Chocolate Protein Maca Superfood Smoothie

Are you running late and in need of a quick meal or snack? This Maca Superfood Energy Smoothie is easy to make and loaded with nutrients! With this recipe, you'll stay full and energized throughout the day.

The superfoods blended into this smoothie, such as spinach and bananas, provide an abundance of vitamins and benefits. Adding in a tablespoon of cacao powder gives the smoothie an extra sweetness, too! 

The key ingredient that helps this smoothie pack an extra punch is maca powder. Made with the root of the maca plant, maca powder is a popular addition to many recipes due to its energizing effects and immense health benefits. 

What Is Maca Root? 

The Maca plant is a Peruvian plant that's similar to broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. The edible portion of this plant, the root, is widely used for its medicinal effects. Generally, maca root serves as a caffeine-free energy booster, which is great to add to smoothies and other nutritious snacks. 

Maca root comes in multiple colors such as white, black, and red. Each color of root provides varying benefits for your body. To learn more about the maca root and its benefits by color, check out this Varieties of Maca Root article.

How To Use Maca Root in the Kitchen

For consumption purposes, maca root is dried and crushed into powder form. The powder can be incorporated into many different recipes. However, if you prefer other methods of consumption, maca root also comes in capsules and as a liquid extract.

What Can I Mix Maca Root With?

By itself, maca root has a very earthy flavor, so many opt to mix maca powder into other meals. Smoothies, oatmeal, and desserts are common foods that maca root is added into!

Add Maca Into These Foods:

• Smoothies
• Oats
• Lattes
• Hot or Cold Milk
• Guacamole
• Hummus
• Baked Goods
• ...and much more!

How Much Maca Should I Put in My Smoothie?

The range of daily maca consumption can range from 1-1.5 teaspoons or 3.5-5 grams; ultimately, the amount of maca you add depends on your personal preference and overall health.

Health Benefits of Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to get your fruits (and sometimes vegetables) in during the day! Since smoothies are quick and easy to make, they're a great substitute for a meal on any day you're running late or short on time.

• Prevents dehydration 
• Keeps you full and energized during the day
• Great source of antioxidants (add in matcha, blueberries, or grapes)
• Detoxifies your body
• Boosts brain power

The benefits of smoothies can vary depending on what ingredients you use. For example, adding in spinach and citrus fruits will boost your calcium intake, while adding strawberries can help control carcinogens in your body. 

There's never a right or wrong way to blend ingredients together, so you can experiment with new combinations. The end result will always be healthy and delicious! 

Want To Mix Up More Plant-Based Smoothies? Here's Some Other Favorite Tasty Recipes To Try!

• Piña Colada Superfood Smoothie

• Superfood Workout Booster Smoothie

• Hawaiian Spirulina Superfood Smoothie Bowl

• Chocolate Monkey Superfood Smoothie Bowl

• Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Superfood Smoothie

SAVE on great vegan organic products, meal plans, and more delivered to your front door from Thrive! 🌱 Help support Assuaged and a family or veteran in need by joining today! 

Do you have a yummy plant-based drink to share with Assuaged or any other maca superfood recipes? Feel free to share your go-to recipes with the Assuaged community on our ➡️Share A Recipe⬅️ page!