Maca
Lepidium meyenii
Maca has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years and is now one of the most famous Andean products recognized and known worldwide as an incredible Superfood. Peru has the finest maca roots, which are known as the Inca fountain of youth. Why? Maca’s benefits have been long valued by many researchers and nutritionists. The root of this plant can be eaten in so many ways. The most common form to eat maca is powder from its dried root.
Benefits 💎
Maca raises energy levels, and combats physical and mental fatigue and stress. It strengthens the immune system, stimulates the endocrine system, balances nutritional and hormonal levels, increases endurance in athletic performace, improves concentration and focus: in a word, it stimulates every system!
It also relieves pre-menstrual pain and regulates the menstrual cycle, relieves the discomfort of menopause, supports the development of adolescents, has no harmful side effects.
Maca benefits
PROPERTIES ⚖️
Maca root powder is comprised of approximately 18% protein, 60% carbohydrates, 5% fat, and 8.5% fiber. Maca provides a powerful source of nutrition:
- Over 20 amino acids, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids
- 20 free-form fatty acids (such as lauric, linolenic, palmitic acid, oleic, and steric acid)
- Vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Sulphur
- Sodium
- Iron
Maca Powder benefits
Maca is a very rich source of phytonutrients.
Read more about Maca and its beneficial activity in the body.
Different Varieties of Maca 🌄
Maca is divided into 3 categories based on the color of their root, which can be red, black or yellow.
The 3 varieties of Maca are distinguished by the colors of their fruit/root mainly:
💛 Yellow Maca
This food is ideal for an optimal hormonal balance, recommended for women who are going through menopause. It also helps to increase bone density and gives a good mood.
Because of its pleasant and strong flavor is preferred among the three main varieties and the one that has the most properties for human health.
Maca powder
Hormonal balancer, energy and vitality.
❤️ Red Maca
It is recommended for those who have hyperplasia in the prostate, also provides benefits for the seminal vesicle as it ensures its normal functioning. We can not fail to mention the anti-inflammatory properties that this prodigious root has, its proven effects in both men and women are proof of how beneficial this tubercle is for humans. It is also the riches in calcium wich is great for people suffering from osteoporosis.
- Red Maca has more antioxidants because it contains more carotene, niacin, vitamin C, zinc, iron and calcium than the other varieties. These components are important in our nutrition in order to maintain our health in balance.
- In a study published in the Journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2005; 3:5, researchers reported that red maca significantly reduced prostate size in rats. This effect was exclusive to red maca, and was not the case for either the black or yellow varieties.
- Another study published by researchers from the Peruvian Journal of Experimental Medicine and Public Health, found that red maca had protective effects on the bone structure in rats with osteoporosis. This research has positive implications for the effect of red maca on bone health.
The characteristic color of this variety is due to the fact that it grows in extreme climates, that is to say a lot of heat during the day and an extreme cold at night, also taking into account the extreme conditions of its environment does not require any type of pesticide or other chemical for biologic control.
red maca powder
Anti-inflammatory, immune system, rich in calcium.
🖤 Black Maca
Known as the black gold of the Andes, superfood of millenary use. It is the rarest variety of maca, it has a flavor compared to roasted nuts; it is used to improve sexual performance, it is even called the Viagra of the Incas and represents only 15% of the total production of Peruvian maca.
Its proven action to regulate the hormonal system has gained popularity because it is very sought after by men and women as an aphrodisiac stimulant, that is to say it increases mood & sexual appetite, this effect is related to the reduction of anxiety in men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Another benefit of black maca is its activity on the pancreas and the thyroid, that is, it is a complete regulator of the endocrine system, as well as being an effective antioxidant. It can be consumed even by children because its high calcium content stimulates bone growth and is useful for injuries such as fractures, also recommended for people with rickets and osteomalacia.
black maca powder
Spermatogenesis, memory and concentration.
Peruvian Resource
This exlusive source of protein is native to the central highlands of Peru, mainly on the Junin plateau between 3,800 to 4,400 masl, where altitude, low temperatures and strong winds limit other crops although it makes this plant stronger. Domestication of this plant appears to have started at least 2,000 years ago. We work with very reliable farmers from this plateau.
It was sacred to the Incas and has been used as a food and medicine in the Andean mountains of Peru for centuries. It is well known for its ability to enhance strength and endurance. In fact, Inca warriors would often consume maca before long journeys and battles.
The Incas considered Maca as a gift from the gods. They cultivated it and offered it in its various ceremonies, recognizing its benefits as they used it to improve their physical and mental capacity.
How to Use
Maca powder can be easily mixed as an ingredient into your favorite smoothies, yogurts and dairy based products.
maca shake
It can also be part of desserts, chocolate bars, cakes and pies. This amazing Superfood can be paired directly with cocoa or cacao nibs. You can also try making your own energy bars or hot maca with oatmeal in the mornings. 🥤
