Maca: The complete guide

Origin of Maca

 

The history of Maca goes back to the empire and the Inca civilization at the beginning of the 13th century in the Neolithic period. This period of the history of the man marks big evolutions on the plan of the agriculture and many other fields. It is thus that the Inca people after discovery of the wild form of the Maca, launched in its production.

Wild or cultivated, it grows mainly in the central Andes of Peru, at heights up to 4500 meters. It is from the 16th and 17th century, around the time of the Spanish conquest that its culture is popularized, and its nutritional and medicinal properties explored and disclosed.

The indigenous populations consumed Maca tubers in times of famine and to protect themselves from the cold in winter. They also cultivated it for its medicinal properties. Maca was traditionally used to stimulate the immune system, to reduce fertility problems, to treat severe anemia, to overcome discomforts due to menopause, constipation or joint pain, to accompany the treatment of diseases such as tuberculosis.

Nowadays, Maca is marketed and exported in many countries around the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated its inexhaustible benefits and energetic characteristics, hence its many names: Peruvian viagra, Peruvian ginseng (although there is no relationship between ginseng and maca).

Properties and benefits of Maca

Maca, properties

For the Peruvians, Maca is considered as a tonic, a tonic against weakness and fatigue. It would also allow to live longer. It presents by its composition, a universal formula, beneficial to health and well-being.

At sight, the Maca looks like a potato. Yellow or light brown in color, it can reach a length of 8 cm. All the nutritional treasures are contained in its white pulp. Maca alone contains vitamins (P, E, B12, B2, B1, D, C), proteins (between 10 to 15%), amino acids (18) and 16 minerals. It also contains organic compounds at the origin of its tonic, aphrodisiac and energetic attributes: isothiocyanates, glucosinolates, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. The lipids are not in rest in spite of the weak content (2,2%). It contains mainly fatty acids, namely: oleic acid, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

Maca, benefits

The organic composition of Maca could then allow us to award it the title of miracle panacea. A medical solution to eradicate all ills.

All of its amino acids allow the improvement of the body’s performance and the recovery of muscles. It could therefore be administered to athletes, and to people with activities that require physical effort. For more endurance and better muscle recovery, we recommend combining it with spirulina.

The vitamins contained in Maca are a beneficial contribution for vitality and energy. They have a toning effect on the body and restore vigor and dynamism.

 

Research carried out on this superfood reports that it produces the same effects as viagra and is an ideal aphrodisiac for people with low libido. It would therefore be recommended to anyone lacking energy and sexual vitality. Hence its name “Peruvian Viagra”.

Maca also helps to combat stress, depression and brain fatigue. It is an excellent nervous stimulant, allowing to increase the level of concentration. Taking it in a crisis situation or a drop in morale could promote a state of well-being. For even more visible and faster effects, combine Maca with turmeric!

It also plays the role of regulator in the body. Maca acts effectively on the production and regulation of the level or level of sex hormones, and improves the balance of thyroid function.

Maca, expert opinion

According to the research and analysis of experts, maca cannot really be considered an aphrodisiac. Its tonic effects on the body are due to its adaptogenic character. This qualification explains the general action on the organism, without any specificity. Maca therefore does not act in particular circumstances or specific conditions of the body, it improves and acts on the entire metabolism. All of its nutritional compounds make it possible to have good mental, physical, sexual health, etc.

Side effects? Danger?

Nowadays, no case of side effects or undesirable effects has yet been mentioned or detected. No study mentions contraindications or toxicity. However, it is not recommended to take it continuously over a long period of time. It is recommended to take breaks of one week after three weeks of consumption.

 

Dosage

The recommended average daily consumption is 3g, preferably in two to three doses during the day. Herbalists and naturopaths recommend diluting the powder in a glass of vegetable milk or fruit juice (fruits not too acidic). Cheer’s!

Where to buy Maca?

It is recommended to buy Maca from the Andes, preferably organic, grown and dried naturally. The notoriety of Maca and its export in many countries is the subject of counterfeiting. We therefore note the presence on the market of artificial Maca powder or a mixture of powder from several tubers.

There are several types of Maca: black, red and yellow. These colors vary depending on the color, shape and size of the roots. The coloration is also determined by the drying time.

In France, the purchase of organic Maca must comply with standards and regulations. Indeed, some organic products contain compounds such as imidazoline alkaloids. It is therefore imperative to always check the composition of your products before buying them.