Maca Fertility Fudge
Every ingredient in this maca fertility fudge has been added for its fertility boosting properties. These tasty treats are stored in the freezer and help to balance blood sugar, stabilize energy, and provide lasting satiation.
Healthy fats
These fudge squares are little bombs of healthy saturated and monounsaturated fat to nourish and support fertility. With the fat-free fad thankfully mostly behind us, many people are starting to embrace the fact that we really need healthy fat to function optimally. Nothing else that we eat (or don’t eat) has a bigger impact on our reproductive capabilities, but unfortunately there’s still some confusion around what fats are good for us. I’d like to write a long post about this subject soon, but for now I’ll try to simplify things as much as possible.
The good: Incredibly nourishing and crucial for the proper functioning of the reproductive system.
Naturally saturated, ex: coconut oil, grass-fed butter (yes, butter from healthy sources!)
Monounsaturated, ex: avocado, olive
Polyunsaturated, ex: Omega 3, Omega 6 (from whole food sources, not extracted)
The bad: Very inflammatory and can damage cells and tissues. Exacerbates PCOS & endometriosis.
Industrial seed oil, ex: canola oil, sunflower oil
Vegetable oil, ex: corn oil, soybean oil
The ugly: Powerful deterrent to ovulation and conception. Causes damage to cells in the reproductive organs and contributes to infertility.
Artificially saturated, trans fat, hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated, ex: margarine, shortening, vegan butter spreads
Maca
This root has a nutty, butterscotch flavor and has been used by indigenous Peruvian societies for thousands of years. Maca nourishes the endocrine system, balances hormones, improves mental function, increases energy, and probably most important for fertility- boosts libido. When buying Maca, the gelatinized form is preferred over the raw because it is easier to digest and absorb.
Cacao
Chocolate is a mild stimulant and renowned aphrodisiac. Raw cacao contains over 30% more of the aphrodisiac-like amino arginine compared to processed cocoa. It also contains more of the mood-enhancing amino acid DL-phenylalanine, and significantly more magnesium.
Most North Americans are unknowingly deficient in magnesium, and studies have shown a direct link between low magnesium levels and infertility. Magnesium is important for the production of progesterone, a hormone that's intricately involved in the menstrual cycle. After ovulation progesterone levels begin to fall, unless the egg has been fertilized, then progesterone levels steadily rise. This is why progesterone is often refer to as "the hormone of pregnancy."
Cinnamon
Elevated blood sugar and insulin levels can disrupt ovulation. This common spice improves the body's ability to process glucose and insulin- the hormone responsible for regulating how the body uses and stores glucose. Cinnamon can be used for those with PCOS and can help regulate cycles by changing how the body responds to insulin.
Stevia
This natural herbal sweetener has no impact on blood sugar. Look for unrefined green powder or liquid extracts.
Maca fertility fudge
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup tahini
2 tsp maca
1 tsp cacao powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp stevia, powdered or liquid (optional)
1/8 tsp unrefined salt
Mix the dry ingredients, cacao powder, maca, cinnamon, stevia (if powdered), and salt. Gently warm the coconut oil over low heat in a saucepan. Blend in the almond butter and tahini with the coconut oil (add the stevia here if it is liquid) and stir continuously. Once wet ingredients are blended, add the dry ingredients to the saucepan and mix well. Scoop mixture into silicone molds and freeze. Once solid, eat straight from the freezer, or let them sit a few minutes to soften. Depending on your climate, these may not keep their shape at room temperature for long.