The Incredible Benefits of Peruvian Maca

Peruvian Maca is an extraordinary plant. From its roots, a powder is derived, often called the "Peruvian Ginseng" due to its significant tonic-adaptogenic properties.

In ancient times, it was considered a “gift from the gods” by the local populations, and legends tell that Inca warriors consumed maca before battle because it could increase endurance and strength.

Today, maca is not only appreciated by the local populations but is also known and valued by vegetarians, vegans, raw food enthusiasts, athletes, and is becoming increasingly accessible to everyone.

Let's delve into the characteristics of the plant and its beneficial properties.

The Maca Plant

Maca belongs to the Brassicaceae family, its botanical name is Lepidium meyenii, and it originates from the Andes.

It is a small herbaceous plant, considered perennial due to its storage roots, and is part of the cruciferous family, like cabbage, turnip, radish, and horseradish.

Maca is cultivated as an annual plant and harvested about 7-9 months after being planted.

It primarily grows in the Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia, at a considerable altitude, between 2500 and 5000 meters above sea level.

Maca thrives in harsh, very poor, rocky soils with low oxygen levels.

It can adapt to adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds and significant temperature fluctuations, intense sunlight during the day, and very cold temperatures at night.

Its root, a tuber similar to a turnip about 5-7 cm in size, is edible and is mainly used for its numerous beneficial properties.

Peruvian Maca: Properties

As mentioned earlier, Maca is particularly known and appreciated for its tonic-adaptogenic qualities.

The root of maca has a high nutritional value, making it effective as an adaptogenic remedy, a tonic capable of combating physical and mental fatigue, improving the body's nonspecific resistance in response to external stress stimuli, whether physical or psychological.

Maca powder can enhance the body's adaptability to various stressors, whether they are physical, psychological, work-related, or athletic.

Thanks to the work of Gloria Chacon de Popovici, a renowned Peruvian biologist, maca has been studied since 1980 for its effects on fertility, initially conducted on animals.

Indeed, it seems that Maca can affect both male and female fertility and can reduce post-menopausal syndrome symptoms in women. Finally, it appears to act as a natural aphrodisiac, enhancing sexual desire.

How to Consume Maca

Maca can be found in powder form or in capsules.

The only difference between the two is the method of consumption and dosage. Capsules are more convenient as a supplement, while powder is more versatile for culinary use, adding as a spice in recipes.

Maca powder has a very particular and pungent taste, slightly sweet and malty, ranging from bitter to spicy, but it can be easily masked by mixing it with other ingredients.

It can be dissolved in smoothies, drinks, or milk. It pairs perfectly with fruit juices, chocolate, yogurt, and much more.

Additionally, it can be used as an emulsifier in culinary preparations, added to savory recipes, to season salads and vegetables, or in broths and soups.

Finally, it can also be used as an ingredient in homemade desserts, cakes, cookies, or bread dough.

Contraindications of Peruvian Maca

Maca is generally safe, but it should be avoided in case of known hypersensitivity to its components.

In case of any health conditions, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before including it in your diet.

Excessive consumption of maca powder could cause side effects, especially when used in large quantities or for prolonged periods.

In fact, Peruvian Maca should not be consumed constantly; it is recommended to take a break for a week every month of continuous consumption.

Some Scientific Studies on Maca and its Benefits:

• PMC Article

• PubMed Article 1

• PubMed Article 2

Maca Guacamole Recipe Preparation Time: ~7 min

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe avocados

• 5 cherry tomatoes, diced

• ½ chopped onion

• 3 teaspoons of NaturaleBio maca powder

• Juice of 1-2 organic lemons (or limes)

• Salt to taste

• 1 crushed garlic clove (optional)

Preparation: Mash the flesh of the ripe avocados with a fork until smooth. Add all the ingredients and mix well. You can spread it on toast or serve it with delicious nachos!