Amazing benefits of Maca Root
Amazing benefits of Maca Root- Botanical name: Lepidium meyenii
What is Maca? Maca is a ancient root vegetable which belongs to the same cruciferous family as our friends kale & cauliflower. Although maca is most closely associated with mustard, turnip, cabbage, garden cress and watercress.
Maca is grown in the Peruvian mountains, and has been used by the Incans as food as well as medicine. It is most well know for its ability to aid in fertility in both men and women. But has also been used to boost mood and increase sexual desire and libido. It is also known as Peruvian ginseng.
Other Benefits include- The antioxidants, vitamins, 20 amino acids and as many fatty acids in maca help balance hormones, boost memory and focus, relieve menopausal symptoms and ease stress. Also been shown to preserve bone mineral density, increase strength and endurance and may reduce men’s prostate cancer risk.
Maca root is rich in sugars, protein, starches, essential nutrients: iodine and iron. The or root is consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are considered a treat and are baked or roasted in ashes similar to sweet potatoes. Maca roots are still grown, harvested, sun-dried and most commonly ground down to powder form.
How to take it- You can add to morning smoothies, porridge or sprinkle on fruit yogurt or muesli. A good place to start might be 1 tablespoon daily, working up to three per day for maximum benefits.
