Spotlight: Maca, Ceylon Cinnamon, Avocado

So many foods contain unique qualities and healing components beyond most what the eye can see, so I’m going to start featuring a few powerful sources of plant-based nutrients each month because it’s empowering and inspiring to be educated!

Ready to learn some really cool things about the way God made food for us? Here’s this month’s plant-based whole food spotlights….

Maca:

What is it?
Maca is a root vegetable originating from Peru. You’ll typically find it in the form of a powder.

What are its super powers?
Maca is rich in vitamins and minerals. It promotes hormone balance, stamina, endurance, and mental clarity. It also aids in healing adrenal fatigue and reducing anxiety and depression.

How do you use it?
You can add maca powder to oatmeal, blend it into a smoothie or into a nut milk, or add it to baked goods.

What does it taste like?
Maca has a thick nutty butterscotch flavor.

Where can you buy it?
You can find it at most health food markets and definitely on Amazon.

How much is a serving size?
Typically 1 teaspoon

Ceylon Cinnamon:

What is it?
Ceylon Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka and southern Peru. It’s unlike Cassia Cinnamon, which is most commonly consumed and more widely grown.

What are its super powers?
Ceylon Cinnamon helps to control blood sugar, is an anti- inflammatory, and has anti-microbial properties (kills harmful bacteria and microorganisms). It’s great for immune health and diabetics or pre-diabetics. “Common cinnamon” or Cassia Cinnamon contains coumarin which can be toxic to the liver so should not be used in large quantities, so Ceylon Cinnamon is a much preferred alternative.

How do you use it?
You can add Ceylon Cinnamon anywhere you would use common cinnamon...in baked goods, sprinkled on apples and bananas, stirred into oatmeal, blended it into a protein shake or smoothie, or added to coffee or hot cocoa.

What does it taste like?
Ceylon Cinnamon has a sweeter and more mild flavor than common cinnamon.

Where can you buy it?
You can find Ceylon Cinnamon at most well-stocked grocers. Just be sure to read the label because a bottle that says “cinnamon” will likely by Cassia, whereas this cinnamon will say “Ceylon Cinnamon.” It is more expensive because of it’s quality, so you’ll know by the price difference as well! I find it for the best price on Amazon!

How much is a serving size?
There is no established dose, but 1/2 - 1 teaspoon a day is recommended for health benefits.

Avocado:

What is it?
The avocado tree is a member of the flowering plant family, making the avocado botanically considered as a large berry containing a single large seed….that’s one big berry! The two most common types are Hass California avocados which have a bumpy texture, and Florida avocados which are larger and have a smooth texture.

What are its super powers?
An avocado contains 20 vitamins and minerals. It’s high in disease fighting anti-oxidants, promotes healthy skin and hair, and contains carotenoids which help block the body from environmental toxins! The healthy fats in an avocado help keep hormones in balance and allow the body to absorb nutrients by nourishing the gut lining.

How do you use it?
You can eat avocados plain with a spoon, mash it into a guacamole with some spices, dice it on top of soups or salads, blend it with honey and cacao for chocolate pudding, or add it to a shake to create a creamy texture! basically…anywhere

What does it taste like?
Avocados have a pretty bland taste, which makes them easy to use in diverse ways as they take on the surrounding flavors in a dish. Ripe avocados, like most fruits, become sweeter in time. Once it becomes soft to the touch, you can put it in a sealed container and place it in the fridge to keep it from going bad until you’re ready to eat it, preserving its freshness a bit longer.

Where can you buy it?
Your local grocery store or farmers market will likely have avocados in abundance.

How much is a serving size?
1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado is a common serving size, but eat up until your body is satisfied, because these are POWER houses for feeding your brain, body, and mood.

***The above information is based on my research and education, and is not to be used as a medical diagnosis.  You should always consult your doctor and find what works best for your specific body and needs.