Is Maca Root A Healthy Coffee Alternative?

Why Do People Look for Coffee Alternatives

Coffee contains caffeine, which undoubtedly boosts energy levels. However, it also has a number of detrimental side effects, which have set many people on the path to finding coffee alternatives. Here are some reasons people look for coffee alternatives:

• 1. Health Concerns: Caffeine brings about a hyperactive nervous system, which can cause anxiety, restlessness, agitation or irritation, elevated heart rate, and hyperventilation. Alternatives like maca can offer comparable stimulation without the negative effects for people who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to cut back on their intake.
• 2. Reduced sleep quality: Because caffeine affects the central nervous system, it can cause sleep disturbances. Even worse, if coffee keeps you awake at night, you might drink more of it in the morning to make up for the lack of sleep, which would lead to a vicious cycle.
• 3. Digestive Problems: Coffee is known to promote the production of stomach acid, which can make disorders like IBS or acid reflux worse. Alternatives often affect the digestive system less.
• 4. Dietary Restrictions: Some people avoid coffee for cultural or religious reasons, or they are on diets that forbid stimulants.
• 5. Flavor Exploration: To put it simply, some people are seeking new tastes or variety in alternatives like maca and coffee, which can’t offer this.

Does Maca Contain Caffeine?

There is no caffeine in maca. Beverages like coffee, tea, and chocolate all contain caffeine, a stimulant, albeit in trace amounts. Adenosine, a neurotransmitter in our brains that normally instructs the body to relax and promotes sensations of fatigue, is blocked by caffeine. Although 80% of adults worldwide are thought to consume caffeine on a daily basis, there are some regrettable side effects, such as anxiety, restlessness, tremors, irregular pulse, and difficulty falling asleep.

Maca, however, is a nutrient-dense plant that is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body adjust to stress, anxiety, and exhaustion, giving you greater energy and endurance. Many also ask, “Is maca a stimulant?” With maca, you won't experience the crashes, jitters, or anxiety associated with caffeine and artificial stimulants. Maca helps your body adjust to stressors over time, giving you a steady and long-lasting energy boost.

Dr Linia Patel, Women’s Health Dietitian & Performance Nutritionist, was quoted in Vogue magazine, says

While maca contains unique bioactive compounds, it shares some properties with other adaptogens known for supporting energy, stress resilience, and hormonal balance

How to Use Maca as a Coffee Alternative

The flavor of maca is comparatively sweet and creamy, and it contains notes of almonds and butterscotch. Maca can be taken at any time of day and added to soup, afternoon tea, or even salad dressing because it doesn't have a short-term stimulating impact. Establishing a habit can help you remember to take it every day and see real-time answers to questions like “does maca have side effects?” and “does maca keep you awake?” In light of this, here are other ways you can use maca as a coffee alternative:

1. Maca Coffee

Making maca coffee involves mixing maca powder with hot water or milk and additional flavorings such as cacao powder, cinnamon, and sweeteners. Furthermore, although being referred to as “maca coffee,” this cozy beverage recipe is not made with coffee beans, which makes it a distinctive take on your typical morning brew.

On the Luminberry YouTube channel, expert Julie explains the maca latte as the ultimate energy drink and a substitute for coffee.

2. Maca Tea

3. Smoothies and oatmeals

4. Baked goods and snacks

Who Should Use Maca Instead of Coffee?

People who ask questions like “Does maca give you energy?” and “Does maca increase testosterone?” often benefit from taking maca instead of coffee. Here are some you should know:

• 1. Caffeine-sensitive people: If you’re someone who experiences jitters, anxiety, or an irregular heartbeat from taking caffeinated beverages or food, consider maca. This adaptogen offers a calming and sustainable energy booster without these side effects.
• 2. Women who have menopause symptoms: Maca coffee can help women who are having menopausal discomforts, such as mood swings, hot flashes, and other frequent problems.

Read Also: Benefits Of Maca For Women

• 3. People looking to improve their hormonal health: Maca is a great support for hormonal health and can offer great benefits for both men and women looking to regulate their hormonal levels.
• 4. Athletes and physical performers: Maca improves energy and endurance. After just 14 days on maca, cyclist in one research were able to reduce their 40-kilometer times dramatically.
• 5. Those who want to improve their sex lives: The oldest and most popular usage of maca is for male and female fertility. In Peru, couples who wish to become pregnant still turn to maca as their first option. According to recent research from Peru and Switzerland, Black maca, in particular, boosts sexual desire and sperm motility and count.

Read more: How Powerful Is Maca for Hormonal Balance?