Why Does it even Maca?

So, we are sure you have never heard of Maca Root. Perhaps you have. Either way, incorporating this Superfood into your diet consistently is definitely a positive epigenetic trigger you may want to achieve that you may enhance the quality of your life. Read More below to learn what is Maca Root; and what nutritional benefits it has to offer for those who consistently supplement with it.

Maca or Maca Root has been a staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years. In fact, it is still called "the food of the gods" in many cultures because of the wide variety of health benefits this superfood contains.

People in the Andes have used the root as a food supplement as well as a traditional medicine for everything from fertility problems to fragile bones and poor memory

Natibe to the highest plateaus of South America's Andes mountains of Central Peru , Maca was found exclusively at the Meseta de Bombon Plateau close to Lake Junin in the late 1980s. Since it grows at an altitude of 11,000 feet, Maca is the highest growing food crop in the world. Grown as a vegetable crop for thousands of years, Maca is part of the radish family and has a distinctive smell that is similar to butterscotch. The root of this plant is used for medicinal purposes.

Maca root goes by many names, including maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and ayak willku. It's also called Peruvian ginseng, which can be misleading because maca is a vegetable and ginseng is an herb. Both have a reputation for giving big boosts of energy.

Maca is rich in adaptogenic substances. This is a term given to a group of herbs and plans that help our bodies naturally adapt to psychological & physical stress such as exhaustion and illnesses. It is also considered to be a natural aphrodisiac and traditional fertility booster of the people who lives in the Andes for years. The root has been used for many years to improve energy, stamina, and fertility.

Consuming maca has been known to make people feel more alive, have more energy, and leaves them with an overall sense of well-being. This is due to root’s ability to restore a natural hormone balance and improve the “feel good” endorphins in our body.

The Maca root resembles a very large radish, however, for convenience and potency levels it is mostly taken in the powder form. Maca has an extensive and vast variety of health benefits. It is known to increase energy, endurance, strength, immunity, circulation, fertility, and libido.

One serving of dried Maca powder contains more than 10% protein, and nearly 20 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids. The Maca root contains more than 50 phytochemicals including many vitamins such as B1, B2, B12, Vitamin C, and zinc.

It also contains calcium, phosphorous, protein, and fiber. It packs high levels of iron and iodine to promote healthy cells and to help keep your metabolism on track. Its big doses of potassium help digestion and make muscles happy. 

Maca is also known for thyroid regulation, which helps to lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and enhance memory. Feeling stressed? This superfood helps to relieve stress by reducing the effects of cortisol on the adrenal glands. Maca not only helps relax your nervous system and reduce stress, but it also gives you a boost of natural energy. This root vegetable contains energy-producing properties, but unlike caffeine, it does not adversely affect your nervous system. Essentially, it gives you a non-jittery boost without the crash.

Maca has a reputation as an aid for sex and reproductive issues. Some people attest it can rev up sex drive in men and women, boost sperm count, improve erections, and ease menopausal symptoms.

Whether you incorporate Cup A’Nu or Maca root powder from your local Walmart, it is strongly suggested that you add this Superfood to your weekly consumption for Restorative and ProActive healthcare purposes.

Caution

If you're on blood thinners, maca may not be right for you. It has so much vitamin K -- which helps your blood form clots -- that it may counteract your medication. Include that for men with elevated blood PSA (prostate-specific antigens), who should stay away from maca. The plant’s extracts might act like estrogen, so avoid it if you have hormone-sensitive conditions like breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers or endometriosis.