I know many of you have dealt with at least one of these: severe PMS, sudden mood changes, oily hair or spontaneous acne. I have struggled with hormone imbalance for a long time, and these symptoms are all very familiar to me.
In my early twenties, I treated them with pills; now I keep things in balance with a healthy lifestyle, a natural diet and the aid of healing superfoods. Relying on natural remedies was my way to balance my hormone production, and maca is one of my favorite medicines.
Chocolate Energy Bar Recipe with Maca
The rich nutritional profile of maca includes high concentrations of protein, iron, potassium, iodine, essential minerals (calcium and magnesium), natural sugars and fiber. All of these nutrients are essential for balancing hormone production.
Minerals support the healthy activity of your body cells and their natural detox functions, fiber cleanses old estrogen from your system, and iodine is essential for thyroid function. The wide nutrient array of maca give it its exceptional health benefits.
Health Benefits of Maca
Increases the libido and fertility
Energizes and strengthen endurance
Reduces the menopausal symptoms by balancing the natural hormone levels without the use of synthetic supplements
Alleviates the PMS and reduce acne
Heals depression caused by hormone imbalance, by increasing your body’s serotonins level
I don’t take maca as a supplement, but I keep maca powder stocked in my kitchen to add to smoothies, breakfast bowls or this hormone-balancing hot chocolate. Consuming it in the form of organic, raw powder rather than as a standardized pill is the best way to get maximum healing benefits.
Recently I discovered that maca works magic in energy bars. The natural sugars give a delicious taste and an energy kick before exercising. I combine it with a mix of nuts for healthy fats and protein, pitted dates for natural sugar, and oats for fiber and cleansing action.
Maca Chocolate Energy Bars
Made with maca powder, oats and mixed nuts, these bars nourish your body from inside out, help it cope with stress and energize it.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
- 1 tbsp maca powder
- 2 tsp almond butter
- 1 cup dry pitted dates overnight soaked into purified water
- 1 cup mixed nuts almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts
- 2 tsp raw cacao powder
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
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In the food processor add drained dates, coconut oil, almond butter, maca and cacao powder, and process to obtain a creamy puree.
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Add the mixed nuts, desiccated coconut, rolled oats and salt and mix to incorporate.
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Shape little bars using your hands, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic foil and freeze for at least two hours.
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Defrost for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes
I don't take maca as a supplement, but I keep maca powder stocked in my kitchen to add to smoothies, breakfast bowls or this hormone-balancing hot chocolate. Consuming it in the form of organic, raw powder rather than as a standardized pill is the best way to get maximum healing benefits.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon, M.D., a university-trained obstetrician/gynecologist with 19 years of clinical experience. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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