August 11, 2013
What is all the hype about Maca?
Before we get into the greatness of Maca is, lets go back to ancient Peruvian times. Maca is an ancient root (referred to as a herb), that has been used for thousands of years as both a food and a medicine by native Peruvians. It is cultivated at elevations of up to 15,000 feet in the harsh conditions of the Andes Mountains.
Maca is part of the calciferous family, resembling a radish or a turnip, and contains vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, fats, and dietary fiber.
Maca is considered an adaptogen , or ‘metabolic regulator’, which increases the body’s ability to adapt to environmental stresses avoiding damage and with zero negative side effects. Got to love adaptogens! Ginseng is another example of a popular, widely used adaptogen.
Maca is typically purchased as a pill, a liquid extract or as powdered maca root. It is awesome in smoothies!
Maca benefits:
- Anti-stress
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-aging
- Anti-acne properties
- Increases Stamina
- Increases energy
- Increases endurance
- Mood Balancing
- Endocrine balancing
- Immune booster
- Fertility booster
- Reputation as an aphrodisiac
- Reduces PMS and menopause symptoms
Cautions:
Maca root can provide quite an energy boost for some people, so take it first thing in the morning or in the early afternoon when you are just starting out to see how your body responds. Start gradually with a teaspoon, and increase as you go until you find an amount that works for you. Those with thyroid disease, breast cancer and PCOS should check with their health professional before taking maca.
