Maca Under the Magnifying Glass
The superfood Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is native to the mountains of Peru and is cultivated as high as 4300 meters above sea level. It has been used for over 3500 years and legend claims that during the peak of the Incan empire, the warriors consumed maca before going into battle to ensure super strength and stamina. On return from battle however, Incan soldiers were prohibited from using maca in order to protect the women from their insatiable sexual desires. Maca is renowned for providing strength, endurance and enhanced libido.
So what is maca?
As a member of the cruciferous tribe (which includes kale and cabbage), maca is abundant in potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, sodium and phosphorous and also contains trace minerals which includes iodine, zinc, selenium, bismuth, copper, manganese, tin and silicon. It is also rich in vitamins B1, B2, C and E.
Maca has the ability to stabilize and balance the body’s glandular – hormonal system, nervous system, cardiovascular system and musculature. This makes it great for managing hormones, stress, thyroid and your mood in general.
According to David Wolfe, maca is great if you suffer from:AnemiaChronic fatigueDepressionInfertility and sterilityLack of libidoMalnutritionMenopausal symptomsMenstrual discomfort and disordersPoor memoryStomach cancerStress tensionTuberculosis
How to use it and where to get it?
Seeing as maca is a superfood, it can be used in greater quantities than other medicinal herbs. It has also found to be safe to use long term. You can purchase it online or at most health food stores in dried, raw, organic food. Look for the real deal and only buy the root, not other parts of the plant.
Use a tablespoon in smoothies, juices, nut milks, tea or coffee, or add to your raw chocolate treats.
Here’s a maca recipe to get you started:
Sweet Maca Smoothie Recipe
- 2 frozen bananas
- 2 fresh bananas
- 3 medjool dates
- 200mls of filtered water (or your favorite nut milk)
- 1 heaped teaspoon of maca root powder
- Cacao nibs*
Blend the first 5 ingredients and then top with cacao nibs.
*David Woolfe also claims that maca has a special relationship with cacao so use them together regularly to experience the culinary sensation.
Nicole English has been a vegan/vegetarian for 18 years and has been eating a highly-raw diet since 2009. Her journey into health and raw food evolved from having a child with autism and an extensive history of cancer in the family. She now has her Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition and a Certificate in Raw Nutrition. At her blog, you can find great recipes, inspiration, and advice on how to change your habits and add more raw plant food to your diet. Visit rawkiwi.com
This article appears in ISSUE 23 of Healthy Juicing Magazine
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