After the birth of my son I was looking for anything that could help me overcome the adrenal fatigue that left me completely depleted of energy. Just like many new moms I was sleep deprived, my immune system was suppressed, I wanted to get back to normal life but felt overwhelmed with my constant lack of energy.
I began doing research & came across two lifesavers that in combination, with resolve, a more raw based diet, & as much physical activity as I could muster, helped me overcome stress, reduce my fatigue, regulate my irregular eating habits, & eventually feel like a normal person again. Maca & Reishi are my saving graces! These potent herbals improved my quality of life. I consumed them daily in whatever way I could.
Reishi is in our Body & Mind Elixir, one of my favorite ways to dose myself with a number of invigorating herbs for mental & physical stamina. The recipe for the Organic Vegan Raw Reishi Maca Energy Bars below was my go to meal when being a mom/ business owner/ part time ESL teacher took up too much time to eat nutritionally. Instead of eating junk I just popped one of these satisfying & filling bad boys out the freezer & went about my day with plenty of energy to spare & it also balanced my blood sugar so I wouldn’t overeat later.
What is Maca Good For?
Maca is grown high in the mountains of South America, mainly in high altitude regions of Peru. The pleasant tasting root is usually available in powder form whose benefits include a positive effect on hormone balance, energy levels, increased fertility in both men & women, a booster for the immune system, improved stamina, memory & focus.
Maca is considered an “adaptogen”, a name given to certain herbs, plants, and natural substances that help the body naturally adapt to stressors. Consuming maca often makes people feel more “alive”, energetic, & leaves them with a sense of well-being, all of which are thought to be due to its ability to restore proper hormone balance & elevate “feel good” endorphins. Another benefit of maca is its relatively high amount of absorbable plant-based nutrients, including protein, fiber, calcium & magnesium.
Maca Root Powder Nutrition Facts
18% protein
76.5% carbohydrates
5% fat,
8.5% fiber (indigestible carbohydrates)
Over 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids
20 free-form fatty acids (such as lauric, linolenic, palmitic acid, oleic, & steric acid)
Vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
Copper
Zinc
Manganese
Phosphorus
Selenium
Sulphur
Sodium
Iron
Rich source of phytonutrients.
There is no particular recommended serving size of maca according to experts, however most people feel best when starting with about 1 tablespoon daily (in powder form) & possibly working their way up to 2-3 tablespoons, spread throughout the day. Because maca can help increase energy and stamina, many people like to consume it before exercising.
What is Reishii Good For?
Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum is a favorite in Traditional Chinese Medicine where it is named "the king of herbs" & "10,000 year mushroom". Highly praised in herbal medicine for thousands of years for their effects on longevity & high antioxidant levels, this powerful fungi is renowned for its anti-aging attributes. Other benefits include cancer prevention & treatment, detoxification of the liver, stimulation of cognitive activity, anti-inflammation, alleviation of allergies, lowering high blood pressure, & boosting energy levels!
Raw Reishi Maca Vegan Energy Bar Ingredients
3 cups Whole Oats
½ cup Coconut Flour
1 can 13.5 oz Coconut Milk
2 cups Chopped Cashews: I ground mine in a Vitamix
½ cup Maple Syrup
1 cup Chia Seeds
1 cup Peanut Butter or your favorite nut butter
1/2 cup Maca
1 tbs Reishii Powder
or Seven Treasures Powder from the Health Ranger
1 tbs Cinnamon
Combine everything. Roll into balls or press firmly into a lightly greased baking dish to make bars (pressingor placing them on parchment paper makes it easier to pop them out & clean up). Set in freezer for at least 3 hours to firm up. Enjoy! If making the bars cut ½ way through freezing into your desired size or thaw slightly before dividing or let thaw slightly before slicing.
Play around with the recipe, add dark chocolate nibs, hemp protein, diced dates, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, shredded coconut or whatever your heart desires to spice them up if you want, the options are endless, the recipe is quick & simple & your body will thank you.
Sources of Maca & Reishi Benefits
https://draxe.com/reishi-mushroom/
https://draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/