Maca roots have been used by the indigenous people of the Andes for centuries for a long list of conditions. This amazing superfood is commonly known as Peruvian ginseng and is a valuable source of nutrients which has only recently been brought to our attention. We can use it as a natural remedy for a diverse range of conditions, but the health benefits of maca have been proven especially for women.
The native people of the Andes consume this root raw, cooked or boiled, which led it to become an everyday food staple. Because the Andes are a rough terrain, it makes them especially difficult for diverse food cultivation, which is why the natives mostly relied on wild gathered food.
Maca is very similar to radish and is a close relative to this root. It only thrives in the glaciated slopes of the Andes with a prime elevation of 12 000 to 15 000 feet above sea level.
Health Benefits of Maca
Maca became famous for its hormone balancing properties and the ability to reverse hypothyroidism. It doesn’t contain any hormones but it has the nutrients which your body needs to keep the hormone levels balanced.
Increased fertility is also one of the benefits of maca, and plenty of women will support this claim. It has high levels of minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, 6 types of sterols, more than 20 essential fatty acids, fibers, carbs, lipids, proteins and amino acids. Can you believe all the nutrients this underestimated root packs?
This root vegetable is also recommended to people suffering from adrenal fatigue because it’s known to reduce the stress hormones. It’s also recommended for women undergoing menopause because it’s known to reduce the common symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruptions, night sweats, and depression.
Maca is rich in a long list of nutrients, as we already mentioned, which support energy levels and help you recover from injuries. Athletes are especially recommended to take Maca in their diet because it can give them an energy boost and improve their athletic performance. Another thing that must be stressed out that regular consumption of Maca increases bone density, which is very beneficial for aging women, especially if they have a family history of osteoporosis.
How to consume Maca?
Maca can safely be taken in small amounts on a daily basis, in the form of powder or capsules. Maca powder is the cheaper option and it can be added to your smoothie or morning coffee, while the capsules are a bit more expensive and the instructions inside will tell you how to consume it. If you haven’t started consuming Maca yet, you must start now. You’ll be surprised from all the benefits you’ll have once you start consuming it regularly.
Note: Maca should be avoided during pregnancy!
Via: WellnessMama | GlobalHealingCenter
* You have our permission to reprint this article via creative commons license if you attribute us with a live backlink to this article. – Best Herbal Health
