Maca is an ancient plant also called Peruvian ginseng. It is a medicinal plant and is also used in Peruvian food. Where does the Maca plant come from? What are the benefits of this super food? What are its different forms? How to induce it in the diets? Why is it better to eat Maca powder? This article will answer all these questions.
Where does the Maca plant come from?
Maca is a plant that can only be found in Peru in certain areas of the highlands. It is a tuberous plant that has been cultivated for hundreds of years by the peoples of the Andes. It is also a plant that is widely used for medicinal purposes due to its many virtues. It has a higher nutritional value and is used in traditional Peruvian medicines.
What are the benefits of this plant?
Maca is a plant that contains more than fifteen minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, etc. . . it also contains amino acids, vitamins and proteins. These compositions that it contains have made it a superfood plant. And it is also thanks to this that it has several advantages:
- It provides energy
When the body feels tired or flat, Maca is ideal for restoring strength and energy. It will tone up the whole body using its revitalising properties.
- It reduces stress
As it is rich in vitamins and minerals, these components have a favourable effect on the body and help it to reduce or fight against stress, even overwork.
- It increases physical and intellectual performance
Maca is a plant that also contains carbohydrates. It has a very good protein content. It is one of the plants that are rich in high-quality nutrients. Maca increases performance during high-intensity physical and mental exercise.
- It increases libido and promotes fertility
Maca is also an aphrodisiac plant, which helps to increase fertility. It also helps to increase sexual desire. It helps to increase the production and quality of spermatozoa for men and eggs for women.
- It softens the menopause
The Maca plant helps to relieve the many symptoms associated with the menopause. Namely, hot flashes, hormonal instability, risk of obesity, decreased sexual desire and sleep problems. At this time, Maca powder acts by stimulating the ovaries and thyroids.
- It is a booster
When Maca powder is consumed regularly, it has a boosting effect on the body and brings more tone, strength and vitality throughout the day.
What are the different forms of Maca?
Maca exists in different forms. It can be taken in the form of capsules, powder or gelatine. Many food products contain Maca. It can also be consumed fresh or dried and then ground into a powder.
Depending on its form, Maca has different effects:
- In gelatin : in the form of organic gelatin, Maca is easy to absorb.
- In powder form : this is also an alternative to gelatine. But with this form, Maca is the least processed and therefore the purest product too. It is still necessary to be vigilant and to take a good quality product. The powder can be used as an ingredient in culinary preparations.
- Capsule: Maca extract is used in the composition of the capsule. Therefore, the capsule contains a chemically modified Maca extract to boost the therapeutic properties of Maca. Maca in capsule form is also convenient to use as it does not need to be mixed with food preparations. The capsule is taken orally with a little water.
How to induce Maca powder in foods?
Maca powder has a slightly malty taste with a hint of sweetness. Its consumption gives a moment of pleasure with its many benefits as a dietary supplement.
To prepare, simply add 2 to 3 teaspoons of Maca powder to drinks such as a smoothie, milkshake, fresh fruit juice or in your glass of vegetable drink of about 250 to 300 ml. It can also be mixed with coffee, tea, herbal tea, yoghurt and cereals during the morning meal. Or it can be added to soups and gourmet desserts.
There are also several kinds of natural protein powders ready to be consumed before physical activity or at breakfast time. These powders are usually blended mainly with Maca with a particular taste. It is very easy to prepare and very convenient. Just add the preparation to any drink to be drunk during the sport or the day. It is a very good source of energy to enjoy a good day.
- Note also that the instant composition of Iswari with Maca and vanilla mixes numerous superfoods and nutritive components such as chia and flax seeds, lucuma, almonds and ground and sprouted buckwheat.
- And for those who are athletic, it is ideal to choose the 100% vegetable protein powder with a delicious salted caramel and organic Maca flavour. It is a vegan product, which is recommended to drink before doing sport as it helps with muscle concentration.
- Or for those who love a healthy treat, there is also a dark chocolate bar mixed with pecans and organic Maca.
Maca powder can be mixed with many superfoods so the menu is unlimited, even creating new traditional recipes with new flavours.
Why is it better to eat 100% organic Maca powder?
It is the root of the Maca plant that is used to make the powder. It is therefore preferable to eat or choose products that contain certified organic 100% vegetable Maca in order to avoid the latter being harmful to health. Because the root can accumulate pesticide in its natural environment and can be dangerous.
