Maca Powder for Stress Relief and Energy Boost!

I’m not normally super hungry first thing in am, which is when I like to workout, but a teaspoon of gelatinized maca powder mixed with water definitely gives me a pre-workout energy boost—& then I just eat a real breakfast after I workout (by which time I am always hungry!)

maca powder

 

Maca is a root vegetable related to the turnip and it is most definitely natural. It is very helpful for energy and improving overall sense of well-being. It is also helpful for combating stress as maca supports the health of the adrenal glands by enabling them to regenerate. In addition, maca is particularly beneficial for balancing hormonal issues (especially those related to stress.) By the way, the hormonal benefits derived from Maca are due to the fact it is rich in plant sterols.

You definitely want to get the gelatinized form of maca because the process of gelatinization removes the hard-to-digest starchy component of the maca root. Gelatinized maca is easily digestible and quickly assimilated. Plus, the published clinical studies showing maca’s effectiveness were all performed using the gelatinized form. My favorite brands are Gaia (pictured above) Navitas Naturals and Vega Maca Powder.

You can buy gelatinized maca powder from any natural foods store or from Vitacost, one of my favorite online discount suppliers.

Vitacost.com

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5 Comments

  1. Hi Ivy!

    I have been interested in trying Maca for some time now but have seen mixed reports on the effect it has during breastfeeding. What is your take on this?

    Thanks! 🙂

    1. Ivy Larson says:

      Hi Bethany, Oh gosh, I haven’t breastfed in 15 years and I didn’t even know about maca back then! But knowing what I know about Maca I would say this is totally fine to take when breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can really take SO much out of you and I think maca would be a great addition to help with energy, hormones, and all of it, you know? And it is SO good you are breastfeeding, by the way!! I really think it made a huge difference in my son’s health. I know it is not easy at times, but it SO so well worth it….

  2. Thanks for your post. I love maca root and I’m taking it as a part of my daily diet for almost 2 years now and I absolutely love the results. It keeps my energies high for the whole day and helps me finish the day not completely exhausted.