Maca Root: The Incredible Food for Hormones and Longevity




A staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, this adaptogenic superfood increases energy, endurance, strength, and libido.

Maca is a favorite of raw-foodists, vegetarians, adventurers, extreme athletes, dessert chefs and food alchemists.


Dried maca powder contains more than 10% protein, nearly 20 amino acids, and 7 essential amino acids. As a root crop, maca contains five times more protein than a potato and four times more fiber. It is a a great source of hormone precursors and amino acids.

Maca invigorates; rejuvenates the endocrine system; benefits the thyroid, the sexual organs, and the adrenals; supports brain health and good neurochemistry; helps fight feelings of depression – in short, it is one of the most incredible foods on the planet. Not only does maca include a ton of nutrients, amino acids, fatty acids, but it also increases fertility. If you are having trouble conceiving a child, maca is a great food to add to your diet. Maca is also excellent for combating menopausal symptoms.


What is Maca?
 
Maca is a traditional staple superfood-food-herb from the harsh cold climates of the high Andes in Peru that has been used for thousands of years. Maca grows at an elevation of 11,000-14,000 feet, making it likely the highest altitude food-herb crop in the world. The character and properties of maca developed due to these extreme growing conditions. This makes Maca an excellent food-herb choice for individuals living in cold climates and/or at high altitudes and/or with extreme lifestyles.

Maca is a member of the cruciferous family of plants. It is a distant relative of the common radish. The maca plant produces leaves that grow close to the ground and the plant produces a small, off-white flower typical of the cruciferous family. The main part of interest for this plant, however, is the radish-like tuberous root.



Historical and Traditional Use of Maca

Archaeological evidence revealed that maca was domesticated over 2,000 years ago by the predecessors of the Incan people. Even today, for many indigenous inhabitants of the Andes, Maca is still one of the most vital and valuable of all commodities.

The maca root has been used over the ages for its nutritional and herbal qualities. Once harvested, the maca root was traditionally dried, then powdered. And once powdered, it was eaten or traded for other commodities. Often times cacao nibs and beans (raw chocolate) from the jungle were traded for the maca. These two foods (maca and cacao) have a unique affinity and history which is evident when one tries eating them together. Both cacao and maca were used as money by ancient indigenous peoples.


Maca’s Remarkable Reputation

Maca’s reputation as a powerful strength and stamina enhancer as well as libido-enhancing food-herb stretches back into prehistory. Maca, like goji berries and ginseng, is a powerful adaptogen, which means it balances and stabilizes the body’s systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc). 

As an adaptogen, maca can provide more energy if it is needed, but if it is not, it will not overstimulate. Adaptogens also boost immunity and increase the body’s overall vitality by 10-15%, according to most studies. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, adaptogens are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole body to diverse and challenging situations and stress.
 
During the height of the Incan Empire, legend has it that Incan warriors would consume maca before entering into battle. This would make them fiercely strong. But after conquering a city the Incan soldiers were prohibited from using maca, to protect the women from excessive sexual impulses.

The Scientific and Health Properties of Maca

Dried maca powder contains 60% carbohydrates, 9% fiber, and slightly more than 10% protein. It has a higher lipid (fat) content than other root crops (2.2%), of which linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid are the primary fatty acids, respectively. Maca is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and iron, and contains trace minerals, including zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, bismuth, manganese and silica, as well as vitamins B1, B2, C and E. Maca
contains nearly 20 amino acids and seven essential amino acids. Maca is also a rich source of sterols, including sitosterol, campestrol, ergosterol, brassicasterol, and ergostadienol.

Peruvian researchers claim that maca improves memory, increases oxygen in the blood, improves the function of neurotransmitters and increases libido. One of the researchers heading current studies on maca, Peruvian biologist Gloria Chacon de Popivici, Ph.D., suggests that maca alkaloids act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and the adrenals. She has theorized that by activating these endocrine glands maca is able to increase energy, vitality and libido. Other researchers indicate that the effect of maca is more basic and that when the body is well-nourished, libido rises and depressing attitudes lower. 

Maca’s nutrient value could explain some of these purported actions.
Maca’s actions on sexual function are better researched than its effects on mood and memory. One study showed that maca increased fertility in rats. Then came studies of guinea pigs, rams, and cows, each of which corroborated maca’s libido-enhancing effects. For example, maca significantly increased ram semen volume and sperm count.

Researchers consider plant sterols, isothiocyanates, macamides and glucosinolates to be maca’s active constituents.

How to Consume Maca

Maca is generally purchased as a dried, raw, organic root powder. You may use a tablespoon or more of this powder in smoothies, teas, nut milks, coffee or just about any natural beverage you can think of. Maca is a great addition to desserts and sweet treats.


As previously mentioned, maca has an unusual relationship with cacao. Mix maca into all your favorite raw chocolate treats and experience real culinary magic.


Additionally, maca may be added to homemade jams, broths, puddings and fresh juices.


Maca has a slightly malted flavor and other flavor notes that are sweet and full. It has some minor taste
qualities reminiscent of other cruciferous vegetables; these add some mildly spicy elements.

Are there any side effects or interactions to overeating maca? In toxicity studies conducted in the U.S., maca showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects. In animal studies, the more maca animals consumed, the stronger and more sexually active they became. Despite these findings, moderation is advised.


Maca RECIPES
Maca Forum for Support


My Picks!         
Click the images for more information.


4 comments:

  1. Maca can be used to enhance energy, stamina and also to boost memory power. Thank you for sharing its worth it.
    Garden of life primal defense

    ReplyDelete
  2. Diet and exercise are important factors that impact heart health in men. However, when diet and exercise are not enough, supplementing with Cholesterol focused supplements might help get your cholesterol levels under control.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great, i like the info you share about maca root

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes it's true. Herbal is real. I'm so happy now cos all of my wasted years are gone, does years of tears and sorrows. I was diagnosed of Genital Herpes, I never believed myself been affected with Herpes Until now.I heard so much about the virus.I was so ashamed of myself to show up publicly. My doctor ,had to give me the Antibiotics like the acyclovir, which only helps to reduce outbreak, and I was concerned with cure cose the rashes where so painful and uncomfortable to my life .I thought I should engage consuming much of friuts, and vegetables for remedy still nothing to sure whenever I goes for checkup. With time, I became interested with Herbs and I decided to check online if there could be possible remedy regarding to what my friend Lucy told me about Dr. Awada herbal medicine that saved her Aunts life from Aunt from the HIV, haven visited many hospitals no cure to show. I had to try my luck believing God for cure. Collected the mail and contacted the herbalist for possible remedy and requested for the Herpes medicine. He was so kind, cos have spent almost everything with me then, he prepared and sent the medicine with guidelines of how to apply at a very low price. I do received the medicine and used as instructed, I became to feel relieved and more energy in me,the blisters where gradually diminishing till I could see them no more. I quickly went to check for checkup and I was cured from the Herpes. No sign till date.Thanks so much to all those who contribute to my breakthrough. Dr.Awada can cure you and you will be happy in less than 2 weeks. write back if you got cure so the world will know what to do to reduce herpes and other most deathly virus in the world.Kindly contact Dr Awada drawadaherbalhome@gmail.comrequest for your herbal medicine for all sickness, including HIV/AIDS,HPV,CANCER, DIABETES, HEPATITIS, KIDNEY FALIUR WEEK ERECTION,LOW SPAM COUNT, FIBROIDS,....GET YOUR CURE NOW
    drawadaherbalhome@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete