Maca root, also known as Lepidium meyenii, originates from Peru's Andes mountain range. Maca's main uses are medicinal. Most often consumed in powder form, Maca also may be comsumed as a root vegetable, in the form of flour, or in a tincture. Maca is cultivated at altitudes above 8,000 feet, which means that it is the highest growing plant in the world. To give you a better idea of what Maca looks like, it is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which would make it a relative of the turnip and radish root vegetables.
History of Maca
In the 1500s, Maca was exported by the Spaniards and soon after was used for trade as a commodity. Cultivation of this magical Maca can be dated back five millennia. The Maca was used primarily by the Incas and the Spaniards were exposed to it when they conquered this area of Peru.
Daily Maca Dosage
The recommended dosage of Maca is 1,000 to 5,000 mg or 1 to 3 tsp. per day. Healthy Alternative and macaperu.com advise that when taking Maca, it is essential to take a week off after using it for four weeks. An alternative to that is taking four weeks off after using it for three months. This break is recommended to keep the body responsive to Maca's phytonutrients.
Maca and Your Meals
Maca comes in the form of an extract, a tincture, and also in the form of flour. Maca flour also can be gelatinized. Gelatinized Maca is easier to digest than the regular Maca because the starch is no longer present. Maca can be added to any meal by sprinkling it on top of your food, or adding it to hot tea. In Peru, Maca is prepared by boiling and is eaten whole.
Benefits of Maca
Maca provides relief for menopausal manifestations such as insomnia, instability of emotions, irregular periods, dryness of the vagina, and hot flashes. It does so by aiding in the regulation of the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and the pituitary glands. Men can also benefit from Maca. It is said to help with libido, impotence, reduction in the size of the prostate, and also an improvement of the quality of semen produced.
Side Effects of Maca
Due to the high content of iodine in Maca it is important that those with thyroid disorders take extreme precautionary measures when taking it. It also may increases the risk for the goiters. The increase in testosterone levels can cause acne breakouts, problems for women by creating irregular menses, instability in a person's mood, and a significant weight loss or gain. If any of these symptoms manifest, you should cease to ingest Maca.
References
- Studying its rich history in Peru is fascinating because its cultivation goes back perhaps five millennia.
- Maca root is extremely high in iodine. While some iodine is necessary for thyroid function, too much can worsen the symptoms of thyroid disease. Those with thyroid disorders should proceed with extreme caution and check with their endocrinologist before consuming maca root.
- Maca root has a chemical in it called Glucosinolate, which may lead to the growth of goiters.
- Traditionally in Peru the root is eaten like a potato, boiled and used in pudding, jams and drinks.
- When taking Maca, it is essential to take a week off after using it for four weeks, or four weeks off after using it for three months. This is done in order to keep the body responsive to its phytonutrients.
Member Comments