Maca (Lepidium peruvianum) is a cruciferous vegetable that is native to the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is also called “Peruvian ginseng”. The root, which is the edible part of the plant, looks similar to a cross between a parsnip and a radish with green leaf tops, but it is usually consumed as a ground powder and its taste is quite earthy and nutty.
Maca is rapidly gaining global attention as a true and original Superfood because of its nutrient dense phytochemical composition; rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, dietary fiber and Omega 3 oils. 3,5 ounces - 100 grams - of Maca root powder contains; calories 225, carbohydrates 70 grams, protein 14 grams, fiber 7 grams, Omega 3 fat 4 grams, Vitamin C 479% of the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA), copper 306% of RDA, Iron 82% of RDA, potassium 57% of RDA, Vitamin B6 54% of RDA, calcium 25% of RDA and manganese 39% of RDA.
Below are some of the more important health benefits of Maca root powder:
Aphrodisiac. One of the most well known benefits of Maca is its potential as an aphrodisiac to increase libido and also for people with erectile dysfunction (ED). Maca can help reduce sexual dysfunction in post-menopausal women (especially in women who are taking anti-depressants).
Energy Booster. Another of the most known benefits is that Maca boosts energy and endurance and is therefore popular among athletes and bodybuilders who use Maca root as a supplement to increase muscle mass and performance.
Increase Fertility. Maca is also widespread for its use to increase fertility, particularly in men. A study found some evidence that Maca root can increase semen quality in both fertile and infertile men.
Mood Regulator. Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. A study found that Maca can also reduce feelings of depression.
Health Heart Function. Maca purportedly also helps to improve blood pressure to maintain healthy heart function.
Protects the Skin. Maca might help protect the skin from UV rays and prevent the formation of sunburn cells.
Rich in Antioxidants. Maca furthermore promotes natural antioxidants in the body, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals, which damage cells in the body. Antioxidants help prevent many health conditions, including heart disease, cancer and anti-inflammatory diseases.
Bolsters Brain Function. There is some evidence to suggest that Maca can improve learning and memory. Researchers suggested that it could be helpful in treating conditions that affect these processes, such as Alzheimer´s & Parkinson´s diseases.
Natural Adaptogen. Maca is an adaptogen, which means the root powder will respond to the body’s specific needs. In other words, it has the ability to fill in nutritional gaps.
(Reference for Maca peruvianum studies mentioned above: https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841986)
The Maca root powder marketed by the Amazon Superfoods Company is 100% natural as the roots are cultivated and harvested in a natural and organic environment by independent local communities living in the Peruvian Andean Highlands.
