Post by Ashropshirelady on Jun 28, 2013 19:12:08 GMT
The maca plant is a herbaceous annual, a hardy cruciferous vegetable, from the carrot, radish and parsnip family. The root is a tuber, similar in appearance to a small turnip. It is either cream-coloured or purple when harvested. The maca plant is native to Peru. It is cultivated in the inhospitable regions of the Andean Mountains, at altitudes of 12,500-14,500 feet, in the Junin plateaus of Peru's Central Highlands.
It has been used by the Peruvians for several thousand years, both as a foodstuff and medicinally. Today it is still widely used by the native people of the Peruvian highlands - from toddlers to the elderly. Medicinally it is used to enhance fertility in people and animals, but also for libido and energy. Similarly to Ginseng, it is used for its health benefits, to increase strength, energy, stamina, libido and sexual function. Maca is said to be a "legendary sex-enhancing root, passed down from the Inca". It is often referred to as "Peruvian Ginseng", even though it is unrelated botanically.
Maca is still used today by the indigenous inhabitants of the Andes; it still has a very important function in the feeding of this region. It is a staple food product, as so little else grows in these inhospitable regions. It is also a vital and valuable commodity, as it is used for trading against other staple foods, such as beans, rice, corn and sugar.
Maca can be used fresh or dried. Fresh roots are considered a treat and are roasted over fires or in ash, in a similar way to that in which the sweet potato is prepared (Batata). It is normally stored in its dried form - it is kept in cool dry conditions and can easily be stored for seven years.
Maca has a pleasant flavour, similar to Graham flour. It is used in the preparation of various foods, such as cookies, cakes, hot porridge and as chips. It is used in sweets, desserts, syrup, jams and wine. Maca powder can be sprinkled on cereals, added to yoghurt or soup, mixed with milk, hot or cold water (with the addition of milk and honey), or fruit juices such as apple, cranberry or pineapple, put on salads or added to salad dressings or other foodstuffs.
How much should you take?
Bearing in mind that maca is a staple food, it is not always used in small quantities. The Peruvians take a minimum of 3-5 grams of maca per day, but you can take more without adverse effects. Peruvians often use a tablespoonful in a blended drink each day. 2 teaspoonfuls a day (about 4-5 grams) should be taken for medicinal purposes, although 1 teaspoonful (2-3 grams) would be beneficial for maintenance.
Nutritional Breakdown
Maca is a highly nutritious foodstuff, which is about 60% carbohydrate. It also containing the following nutrients:
59% Carbohydrate
10% Protein - providing important Amino Acids
2% Lipids (fat) - providing important Primary Fatty Acids, Alkaloids, tannins, saponins and sterols
21% Vitamins and Minerals, including trace minerals
8% Fibre
Maca has a higher lipid content than other root crops, including important primary fatty acids - linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. It is also a rich source of sterols including sitosterol, ampestrol, ergosterol, brassicasterol and ergostadienol.
It is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and iron and contains trace minerals including zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, bismuth, manganese and silica, as well as B vitamins. As maca is high in absorbable calcium and magnesium, it has been used successfully to prevent and reverse osteoporosis.
Maca contains four alkaloids, proven in scientific investigation to nourish the endocrine glands, including the reproductive system.
Maca - The Adaptogen
Some plants have an extraordinary ability to adapt and survive in the most inhospitable places. These plants may have special medicinal properties and are termed "Adaptogens". Rather than address a specific symptom, adaptogens are used to improve the adaptability of the whole system, giving added vitality. They boost immunity, harmonizing the body as they work to stabilise its functions. So, for example, they can be responsible for both lowering high blood pressure or raising low blood pressure.
Adaptogens help humans to confront stress, allowing the body to maintain its equilibrium. They can help a disfunctioning system back to normal balance. Maca is an adaptogen. It works by acting on the hypophysis, the hypothalamus and the supra-renal glands that produce adrenalin. It levels out the release of adrenalin, the "fight or flight" hormone.
Maca has a long list of uses because of its broad range of nutritional and medicinal properties. Traditionally, native medicine practitioners and herbalists have recommended maca for:
• Treating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and depression, as an
alternative to hormone replacement therapy [HRT]
• Stimulating and regulating the endocrine system, including the adrenals, the thyroid, the ovaries, and the testes
• Regulating and normalizing menstrual cycles
• Stimulating fertility in both men and women
• Supporting the immune system
• Increasing energy, stamina and endurance, reducing chronic fatigue
• Enhancing libido, treating impotence
• Revitalizing seniors, mentally and physically
As it is a nourishing food, it is an excellent supplement for children and for pregnant women. It can be used to treat malnutrition.
In the oxygen-poor environment at the high altitudes of the Peruvian highlands, conception can be difficult. It is fact that when the Spaniards first went to Cusco after the Spanish conquest, it was several years before a Spanish baby was born. Today, the young couples in these regions are aware of the fertility powers of maca and indeed, eat maca on a regular basis until conception occurs. Maca balances the endocrine system, including the ovaries, testes, adrenals, pancreas and thyroid, helps older men maintain sexual functioning; assists in human conception; helps maintain menopausal hormonal balance
Maca is a powerful aphrodisiac for men and women. It is said to "rekindle the desires and the fires of lost passion"! It has aroused the interest of scientists as it strengthens and stimulates the libido. It is said to renew sexuality lost in youth. Remaining sexually active has been said to promote a longer, healthier and happier life. Having a healthy libido indicates a youthful constitution - it offers a healthy, risk-free solution to premature ageing!
An Energiser - for improved Strength and Stamina: Maca is a natural energizer, both mentally and physically, due to both its mineral content and the alkaloids. It can boost energy levels, and is being used as an adjuvant therapy for chronic fatigue. Maca is a powerful tonic that improves physical output in a non-specific way. It reinforces the immune system and increases brain capability, generally improving bodily function. Its effects are appropriate to the age and sex of the person using it. It has been shown to revitalize men and women of middle and older age both mentally and physically.
As the endocrine gland balance and immune system function are so interrelated, Maca often notably enhances immune system functioning
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