Have you heard of Maca root?
It is a natural food, powerful antioxidant, autoimmune, hormonal stabilizer, restorative, nutrient, invigorating, stress regulator and extraordinary aphrodisiac, among other benefits.
It has been used for more than 2000 years by the Incas as a powerful aphrodisiac and as a supplement to strengthen and increase the resistance of their warriors. It is grown in Peru and is native to the Andes. The climate and its high pressure characteristic of the Andean zone favors the adaptation of crops to survive, acquiring more strength and resistance than in any other terrain.
For this reason it has the characteristic of being adaptogen: it balances the body by increasing our ability to adapt to external factors and thus, cope with stress and avoid its side effects .
What is maca? It is a tuber similar to radish (from the watercress family). Its underground roots absorb the maximum power of the minerals and active ingredients of the highlands of the Andes.
Why its root is so extraordinary - active ingredients
- Minerals, trace elements: iron, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium. Amino acids (all except tryptophan).
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6, Vit C, Vit E.
- Fatty acids: Omega 3, Omega6, Omega9.
Properties and benefits
- Brain: Strengthens the brain system (B). Increases concentration and memory. Causes mental clarity.
- Nervous System: Being adaptogenic improves mood , helps to face external changes, regulating our nervous system and providing stable sleep.
- Musculature: Stimulates muscle growth. Increases the performance, strength and resistance of our body.
- Immune System: Maca is a highly recommended product to prevent and strengthen the immune system, being of great help in stages of chemotherapy and in autoimmune diseases.
- Nourishes, cares for and strengthens skin, bones, teeth and hair. Very rich in antioxidants (cruciferous family) slows down aging caused by free radicals. In addition, it acts as a protector, combating the effects of pollution and UV rays.
- Depression: Its serotonin-increasing action reduces stress, elevates mood and consequently improves depression.
- Menopause: It is a powerful hormonal and endocrine regulator, acting directly on the hypothalamus and stabilizing the production of hormones. Relieves the effects of pre- and menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, irritability. Regulates irregular menstrual cycles.
- Prevents osteoporosis, anemia and hypothyroidism.
- Aphrodisiac: Well known for its aphrodisiac effects for women and men. Boosts libido and provides better sexual performance . Improves circulation throughout the leather by creating more oxygen. Also called Peruvian Gingseng.
Precautions
It is recommended not to take it for those under 18 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women or women with ovarian tumors, people with thyroid disease or severe hypertension. As it is an adaptogenic plant it is recommended not to mix it with other supplements or foods with the same function.
How to take it
You can consume maca root:
- In our dishes raw, cooked, steamed or roasted.
- Pure powder (flour): mix it in hot or cold drinks, smoothies, soups, breakfasts, infusions or milks.
- As a supplement: In capsules or tablets, with the pure root in already stipulated doses. It is more comfortable to take it continuously or regularly, because you can control the dose you ingest.
- In liquid extract: add a few drops to drinks (for those who don't like capsules)
** In all its varieties, yellow or gold, red or purple, brown or black, the active ingredients they contain are not the same nor in the same quantities, so each of them may be more powerful in some of their forms. benefits. In a future post, we will discover the 3 varieties of maca and their individual properties.
GGcare recommends taking the appropriate doses according to the circumstances, body mass, weight, age and if in doubt go to a professional.