Hormone Balance and Estrogen Control
A couple years ago, I was informed that I had very low progesterone (0.01!). I remember the doctor telling me I was on my way to PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Progesterone is the “baby-making” and “baby-carrying” hormone. If your progesterone is low, then it’s very hard to get pregnant or carry a baby to full-term. Raising progesterone can be done naturally, but it takes a couple things: time and daily, consistent action. Within that daily consistent action there are several things I did, and one of them was incorporating nutrient-dense foods that support the building blocks of my hormones. Maca root is one of those foods. In addition to supporting hormonal balance in women, there are other reasons you should incorporate maca into your diet.
Highly Nutritious
Maca root is a powerful food found in the mountains of Peru. It actually belongs to the cruciferous family (with kale, cabbage, broccoli) and is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are healing plants that protect our bodies from stressors, which in turn helps lower stress hormone (cortisol). This was a major issue for me when my thyroid was under active. I was in a state of chronic stress due to poor lifestyle choices, which meant my cortisol level was too high. My body had more stress hormones than sex hormones, and was in a constant state of “fight or flight.” This affected everything from my ovaries to my thyroid. Adaptogens like maca root help the body to cope, and paired with corrected lifestyle habits, your hormones can re-balance.
There are over 20 amino acids and over 20 fatty acids in maca root. With vitamins and minerals like vitamin B,C, and E, iron, selenium, zinc, sulphur, copper, manganese, magnesium, and potassium, maca root packs a powerful punch.
Increases Energy
If you need a boost, but you don’t want to deal with caffeine or caffeine jitters, maca is your hero. Many people, including myself, feel more energized and awake after having maca. This is not from having it one time, but when using it on a regular basis. In the past, I would reach for coffee, pop, or any kind of caffeinated beverage for a boost. Doing this just further increased my stress hormones, destabilized my blood sugar, and left me bloated and down.
Improves Mood and Memory
If you have issues with anxiety or depression, consider what you are eating or taking to cope with your feelings and “slumps.” If you’re reaching for caffeine or sugary drinks/foods, you are actually increasing the odds of feeling worse. Those things are quick fixes, but in the long-term cause a crash in energy and mood. Maca has an overall balancing nature to it. When you ingest it, you’re balancing blood sugar levels, which in turn balances your hormones and HPA Axis. Your HPA Axis is your hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. HPA Axis Dysfunction was a factor in my thyroid issues.
The dysfunction occurs between these three glands when they are not properly communicating with each other, and mine were in serious trouble. Focus and energy rely on proper function of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Maca helps these glands to balance, which then increases your focus and energy.
Provides Antioxidants
Our bodies naturally produce free radicals, but we have even more free radicals that come to us from outside sources like pollution. If we have more free radicals than the antioxidants that counteract them, then we increase our odds of having chronic illness. That’s why antioxidant intake is so important. Maca root is an excellent source of antioxidants while also boosting the body’s ability to fight disease.
How Do You Like Your Maca?
The easiest way for me to eat maca root powder right now is to add a teaspoon to my oatmeal or smoothie in the morning. I don’t like to put anything like maca into high heat because I think it kills the nutritional benefits. I’m most comfortable with mixing it into warm cereal/oatmeal, or mixing it in with a smoothie.
No matter what, choose a way to have your maca that is enjoyable. Have fun! 🙂 Like, Pee-wee’s Playhouse fun.
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