Last week I was catching up with a friend who I haven’t seen or heard from in a while and she told me something alarming. She said “Vani – I haven’t changed my diet, or my exercise routine, but I’ve gained 15 pounds in the last 2 months! I gained it all because of stress!” She’s currently working on a big project and was worried about her sudden weight gain. When she went to the doctor, the doctor checked her cortisol levels. She found out, “they were through the roof!” Did you know cortisol levels can increase from elevated stress and cause sudden weight gain? Fat accumulates near the stomach because the cells in the stomach are more sensitive to cortisol, and very effective at storing energy. I don’t know about you – but knowing that fact alone makes me want to drop everything and check into the spa. Hearing her story was a huge wake up call to myself, I’m a workaholic and if I don’t watch it, the balance in my life can totally take a free fall. Her story also got me motivated to share a superfood ingredient that can help your body handle stress better and reduce cortisol levels (and help you in the nooky department too, which I know also reduces stress!).

Superfoods are nutrient dense foods that pack a powerful punch when it comes to antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Basically SUPERFOOD = SUPERMAN! . . . or WOMAN! Eating superfoods has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease and prolong life. Way up high in the Peruvian Andes grows the prized superfood called Maca. It’s the highest altitude crop on earth. With a growing altitude of 13,000 feet, this plant is not for your home garden (unless your garden happens to be on the top of the Andes). Over its 3,000 year cultivation maca has earned itself a pretty long list of benefits, some of which include . . . get ready . . .

• Increased energy
  
• Reduced stress
• Improved sexual function (improved libido)
• Improved physical and emotional well being
• Improved mental clarity
• Improved hair growth
• Improved thyroid health
• Ability to balance hormones
• Ability to protect skin against ultraviolet radiation
• Ability to treat PMS
• Improved skin tone
• Ability to raise sperm count
• Helps prevent osteoporosis
• Ability to treat depression

In an extensive study of the maca plant, Dr. Gustavo F Gonzales found that maca can enhance the ability for an individual to “adapt” to a stressful environment by “improving homeostasis” in the body. This can positively effect energy, endurance and oxygen in the blood (which makes maca a great cure for altitude sickness . . . it’s no coincidence that it is grown in high altitudes). Maca can also affect the happy chemicals in your body that control libido, balance the endocrine system, adrenals, hormones, thyroid, and one’s mood! That is a lot for just one scoop of powder a day. Throughout its history, the consumption of maca has been used by Peruvian natives for having strong effects on fertility and energy in both humans and animals. It is said that during the Incan empire, warriors were give maca to give them strength and stamina in battle but were then denied maca when they returned home in order to protect the women from their strong sexual desires. Whoa. This stuff is like nature’s Viagra. Check out this article where my friend Dr. Mercola lists maca as one of the top natural supplemental ways to enhance sexual function.

Dried maca contains 59% carbohydrates, 8.5% fiber, and slightly more than 10.2% protein. The protein in maca contains seven essential amino acids. Maca is also rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and iron. Add to that the vitamins B1, B2, and C and you can easily understand what makes this a superfood! Some researchers even argue that Maca’s ability to treat a disorder like depression comes simply from the fact that the food is so nutritionally dense and that people become happier because they are getting the nutrients they need! So, the good news is ever since the reemergence of maca in the 1980 access to this powerfully medicinal food is becoming easier and easier. And now, thanks to the beautiful world wide web you can have maca show up at your door, which is way easier than hiking up the Andes, let me tell you!

Maca is a member of the cruciferous family which includes brocolli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips and radishes. Maca is grown for its root which resembles that of a radish. Maca root can grow in a variety of different colours and can be consumed in several different ways, of which the most popular is dried and ground into a powder, maca powder. Maca powder is definitely the easiest way to add maca to your diet. I love throwing 1 tbsp in morning smoothies for extra energy, in homemade hot chocolate (recipe below) and in desserts like brownies or anything with chocolate! It goes really really well with chocolate – yum! Did I say chocolate? When I was in Peru recently, Maca caramels were everywhere, I’d love to try to make those at home one day. You can also check out more recipes and the subtle differences between red, black and cream maca from my partner The Maca Team here.

Prep time 5 mins, Cook time 5 mins, Total time 10 mins Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 and ½ cups nut milk (coconut or almond)
  
• 4 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon of maca powder
• 2 dates pitted
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth
2. Place ingredients in a small sauce pan and slowly warm to temperature desired.

Notes ***Please use all organic ingredients if possible***

The Maca Team is a small family owned operation and supplies maca straight from small Peruvian organic co-op farmers. I feel really good about supporting and partnering with a company that offers the highest quality organic maca straight from the source. I hope you take time to look into this amazing superfood and see what it can do for you. Please share this with your family and friends that might be in the need of a little stress reduction or a boost in the nooky department. I would love to hear your stories about how maca is affecting you (well . . . most of your stories . . . haha!)

Peace, Love, and Maca,

Food Babe.com

Organic, raw Maca is available at Quantum Vitamins.

Spirulina is a powerhouse of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It detoxifies, boosts immune function, energizes, increases libido, aids in weight loss by improving your metabolism, and is scientifically proven to aid in fighting cancer and any viral illnesses.

What spirulina does for your body:

• Encourages and supports the growth of healthy bacterial flora in your gut.
• Relieves allergy symptoms.
• Balances blood pressure.
• Helps to normalize cholesterol naturally.
• Lowers the risk of stroke.
  
• Contains more protein than red meat.
• Has natural anti-aging properties.
  
• Strengthens teeth and bones and improves eyesight.
• Is an excellent source of vital amino acids and minerals such as Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, and Phosphorous, and is easily assimilated by your body.
• Provides B complex vitamins, vitamin E, beta-carotene and chlorophyll.

Smoothie Recipe (one serving)

1  banana
1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup of spinach or Kale
1/3 of a cup of water/almond milk/coconut water
1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
1 teaspoon of protein powder of your choice
1 teaspoon of spirulina
Optional: 2 medjool dates (this sweetens it)

Simply place everything together in the blender, peel the banana and pit the dates first though! Then blend for a minute or so until smooth. You may want to add more water/almond milk/coconut water if you like it runnier. Then sip, love and enjoy!

By Michelle Pascal, Registered Holistic Nutritionist