In a previous article, we suggested a great smoothie for breakfast that contained a set of ingredients, including the MACA.
Being Maca a very versatile super food with excellent properties, we will now learn more about it and how to use it every day.
The MACA is a root that grows at high altitude in the Peruvian Andes. In fact, it is the only edible plant that grows in such altitudes. For over 2000 years it has been used as a powerful energetic food.
Properties
Maca is a wonderful adaptogenic, meaning, is a non-toxic substance that produces an adaptive response to physical stress, chemical or biological, and enhances homeostasis in the body. Has the ability to balance and stabilize the glandular and hormonal systems, the nervous system, cardiovascular and muscles.
That contributes to:
• Hormonal balance
• Increased energy, vitality and stamina
• Memory Improvement
• High fertility and improvement of sexual function
That’s why it is widely used by people who are subject to high levels of stress and professionals who are subject to great wear, both physical and mental.
Experiments in western laboratories have confirmed their reinforcing effect on the reproductive system in both men and women by increasing the fertility of sperm count and sperm motility, reducing menopause symptoms and menstrual cramps, as well as age-related male impotence.
Maca, by increasing the oxygen in the blood leads to an increased vitality and resistance, and improves the function of neurotransmitters, which helps to improve memory.
User advice
Maca is easy to digest and naturally rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium and contains 10% of high quality protein, including 7 essential amino acids.
We can add it to the smoothie of the previous article, to teas, coffee, rice or almond milk, for example, it’s delicious when added to juices or any natural drink. Combines very well with cocoa. We can also use it in homemade desserts, jams, salads, salad dressings, jellies, broths, soups and puddings, as it is an excellent emulsifier.
Maca powder should be triturated every time you use it in order to be well absorbed by the body.
The quantity of Maca to ingest per day can vary between 1 or 2 table spoons depending on your health condition. Initially should be used sparingly.
It can also be used for a long period without causing harmful side effects. Maca is a food that warms and therefore is more suitable for use at lower temperatures and cold climates. During the warmer season should be used with moderation and carefully.
It is necessary a minimum of 10 gr. of powdered Maca (1tbs) per day to begin to feel any real benefit from its use. It is recommended to take a break for a week without consuming Maca for each month of continuous use.
Choose only reputable brands of organic Maca, and only the root (no other part of the plant). There is no “true Maca” but you may find different Maca products, such as:
– Powder of dried Maca root
– Powder of dried Maca root capsules (is a great solution for when you are traveling or do not have chance to use the Maca powder during the day)
– Black maca
– Red maca
– Yellow Maca
– Candy bars or energy bars with Maca
Now just try it!