Maca: Superfood For Energy & Immune System
MACA: SUPERFOOD FOR ENERGY & IMMUNE SYSTEM (ISSUE 127) MAY 6, 2014
By Diane Gold
Maca: Superfood For Energy & Immune System
So invigorating. Its essence creates motivation and focus.
Let me start by saying that I wouldn’t have thought a nice little tan powder made from a root of the mustard family (broccoli’s cousin) would smell so good and cause the feeling of exuberance. Wonder if it’s because I know maca stimulates body systems and enhances the immune system, and I have associated the smell of maca with what it does.
WHAT MACA IS
Many call it an ancient Peruvian superfood, which it is! It’s definitely a superfood-food-herb that increases energy, endurance, healing and strength.
It’s not all that surprising that maca has traditionally been a staple superfood-herb in the harsh, cold climates of the high Andes in Peru for thousands of years. It grows at an elevation of 11,000-14,000 feet, making it possibly the highest altitude food-herb crop in the world. The character and properties of maca have been developed by the extreme conditions under which it grows. This makes it excellent for individuals living in cold climates and/or at high altitudes and/or with extreme lifestyles. Its benefits translate well to all altitudes and lifestyles, though.
Maca is a member of the cruciferous family of plants. It is a distant relative of the common radish. The maca plant produces leaves that grow close to the ground and the plant produces a small, off-white flower typical to the cruciferous family. The part of this plant that is most valuable, however, is the radish-like tuberous root.
HISTORICAL AND TRADITIONAL USE OF MACA
Archeological evidence has been found that shows maca domestication over 2,000 years ago by the predecessors of the Incan people. Even today, for many indigenous inhabitants of the Andes, maca is still one of the most vital and valuable of all commodities.
The maca root has been used over the ages for its nutritional and herbal qualities. Once harvested, this root was traditionally dried, then powdered. Once powdered, it was either eaten or put into sacs and traded for other commodities.
Oftentimes cacao nibs and beans (raw chocolate) would come up the Andes from the jungle; and, in exchange, maca would go down from the Andes into the jungle. These two foods (maca and cacao) have a unique affinity and history which is evident when one tries eating them together. Both cacao and maca were used as money by ancient indigenous peoples.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
These two foods are new daily additions to my breakfast smoothie. They are definitely making me feel good.
MACA’S REMARKABLE REPUTATION
Maca’s reputation as a powerful strength and stamina enhancer as well as libido-enhancing food-herb stretches back into prehistory. Maca, like goji berries and ginseng, is a powerful adaptogen, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize any of the body’s systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc.). As an adaptogen, maca can provide more energy to any of the systems, if it is needed. When extra energy is not required, it will not overstimulate.
Adaptogens also boost immunity and increase the body’s overall vitality by 10-15% according to most studies. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, adaptogens are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole body to diverse and challenging situations and stress.
During the height of the
Incan Empire, legend has it
that Incan warriors would
consume maca before
entering into battle.
Here’s an overview of what maca does:
PHYSIOLOGICAL USES
1) improves memory
2) oxygenates the blood
3) improves neurotransmitter function and general brain function
4) increases sex drive (libido)
5) helps reproductive health
6) increases stamina
7) helps anti-aging
8) balances hormones
9) builds muscles
10) strengthens bones
11) decreases inflammation
12) enhances energy
ACTION STEP
It is a wonderful superfood/herb that can make a difference in so many things. And all you do is put it in drinks or on the food you regularly eat.**
COMPOSITION BREAKDOWN
60% carbohydrates, 9% fiber, 10% protein, high lipid content (including linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids), mineral rich with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, iron and contains trace minerals zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, silica.
Has 20 different amino acids, including 7 essential aminos.
FOOD AND DRINK USES
in tea, smoothies, nut milks, coffee, broth
as a topping on desserts
added to salads and jams
RECOMMENDED AMOUNT
It is recommended to use 1, 2 or 3 teaspoons daily. The manufacturer, Sunfood, suggests taking off 1 week a month.
CAUTION BEFORE USE
As with any new addition taken into the body, it’s important to do your own research and/or check with a medical professional if you do and even if you don’t have any known diagnoses, take any drugs or alcohol or wish to be as safe as possible, knowing that all herbs and roots affect each of us differently. *Always start with the smallest amount to make sure it agrees with your system.
INGREDIENT
Certified Organic Maca Root Powder
SPECIFICATIONS
Vegan, Raw, Pesticide-Free, Sustainably-grown, Sulfur-free, Organic, Non-GMO
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration is OK in a container.
ACTION STEP
It’s worth getting maca** one time to see if it naturally gives you a gentle but firm boost of energy the way it does me. So aromatic, too.
**WarriorsofWeight.com has a business relationship with the manufacturer, Sunfood, and may receive commission from the sale of maca through this link. Any commissions do not raise the price for you, the consumer, and have not in any way prompted our positive discussion about maca, which is all from personal experience and research. It is our pleasure to be transparent about our endorsement of this product, and we are pleased to bring it to you.
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Thanks.
DIANE GOLD, PUBLISHER AND AUTHOR
Diane Gold, Founder of Warriors of Weight, Turning Habits Into Health, is a mentor in tai chi, kung fu and meditation, a music, fitness and stress expert, dedicated mom, studying plant-based nutrition and habit change.
She has been doing dedicated research on plant-based nutrition.. She says,
“The first thing to remember is that each body and mind are different. So, what works for you may not work for me, and what I think is mah-velous may not be so for you. I like using maca. I love the way it smells, and, since I began putting maca in my food, I have had an increase in clean, focused energy. I can’t swear it’s the maca, but, I’m pretty sure it is.”
“It has a reputation for giving energy and improving the immune system, and it has been instrumental in sustaining populations that live where the air is thin and the climate is harsh, 10 + thousand feet above see level.
“Finally, let us all take good care of ourselves because we are so worth it!”
