Energize? Promote an “in the mood” feeling? Bring on happiness with a malty makeover? Sounds like Summer Lovin to me…at least relative to smoothies.

Maca, a star ingredient in this wholesome confection is sometimes referred to as “Nature’s Viagra”. The hearty plant grows in central Peru, high in the Andes Mountains, and has been cultivated there for at least 3,000 years. It is a root vegetable and relative of the radish, although it tastes more like butterscotch or malt, depending on the variety.

It is an adaptogenic plant, which means it de-stresses and restores normal physiological functioning in the body without specific attention to any one system or organ. Adaptogens are non-toxic, contribute to whole-body balancing, and naturally increase resistance to disease. In the case of hormones if your body is producing too much of say estrogen, the adaptogen—in this case maca—will help your body produce less. Alternatively If your body is producing too little of a hormone, maca will kick in to help increase the amount being produced while at the same time, balancing all other systems to support those out of whack. Neato, right? That’s why today it’s getting most of the attention!

Paired up with mineral and antioxidant-rich cacao, the zinc and high quality omegas of pumpkinseed butter, and assimilation-ready chocolate plant protein, this blend is next level goodness. You will be starting your day with what your mouth will think is dessert, but your body will recognize as functional fuel.

Well, that is enough for now. It’s time for you to go make this smoothie, and get that Summer Lovin feeling going.

Makes: Approx. (2) 12-ounce smoothies

Ingredients:

2 handfuls green (such as spinach and kale)

2 scoops chocolate plant protein powder

2 tablespoons raw cacao powder

1 tablespoon raw maca root powder

1-2 tablespoons pumpkinseed butter (or other nut/seed butter you enjoy)

1/4 medium avocado

1 tablespoon liquid sweetener such as honey, yacon or coconut nectar

1 3/4 cups cold vanilla plant milk

6-8 large ice cubes

Pinch sea salt

Pinch cinnamon

Preparation:

In a high-speed blender, combine all ingredients. Purée on high for thirty seconds. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a variety of crunchy goodies like cacao nibs, hemp seeds, maca maple cashews, coconut flakes, or anything else you have on hand!