One of the most nutritious yet lesser-known superfoods is an ancient root vegetable called maca.
Known scientifically as Lepidium meyenii, the maca plant is sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng. It is primarily grown in harsh conditions at extremely high altitudes above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in the Andes Mountains of central Peru.
Maca has a long, colorful history of culinary and nutritional use. Its first documented use involved the Incas in the Peruvian Andes, where it was reportedly used by warriors as a potential energizer.
In fact, due to its nutritional value, some evidence suggests maca may have been used even earlier than the Incas.
As a cruciferous vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family, the maca plant is botanically related to broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale. However, interestingly enough, maca is most closely associated with mustard, turnip, cabbage, garden cress and watercress.
Andean natives have been growing, preparing and eating maca for thousands of years. And as a common ingredient in Peruvian cooking today, maca is said to give dishes a delightful, earthy flavor.
A Nutrient-Dense Root Superfood
It might not be an overstatement to say that maca’s nutritional density and potential energy-enhancing properties have helped to make life more endurable in the extreme elevations and challenging weather of the Andes Mountains.
However, it’s important to know that even though all parts of the maca plant are edible, it’s the root that is the most nutritious superfood.
Maca root powder is comprised on average of 60-75% carbohydrates, 10-14% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber, 2.2% lipids and an impressive array of phytonutrients and minerals:
- Over 20 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids
- 20 “quality” fatty acids
- Calcium and Potassium
- Sulphur, Sodium and Iron
Maca’s protein content exists mainly in the form of polypeptides and amino acids, including significant amounts of arginine, serine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, valine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and threonine. With these plentiful attributes, it’s easy to see why this root’s nutritional value is considered on the superfood level.
The Beneficial Antioxidant and Adaptogenic Properties of Maca
Maca root promotes natural antioxidants within your body, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase.* Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your cells against harmful free radicals, which, in excess, have been linked to potential adverse health conditions.
Considered an adaptogen, maca is a natural substance that helps your body address different types of mental and physical stressors. It has been shown to promote homeostasis by normalizing the production of stress hormones – helping you during challenging situations.*
Several studies have suggested that maca can help to enhance your healthy mood, particularly in postmenopausal women, as it contains plant compounds called flavonoids, suggested to be partly responsible for these positive mood benefits.*
Moreover, human and animal research suggests that maca root powder may have positive effects on energy levels and exercise performance.* In a pilot study of eight male cyclists, researchers observed that after supplementing with maca extract for 14 days, the cyclists improved their performance on a 40 km (about 24-mile) time trial.
Other potential benefits of maca root reported from both human and animal studies include support for:
- Cognitive function.*
- Blood pressure already in the normal range.*
- Normal bone health.*
- Normal thyroid health.*
Even though maca has extraordinary potential benefit, it’s important to know that not all maca powders are created equal…
Discover the Benefits of Organic Maca Today
To help you optimize the nutrients and potential benefits of maca, we’re excited to offer you two extraordinary Organic Maca supplement that are:
- Certified USDA Organic for the highest quality without synthetic ingredients.
- Made exclusively from Peruvian maca root powder.
- Gelatinized for smoother digestion of the maca powder.
- Produced by a trusted Peruvian partner experienced in processing high-quality gelatinized maca powder.
Delivered in a non-gelatin, organic capsule (Organic Pullulan), our Organic Maca formula provides an easy-to-take dietary supplement.
Containing healthful nutrients, including essential amino acids, quality fatty acids and minerals, our Organic Maca formulas may help promote a healthy mood, cognitive function and learning potential, protection against challenging stress levels, as well as provide support for normal blood pressure and bone health.*
Exclusively gelatinized from raw organic maca root grown and harvested in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, order your supplies of Organic Maca today.