Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Background:
Maca, also known as Peruvian Ginseng, is a one of the crops that grows at the highest altitudes, over 10,000 feet above sea level, where very few other organisms can survive. It grows in the Andes region of central Peru. It’s related to the radish family and smells similar to butterscotch. The indigenous people have included maca as a staple in the diet for over 2,000 years. The Incas believed the maca root had special properties. Indeed, the medicinal properties of maca are found in the root.
Benefits:
Maca is an adaptogen*, facilitating the body’s ability to adapt to and regulate stress responses and balance hormones.
Selenium is involved in reproduction, DNA synthesis and thyroid hormone function.
B complex vitamins
Magnesium reduces muscle tension, headaches (especially migraines). Many people are deficient.
Calcium useful for children, pregnant mothers, elderly with arthritis/ mobility issues.
Iron carries oxygen around the body.
Zinc is required in cell metabolism as many enzymes need it in order to function.
Iodine has an important role in thyroid gland function.
Amino acids are the building blocks of the human body.
Essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
Potassium is used in blood pressure regulation and nervous system function.
Phosphorus is involved in reproduction, DNA synthesis and thyroid hormone function.
Copper increases iron absorption and helps collagen formation.
Fibre helps promote healthy bowel function and regulates weight.
Sulfur is found in muscle, skin and bone. It’s also required for enzymes to function properly and to counter effects of aging such as wrinkles, due to its crucial role in sulphur bonds of proteins, giving connective tissue flexibility and elasticity.
Sterols block cholesterol absorption.
Maca increases endurance and energy levels, which is why it is so popular among athletes. Body builders also use it to build muscle, as a safer and healthier alternative to anabolic steroids.
Maca increases serotonin levels which can help mild depression.
It also encourages mental clarity and helps with memory loss.
It can improve skin problems such as acne in both sexes.
Maca can strengthen the immune response.
The maca root is known to improve the quality and quantity of sperm.
It can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with menstruation, including cramps, heavy bleeding or irregular periods. It also helps reduce hot flashes experienced by women in menopause. This effect is achieved the regulation of oestrogen and progesterone hormones.
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable (known to contain goitrogens), which can cause thyroid problems in its raw form. Gelatinized maca root has had the starch and goitrogenic compounds removed. It’s processed to maximise the adaptogen properties and have beneficial effects in hypothyroidism.
It has positive effects on bone density and be used in treatment of conditions like osteoporosis.
Suggested uses: Mix into smoothies and shakes. It can also be used baked in cakes and pastries, or in soup. The characteristic malty taste also works very well in cacao recipes.
Maca comes in capsule or powder form. Ideally start with a low dose and increase gradually.
Caution:
Some components of raw maca powder can inhibit its digestion, resulting in bloating.
The raw root of maca is a goitrogen i.e. it affects iodine uptake in the thyroid.
Interesting fact:
In agriculture, maca is used to increase livestock fertility.
* Adaptogens allow the body to naturally regulate itself by normalizing over-activity or under-activity of the organs and glands. Heating adaptogens is necessary to release some of its medicinal properties. It’s actually the traditional way this vegetable is used. The Peruvians, always cook maca first, by boiling or roasting the whole root or boiling it to make a porridge-like food.
References:
http://www.iherb.com/Earth-Circle-Organics-Raw-Maca-Powder-8-oz-227-g/50220
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-maca.html