Foods Alive Feature Recipe & Newsletter
PERUVIAN MACA ROOT
Maca root is the new player on the super food team that includes goji and acai berries, reishi mushrooms and raw organic cacao beans. This root scores particularly high as a libido enhancer, fertility food and hormone balancer for men and women. It grows anywhere between 4000 ft and 14.000 ft high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes and was a staple on the menu of the Inca’s 2000 years ago. Extra portions were handed out to the young Incan warriors to keep them strong for battle. The soil at those altitudes is rich in minerals, which are “sucked up” by the maca just like all plants grown in rich garden soil and converted to the bio-available form. Peruvians prepare Maca in various forms like roasting, boiling and mashing and fermenting to produce a week beer or eaten as a salad. It is often mixed with fruits or vegetables and taken as a health drink.
Maca is an adaptogen plant. Adaptogens are like all round emergency crews. They pin point the trouble spots and defuse potential flare ups efficiently with a nudge here and a gentle hand there. Maca‘s adaptogenic affect is two-fold. It nourishes the endocrine system and assists in balancing the hormonal sytems when they are adversely affected by stress or aging. You can find gelatinized maca powder or capsules at most health food stores. You will also see it as an ingredient in high quality sports and energy blends. (look for the Vega brand and Maca Punch) I fear that I have developed a weakness for Macasure chocolate bars. Thank heavens for their small size. After all, I don’t need to go out and defend Machu Picchu, or wrestle a wild boar in between hot flashes. Your thyroid, pituitary, pineal glands, ovaries and testes all depend on a content and peaceful mind. Libido, fertility or virility aside, adding hormone specific plant foods to your diet will keep you dancing to the rhythmic beat of a lively tune.
CAYENNE CACAO MACA BUTTER
3/4 cup cashews
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil - melted
1 cup raw cacao nibs
1 tbsp maca powder
1/2 tsp vanilla axctract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Blend cacao nibs into small pieces in a high speed blender or food processor. Add cashews and blend until fine. Add all ingredients and blend until fairly smooth. (You can do this by hand) You can use this as icing on muffins or spread on toast, for a decadent, high energy topping that has zero transfats and zero cholesterol. I am going to enjoy this on super thin french crepes with fresh strawberries. You can add whipped cream if you promise to go for a 5 km walk afterwards.