MEET MACA, A POWERHOUSE ROOT FOR PRODUCTIVITY
“Known by its scientific name, Lepidium meyenii, maca is a type of cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru. Maca has a similar appearance and size as radishes or turnips with green tops and roots that range in color from yellow to purple and black.
MEET MACA, A POWERHOUSE ROOT FOR PRODUCTIVITY
I just love adding Maca root to all my morning smoothies now. It’s barely noticeable but packs a real punch when it comes to delivering nutrients. So let’s go over exactly what makes maca so great!
The main active compound in maca is the alkaloid macaridine, which has not been found in any other plant.
“Known by its scientific name, Lepidium meyenii, maca is a type of cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes of Peru. Maca has a similar appearance and size as radishes or turnips with green tops and roots that range in color from yellow to purple and black.
The pleasant-tasting root, or hypocotyls, is usually available in powder form after being harvested and grounded down. Not only is it a natural source of healing nutrition, but it also has a long history of being a safe superfood that has been consumed for its health benefits for thousands of years in regions of the Andes Mountains.
It’s also considered an “adaptogen,” a name given to certain herbs, plants and natural substances that help the body naturally adapt to stressors like a busy schedule, demanding job or illness.
Not only that, but maca provides a host of important micronutrients and is jam-packed with antioxidants, and it has been shown to improve sexual health, balance hormone levels, and boost energy, mood and memory,” writes Rachael Link, MS, RD
“Maca comes in three main colors, with each color having different unique properties. All three colors arise from the same seed crop, so in essence you cannot independently cultivate a single color. It is just the skin that is colored so once sun-dried and processed all powders look similar but are used for different conditions,” writes The Maca Experts on their website.
“Phenotype genetics provide a harvest with ratios of approximately 60-70% yellow maca, 20-25% red maca and 10-15% black maca. The shamans claim this is not by chance, but more about how ‘she’ (la maca) wants you to consume her. As such, the three different colours are prepared and taken differently depending on the body’s requirements and condition(s) being treated. Yellow is for daily use and long-term balance, red and black are sacred and saved for acute or chronic therapeutic use.”
