All About Maca
What is Maca?
Maca, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii is a popular herbaceous plant native to Latin America, they are commonly found on the mountainous regions of Central Peru and Bolivia. Maca is an annual crop which means a single plant only lives during the duration of a year although reports of it being a perennial crop are not uncommon; it is yet to be discovered if those reported perennials may be of different species.
Maca goes by many names. Being grown in Peru, it is commonly called “Peruvian Ginseng”. Other names include: maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and ayak willku. Modern maca crops are frequently assigned a scientific name of Lepidium peruvianum(designated by Dr. Gloria Chacon)as opposed to Lepidium meyenii, which is its classical name. Maca is grown for its fleshy taproot and Hypocotyl (Leafy Bulb). Maca has long been used as a food crop in Peru, similar to what corn is to Aztecs. It is believed that Maca has been harvested in central Peru for at least 2,000 years. Recent surge of interest in Maca is due to its claims as a potent nutritional supplement.
Macas are traditionally grown on altitudes of 8,000 to 15,000 feet. They are only propagated through seeds. Maca grows well on cold climates found on the high mountain tops. Maca farmers usually grow them alongside potato plants as the two crops have almost similar soil and temperature requirements. Macas are quite easily and successfully grown on areas that pass the requirement of altitude and soil nutrients due to the fact that it is rarely attacked by pests.
Maca as Food Crop
For millennia maca has been a staple food in Peruvian diet. It is also used as a livestock feed. It may be consumed in a number of ways. A popular way is the roasting of the taproot, maca prepared in this fashion is considered a delicacy. Another popular preparation is boiling it and mashing to produce a thick paste that produces a sweet flavor. Maca can also be used as an ingredient in many Peruvian cuisines. A popular product celebrated by many Peruvian men is fermented maca which is consumed as beer. Maca is rich in starch and fiber, when processed, it can be used as regular flour with the nutritional benefits acquired in maca.
Maca Varieties
There are many varieties of Maca sold on the market today, but the most popular ones are the Red, Yellow and Black or Dark-colored macas. The major difference in these varieties is their distinct flavors. Red maca flavor has been described as being sweet and similar to the flavor of caramel. Red maca is known to have a greater effect on bone development. Black maca, on the other hand has been tested and proven to have a more potent effect on memory improvement and learning. Yellow maca has the unique ability of preventing skin damage due to harmful exposure to sunlight.
What’s in a Maca?
Aside from the numerous names assigned to maca it has also earned the nicknames: Super Food and Food for the Gods, and it’s not hard to understand why. Maca, aside from being a staple food is hailed as one of the most nutritious crop known to man. It contains a multitude of vitamin, minerals and more.
Maca has been analyzed to contain Vitamins B1, B2, and C, Alkaloids, Proteins, Fiber, Carbohydrates Tannins, a number of Fatty Acids (at least 20 of them), Sodium, Calcium, Bismuth, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Fructose, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese, Starch, Silicon and Magnesium. Now how’s that for a single crop. A lot of commercially available multivitamins are known to contain much less than this. Macas are also considered an Adaptogen (an herbal product claiming to increase ones resistance to stress and anxiety).
Why Take Maca?
Maca is known to help improve a lot of medical conditions and stress related disorders.
● Chronic Fatigue
Maca combats chronic fatigue and increases ones energy by giving body cells proper nourishment and making it utilize its stored nutrients efficiently. Healthy cells equate to a healthy body since cells are the building blocks of life. Where would we be without them? Not in the place of the living.
● Hormonal Imbalance
The Endocrine System is a collection of glands found in the human body with the main function of producing hormones. Hormonal imbalance results in abnormal body development and also results in mental instability disorders like mood swings. Maca helps regulate production of hormones like testosterone and estrogen, both related in sexual well-being of a person. The Pituitary gland is responsible for producing somatotropin which is the hormone that promotes overall body growth. Irregularities found in this gland can cause dwarfism and gigantism. Maca regulates all of these hormones and ensures a healthy body.
● Infertility
One of macas best-selling point is its alleged role as a cure to infertility, which may not be far from the truth. While Infertility can be caused by a number of factors, the common reason is usually the quality of reproductive cells. People with low sperm count or low quality sperm obviously have a lower chance of producing an offspring. This is where maca comes in; maca has been tested in laboratories and is shown to have a direct effect on causing the production of high quality, lively sperm, and in numbers too.
● Acne
Since maca promotes hormonal balance, it significantly minimizes pimple outbreak. Especially since acne is commonly associated with abnormal hormone levels. Maca alone may not completely eliminate acne, but it proves to be effective when taken in combination with a healthy diet, adequate rest, proper hygiene and avoiding stressful activities.
● Alleviates Menopause Symptoms
Like Acne, a hormonal change that occurs during menopause produces uncomfortable symptoms. Maca relieves women of anxiety and depression.
Maca Supplements
Maca processed to serve as nutritional supplement may come in either powdered form, capsule or tablet form. Powdered maca can be achieved by drying the maca of its liquid contents by exposing it in sunlight or by drying it in an oven. The dried maca crop will then be ground into a fine powder. Between the two processes, sun-dried maca is preferable. Maca dried through an oven has most of its nutrients destroyed if exposed to extreme heat. Keeping maca in a cool, dry storage will keep it viable for a long time.
How much maca an individual should take, will be dependent on each individual’s age and mass. Though maca supplements are considered a safe product, it would always be wise to consult a physician before taking it especially when one is afflicted with a special medical condition.
