You
can call it whatever you want: Lepidium meyenii, its scientific
name, Peruvian ginseng, or maca. The truth is that this plant from the same
family as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, which grows high in the Peruvian
Andes, has traditionally been given culinary and medicinal uses.
In
this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this natural
gift.
Family:
Brassicaceae
Species:
Lepidium meyenii; Walpers, 1843
Division:
Magnoliophyta
Genus:
Lepidium
Kingdom:
Plantae
Class:
Magnoliopsida
Its
root, which can be of different colors, is dried and consumed in powder,
particularly those with yellow, red, and black roots, although it is also used
in the form of capsules and liquid extract. In addition to being used in the
kitchen, medicinal properties are attributed to it for the treatment of many
ailments.
Maca Nutritional Information
100
grams of Maca root powder provides the following information:
Carbohydrates:
60 grams
Fibers:
8 grams
Lipids:
1 gram
Protein:
10 grams
Iron:
14.7 milligrams
Copper:
5.9 milligrams
Calcium:
250 milligrams
Potassium:
2050 milligrams
Vitamin
B3: 43 milligrams
Zinc:
3.8 milligrams
Properties and Health Benefits
This plant is adaptogenic, and
according to the holistic nutritionist Priscilla Soler: "Adaptogens are
the queens of medicinal herbs to restore health, vitality, immunity,
resistance, and longevity." So, it has the ability to identify what your
body requires and supply it, which is best understood by analyzing its
properties.
Maca Properties
a) Maca
root powder is very nutritious, a source of vitamins and minerals essential for
health.
b) The
root is also rich in fiber, carbohydrates, and protein.
c) It
has the potential to improve fertility in men and women.
d) Its
flavonoid compounds help mental health.
e) It
works as a food supplement that increases energy.
f) It
has the ability to shrink the prostate.
g) Thanks
to its properties, it reduces the symptoms of menopause.
Health Benefits of Maca
It
is surprising all the medical applications that maca can have. For this reason,
the products that incorporate it as a component are highly demanded, since it
is recognized that it provides broad benefits for the body. Now we will go over
some of them.
Increases Sexual Desire in Men and
Women
After
numerous studies, it has been proven that food supplements containing maca
increase sexual desire -after at least six weeks of consumption- in both men
and women.
Its
effect on improving sexual dysfunctions is still being analyzed. Now, regarding
male fertility, it encourages an increase in the volume, quantity and mobility
of their sperm, both in infertile and healthy men.
Relieves Symptoms of Menopause
The
gradual decrease in estrogen in women who are in the process of menopause
causes very uncomfortable signs, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood
swings, and insomnia. Maca has been shown to mitigate these effects.
On
the other hand, in this difficult period in a woman's life, they are more
likely to suffer from menopause. Well, scientific research has proposed that
red maca has properties that help protect bone health.
Improves Mood
The
biologist and endocrinologist Gustavo Gonzales Rengifo, director of the
Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction of the Faculty of Sciences and
Philosophy of the Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, commented that the
black-rooted maca favors memory and learning while reducing the states of
anxiety.
In
view of the plant compounds called flavonoids, especially yellow maca, it has
the potential to provide a greater sense of well-being and combat stress,
fatigue, and depression.
Optimize Sports Performance
Although
there is no clear scientific evidence, it is argued that, due to its
characteristics, the so-called Peruvian ginseng is a powerful energy that
increases muscle mass and improves athletic performance. For these reasons, it
is highly required by athletes.
Improves Learning
and Memory
Black
maca can boost brain function. In Peruvian lands, it is often used to improve
the performance of children in school.
Reduces the Size of the Prostate
Older
men may have an enlarged prostate, resulting in problems urinating. For these
circumstances, Peruvian ginseng acts as an anti-inflammatory.
On
the other hand, it has been said that thanks to the large number of
glucosinolates it contains, maca reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
How to Use Maca and When to Take It?
It
is easy to incorporate maca into the diet, either in presentations such as capsules,
tablets, powder, or liquid extract.
As
for its uses in the kitchen, it can be used in soups, and liquids such as milk,
coffee, or smoothies; it can also be eaten with cereals or in energy bars.
Additionally, it is used in these ways:
Capsules:
It is advisable to take them with breakfast or lunch, never at dinner. You must
follow the instructions on the leaflet and the doctor, however, the suggested
daily dose to obtain its benefits as an energizer and antioxidant, is from 240
mg to 800 mg.
Tablets:
They should be taken according to medical instructions, in doses similar to those
recommended for capsules.
Dust:
It is advisable to ingest between two and six grams daily. Maca powder can be
diluted in water by adding sugar, so it can be added to breakfast to promote
fertility and increase energy.
Liquid Extract:
This is obtained as a result of a chemical process, boiling the maca in water,
alcohol, or another chemical solution, in order to concentrate its active
principles, which are of great help to the immune system.
Advantages
of Maca for Health
1. Helps mitigate fatigue,
stress, and anxiety.
2. Increases libido in men
and women.
3. Reduces the effects of
menopause in women.
4. Provide energy to
undertake daily tasks and play sports.
5. It has the ability to
reduce inflammation of the prostate.
6. It is found in
different presentations almost all over the world.
Disadvantages
of Maca for Health
1. Its consumption is not
recommended for people with thyroid problems, as it contains goitrogens,
substances that can interfere with the normal functioning of this gland.
2. Pregnant or lactating
women should consult a doctor before ingesting it.
3. It is not recommended
for those with kidney or liver failure and should definitely not be taken by
those with insomnia.
4. Any substance that we use for health should be under medical consent and supervision.
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