In previous smoothie recipes, I’ve suggested using maca as an additional (add-on) ingredient to boost the nutrition of your smoothie, but haven’t given it the full attention it deserves until now. This is one of my favorite superfoods for a number of reasons.
Maca is a root vegetable that grows at high altitudes in the Andes. Many health experts believe foods that grow in harsh climates provide “extra” health benefits because of their resiliency and ability to adapt to difficult growing conditions.
For centuries Andean people have been using it for everything from enhancing their fertility to boosting their immune system or libido, but most people identify with the burst of energy they get from consuming maca. Here’s a quick list of the top benefits people experience from eating maca.
Health Benefits of Maca
- More energy
- Increased sex drive
- Improved fertility
- Helps alleviate migraine headaches
- Improved memory
- Immune booster
- Stress reducer
Maca is also jam-packed with numerous vitamins and minerals your body requires for optimal health. Generally less expensive than most superfood smoothie ingredients, you can usually get a 1 pound bag for $10 to $20 that will last you 2-3 months or even longer depending on how often you use it.
For everything you could ever want to know about maca: What is Maca and why should I put it in my Smoothie?
I purchase maca from Navitas Organics.
By using a chocolate protein powder and/or cacao powder or nibs you can quickly convert this into a Chocolate Maca Superfood Smoothie. Enjoy!
Maca Superfood Smoothie Recipe
The Ingredients
- 1 cup almond, coconut, or hemp milk
- 1 fresh or frozen medium banana
- 1/2 tablespoon maca powder (for the seasoned maca consumer, use 1 tablespoon or more)
- 1 serving of your favorite protein powder (Ascent is ours)
- 1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds
- A little honey, stevia, or maple syrup to sweeten (optional)
The Add-ons
- 1/2 tablespoon cacao powder and/or nibs
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
Show Time
Place all the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 287
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin A: 10% RDA
- Vitamin C: 20% RDA
- Calcium: 38% RDA
- Iron: 45% RDA
I’d love to hear how you tried this maca superfood smoothie, as always, comments are welcomed and encouraged below. Happy Blending!
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