Maca
Grown high in the Peruvian Andes, Maca is a root plant renowned for its ability to enhance strength, stamina and even libido. It is sometimes called “the superfood of the Andes”, because of its ability to help rebuild weak immune systems and increase energy and endurance. It has also been labelled “Peruvian ginseng” thanks to its reported positive effects on stamina and sexual function. It contains a huge array of nutrients and is popular with customers of all ages, including athletes in training.
Maca, or Lepidium meyenii, originates from a root plant found in high-altitude areas of the Peruvian Andes. For 2000 years it has been an important element of the local diet in Peru and Bolivia. In Peru, Maca is cooked and used in food preparation. Almost every part of the plant is utilised. The roots of Maca are boiled into a sweet liquid or porridge, they are fermented into a beer, and the leaves are often eaten raw. During the Spanish colonisation period, Maca was so highly regarded that it was used as a form of currency. Legend also reports it being used by the Incas to increase their strength prior to battle. Rainforest Foods Maca has been organically grown in Peru at an altitude of over 4000m.
Maca has a high nutritional content. It typically contains 10% protein, 60% carbohydrates, and 9% fibre. It also has a high concentration of vital minerals, namely selenium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The young root of the maca plant contains a large number of naturally-occurring phytochemicals. Maca also contains oleic and linoleic fatty acids, which are essential to the body. Maca is also used by many athletes for its ability to increase stamina and endurance. It is a common alternative to coffee, as it provides an energy boost without caffeine.
Health benefits of Maca
Maca is an adaptogen, a substance that enhances the body’s ability to help itself. This promotes increased immune system function. Maca boosts the endocrine system, the glandular network that regulates the body by secreting hormones. Hormonal dysfunction during menopause and andropause can be reduced, while balancing the adrenal glands can reduce fatigue. Libido and sexual performance can also benefit.
• Maca can aid recovery from anaemia by enabling the body to absorb iron better
• It can help wounds heal faster
• It provides plentiful, easily-absorbed calcium, to strengthen bones and teeth and ward off osteoporosis
• It is rich in fatty acids, which have antiseptic and fungicidal functions and allow the body to become more resistant to infection and disease.
• Its high fibre content has demonstrable benefits for the digestive system, including lessening the likelihood of bowel and colon cancer.
• It protects against oxidative damage and premature ageing
• It has positive effects on the skin
• It reportedly promotes improved memory and learning
As a rich source of protein, Maca offers benefits to athletes and people following fitness regimes. Its proteins are easily absorbed by the body, which helps the body function well through the ‘stress and repair’ cycle of developing strength and agility in training. This property of Maca combines with its host of positive attributes to give a superfood that can benefit the entire human system. A person functioning at their peak is less tired, less stressed, physically more resilient and happier.
Rainforest Foods Maca was the Platinum Award winner for Best organic superfood powder, in the Janey Loves 2011 awards, part of Imperfectly Natural. "Our tester has been taking this superfood as a yummy drink, its certified organic by soil association," it said. "Maca helps strength, stamina and libido".
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