What is maca coffee? I’ll fill you in.
Maca coffee is the ultimate healthy morning pick-me-up!
This up-and-coming breakfast beverage will give you the necessary energy boost, without the negative side effects.
Maca is the latest trend in the world of morning beverages, and it looks like it’s here to stay.
It’s not without reason. Maca is a highly-energizing, caffeine-free drink packed with tons of health benefits!
It’s vegan and gluten-free, to boot.
So if you’re a heavy coffee drinker looking for a more wholesome alternative, maca coffee perfectly fits the bill.
Intrigued? Read on to learn anything and everything there is to know about maca coffee!
What is Maca?
Not to be confused with mocha or matcha, maca is a cruciferous vegetable just like broccoli and cauliflower.
The maca plant grows in the Andes mountain range in Peru.
It’s been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
It’s one of the very few edible plants that are able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the Andes.
Maca is consumed in the form of porridge and fermented drinks.
But while the plant’s vegetable is completely edible, it’s the maca root that is widely sought-after.
Also known as Peruvian ginseng, maca root has long been used by the Andean people as an herbal medicine.
It’s used to improve stamina and strength, and to treat hormonal imbalances.
It can also aid with other medical conditions such as infertility and sexual-related problems.
While not medically proven, certain studies have shown that maca can enhance men’s hormones.
It supposedly increases their testosterone levels and stamina.
It’s also high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fiber, and can treat other illnesses like respiratory conditions and rheumatism.
Considering its wide array of health benefits, maca has grown in popularity in other countries.
In the US, for instance, maca is taken as a natural dietary supplement that helps boost fertility, libido, and sexual health.
You can take it in pill form, or buy powdered maca to make coffee or tea.
Because of the high demand for maca, other countries have also started cultivating the plant, including the Yunnan province of China.
What is Maca Coffee?
Maca coffee is a beverage made of maca powder, which is created by roasting the maca root.
To clarify, maca coffee does not contain coffee at all.
But because it is manufactured to taste like coffee, you can expect the same burnt, coffee-like flavor in maca coffee.
While it’s just as energizing as regular coffee, the fact that maca is caffeine-free means it won’t give you any jitters.
With maca, you can say goodbye to palpitations!
Plus, you’ll also nourish your body with all the marvelous health benefits that maca offers, all of which I’ll discuss below.
Nowadays, many people have transitioned to maca, not just for its nutritional value.
It’s also to stay safe from the damaging effects of coffee.
Let’s be honest, while coffee is fantastic, it can also potentially lead to a variety of health concerns.
These range from headaches and insomnia to anxiety and addiction.
Coffee can sometimes even result in adrenal stress, which will lower your energy, making it a counterproductive energy booster!
To make maca coffee, you simply mix maca powder in hot water until completely dissolved.
You can add sweeteners like sugar, honey, or maple syrup to enhance its flavor.
You can also make a maca latte by adding your choice of dairy.
Is Maca Coffee Safe to Drink?
While there are only a few studies to date that prove maca coffee’s health benefits, it’s perfectly safe to drink in general.
Just like any other dietary supplement, though, you’ll want to consult with your doctor first before you try it.
Also, health experts have yet to confirm if maca is safe for pregnant people, breastfeeding mothers, and those suffering from thyroid problems.
If you fall under any of these categories, only consume maca upon your doctor’s go signal.
Maca Coffee Benefits
Albeit there are only a few researches to back it up, maca is believed to possess a wide range of health benefits.
Just like all other dietary supplements, take this list of health benefits with a grain of salt.
1. Maca coffee nourishes the body with the following nutrients:
- Antioxidants. These compounds attack harmful free radicals and keep your cells healthy.
- Vitamins B6, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, and Potassium
- Protein, Fiber, and Carbohydrates
2. Maca coffee helps increase libido and fertility in men.
Maca is mainly touted as an aphrodisiac for men. It is also believed to improve sexual performance and increase sperm count.
A scientific study in 2020 discovered that taking 2 grams of maca a day will significantly improve sperm count.
3. Maca coffee helps ease menopause symptoms.
Although a naturally occurring phenomenon, the side effects of menopause can cause discomfort.
Do you experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and irritability?
A cup of maca coffee a day could help mitigate those symptoms.
4. Maca coffee manages erectile dysfunction.
While there are only limited studies that support this claim, maca coffee is said to reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
5. Maca coffee can improve mental health.
Rich in flavonoids, maca coffee can reduce anxiety and help put you in a better mood.
6. Maca coffee boosts your energy without adrenal stress.
Just like regular coffee, maca coffee amps your energy and improves your performance.
But unlike coffee, it won’t lower your energy in the long run.
7. Maca coffee will keep you feeling full longer.
Because it’s high in nutrients and low in sugar, maca coffee will help you feel full and satisfied much longer than coffee will.
If you’re trying to shed a few pounds, maca coffee will help you eat less.
8. Maca coffee strengthens bones and teeth.
Where Does Maca Come From?
The maca plant grows in the Andes mountain range in Peru.
It’s been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
It’s one of the rare edible plants that’s able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the mountains.
However, because of the high demand for maca, other countries have also started cultivating the plant.
This includes the Yunnan province of China.
What Does Maca Taste Like?
Because maca powder is manufactured to taste like coffee, you can expect the same burnt, coffee-like flavor in maca coffee.
It also has a nutty, earthy taste with hints of butterscotch-ish flavor.
There are some brands that add flavor and other herbs to their maca powder, though.
For these, the taste will vary depending on the add-ins.
What is Maca Coffee?
If you’re asking yourself, “What is maca coffee,” you can find the answer here! Learn all about this trendy beverage and why it’s a great alternative to regular coffee.
Ingredients
Maca Coffee
Hot water
Instructions
- Maca coffee is a healthy, caffeine-free, and gluten-friendly alternative to coffee.
- It is made from maca powder and doesn’t contain coffee at all.
- It is high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
