More and more people are coming to understand the role inflammation plays in our health and are interested in reducing chronic inflammation in their body. Did you know that there isn’t a single cause of chronic inflammation? Did you know a number of lifestyle factors can play a role?
One of those lifestyle factors is stress. Sure, we all know stress isn’t fun. But what we need to understand is how stress can have a negative effect on our health without us even realizing what’s going on.
We might not be able to totally avoid stress. Let’s face it. 2020 is filled with stress and I don’t see it going away anytime soon. So while stress might be a part of our lives, let’s look at how we can manage it and the way our diet can help lower its impact on inflammation in our body.
Stress=trigger for inflammation. Now what? Fight back!
One such food that can help fight inflammation caused by stress is maca root.
What is Maca Root?
Maca is an indigenous Andean vegetable. It’s been grown and cultivated as a root crop for at least 2,000 years. It looks similar to radishes or turnips and the roots can be yellow, purple, or black. It’s a root that’s legendary among ancient Incan civilizations, where entire villages would gather to eat maca to improve their strength, stamina, and alertness before a big battle.
Fresh Maca Root isn’t readily available in the United States, but thankfully its popularization in recent years means it’s easy to find in powder form. As it was always traditionally consumed cooked, it’s best to buy gelatinized Maca Root powder, not raw Maca Root.
What are the Benefits of Maca Root?
Maca Root is an adaptogen, which means it’s a plant that naturally helps the body adapt to stressors. Adaptogens have a special ability to adapt their functions to your body’s specific needs. Because of this, including Maca Root in your diet can help your body deal with the elements of life that cause stress, such as busy schedules, demanding work tasks, or relationship issues, thus lowering overall inflammation in the body.
Maca can also boost both your energy and your mood. It’s been shown to provide sustained energy throughout the day without a crash (I’m looking at you, Morning Coffee…) and doesn’t that make you generally FEEL better about everything in life? Yes!
It’s also known as an aphrodisiac that can help with male sexual performance. You better make this Maca Root Hot Cocoa a regular drink for your man!
As an adaptogen, it’s also known to help balance hormones and supports the body’s natural liver detoxification.
Now that you know a little more about Maca Root, let’s talk about today’s recipe!
This is a quick and easy hot cocoa recipe that’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup (YUM!) and enhanced with Maca Root powder. This recipe was originally published in my first cookbook, Anti-inflammatory Drinks for Health. This is a great recipe book to have on hand for fortifying your day with drinks filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients. It has 100 different recipes, including recipes for smoothies, juices, cold drinks, tonics, shots, and hot drinks like this one. You’ll love it!
Recipe Ingredients-What You Need
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or milk of choice
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder, higher quality will yield the best taste
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons maca root powder
Are you ready to make this incredible drink? It will keep you warm and cozy while providing amazing health benefits. Why not give it a try? Printable recipe is below!
If you’re looking for more anti-inflammatory drinks with health benefits, check out this recipe for Elderberry Syrup, this Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie, or this Hydrating Green Juice! You might also love my cookbook, Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health!
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Maca Root Hot Cocoa
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Maca Root Hot Cocoa is easy to make with simple ingredients and is perfect when stress in your life is high and you need so, time to relax and rejuvenate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk, or milk of choice
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder, higher quality will yield the best taste
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons maca root powder
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, gently heat the almond milk until hot.
- Whisk in the cacao powder, maple syrup, and maca root powder until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
*This can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week and reheated as needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: drink recipes
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 25 grams
- Fat: 4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 38 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
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This recipe is so simple and tastes so much better than those chalky packets. Hubby said it’s the best hot chocolate he’s ever had! We’ve made it 2 days in a row.