Maca: An Adaptogenic Herb That Can Help Improve Mood

It’s normal to feel down for some time. While our worries won’t totally vanish after a cup of tea or a tincture, there are certain plants that can be seriously powerful mood lifters.

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale. It is well known to be an incredible nutritional powerhouse with nearly all amino acids, 10 vitamins, 12 minerals, 23 fatty acids as well as several unique nutrients that support an active human body. It has been found to be an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, copper, zinc, calcium, and iron. Aside from its culinary uses, maca may also have several health benefits.

How Maca Helps Improve Our Mood

Maca has been shown to enhance one’s mood and provide sustained energy throughout the day without the jittery crash of caffeine. Consumption of it has been associated with reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women.

According to a study, it contains flavonoids that are responsible for its numerous psychological effects.

Maca can help a person feel more awake and energized to be able to better focus on things and appreciate each moment throughout the day.

A study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals tested the effects of daily maca consumption by 175 participants. At the end of the 12-week study, researchers concluded that maca positively affected the participants’ mood, energy, and health status.

This apoptogenic plant may strengthen the body’s resistance to stress by increasing its ability to adapt. Such stressors may include symptoms related to fatigue, inflammation, or low energy levels.

How To Incorporate Maca In Our Diet

Maca root plant can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies.

A simple way to consuming maca root powder is by adding it to our morning smoothie, a cup of coffee, or hot cocoa. Also, sprinkling maca root powder to raw desserts is also a great option.