Maca (lepidium meyenii) is a biennial plant, which is native to the central Peru in Andes Mountains. The plant belongs to the radish family. For about 3000 years the plant has been cultivated particularly for its root. In ancient times Inca warriors ate maca before battles. The nutritional value of the maca root is very high, so it can be used as a supplement. The root contains vitamins B, C, E, dietary fiber, carbohydrates calcium, fats, manganese, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, polysaccharides and essential amino acids. There are many benefits of maca root. It is used in medicine and culinary. It can be cooked in different ways. It can be boiled, roasted, mashed, dried; used ground in baking; fresh in salads. Maca root is used with other vegetables for cooking soups, jams and juices. It is also used as a flavoring ingredient. Maca root can be fermented and used in brewing.
Now let’s speak about benefits of maca in medicine. You have already known about nutritional benefits of the root. It increases your energy level, influence your mood and improves memory. Oh, how we need such boosting every day! In modern society and our crazy life style maca root benefits can help us to stay energetic and resilient. But as you understand that’s not all. You can use maca to alleviate such symptoms:
- menstrual problems;
- hormone disbalance in females;
- menopause symptoms;
- stomach cancer;
- tuberculosis;
- depression;
- leukemia;
- osteoporosis;
- erectile dysfunction.
Of course there are more maca benefits than side effects. Using it in food or medicinal amounts and up to four months is completely safe. But you should know that maca extracts may contain estrogen, which may worsen certain health conditions, especially those that are connected with hormones. Before using maca in the period of pregnancy or breast feeding consult a doctor.