traditionally prepared, says Beitchman.
So, which one is better raw or gelatinized?
There’s no “right” answer.
Otherwise, “there’s no solid research on which form is better,” says Beitchman.
In either case, choose maca powder that lists “maca” as the only ingredient, notes Clifford.
She also suggests buying packaged maca products, like snacks or drinks, without added sugars or sodium.
As for fresh, whole maca?
Dried whole maca is also available online, but it’s quite pricey, she adds.
You might also want to pass on making DIY maca powder.
That said, your best bet is to leave it to the pros.
Luckily, one of the top benefits of maca powder is that it’s easy to add to recipes.
Here are several ways to make it happen:
In smoothies.Elevate your go-to smoothie with maca powder.
In baked goods.Give your baked goods an earthy twist with maca.
In pancakes.Not in a baking mood?
In overnight oats.Better yet, take the no-cook route and stir maca powder into your overnight oats.
Its nutty flavor pairs well with toppings like walnuts and cacao nibs.
