Here’s what you need to know about Maca.
Lepidium meyenii, or better known as Maca, is a vegetable root grown in the Ande Mountains of Peru. It has been used for hundreds of years by the Peruvians for medicinal, as well as culinary purposes. The plant, belonging to the radish-turnip family, offers a wealth of benefits — especially for women.
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But first: What is the nutritional value of this lesser-known superfood?
Maca’s nutritional content is dense. It contains mineral deposits including calcium supplement, mineral magnesium, and iron, as well as vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, and B12. With that said, consuming maca is akin to that of a multivitamin. Maca is also full of fiber, offering 4x as much as potatoes.
Maca root is sold in both, capsule and powder form and can be found in your local health food store. Interestingly enough, though, these maca supplements are often targeted to women, specifically (i.e. “Royal Maca Plus for Women”) — and for good reason!
Maca has been found to treat women’s menopause, alleviating hot flashes, cramps, and mood swings. The root is shown to stabilize the female hormones, thereby reducing the severity of PMS, menstrual pain/cramps, and menopause/post-menopausal symptoms.
This is due to the plant’s adaptogenic nature, meaning it adapts to a woman’s individual DNA to balance any physiological imbalances. Hormonal imbalances, which may lead to irregular periods and/or emotional issues, including anxiety and depression, are aided by the maca root’s adaptogenic properties.
The root is also cited to naturally bolster energy levels which is why maca is also recommended for women who are feeling weak and fatigued (both of which are common side effects of hormonal imbalances). Many women have attested to maca’s energy-boosting properties, stating that they no longer rely on coffee to wake up in the morning. Instead, a balanced breakfast with a teaspoon-to-tablespoon (depending on your individual body type) of maca provides them with efficient levels of energy, lasting them throughout the day.
Maca root also benefits women, especially, for its aid in reproductive and sexual health. The plant, which has been long-known by the Peruvians to be an aphrodisiac, improves women’s libido. Additionally, because the root stabilizes female hormones, women become more fertile. Studies have been conducted on couples who had failed to conceive in the past and were supplemented with maca; just months after supplementation, the women had gotten pregnant!
Although many oppose the flavor of maca, and therefore, opt for supplementing with capsules, the powder is often used in modern recipes. Maca offers a nutty flavor which blends well in smoothies, salad dressings, dips, and even desserts.
Maca is very potent, so it is advised you start with a small dosage and work your way up; you will still reap the benefits from merely a teaspoon a day. Once you feel you are ready to increase your intake, you may do so accordingly.
