Maca is a high-altitude root vegetable native to the Andes Mountains. The perennial plant belongs to the same family as broccoli and cabbage and has a sweet taste when cooked. The pear-shaped maca root is rich in nutrients, providing amino acids, fiber, protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as an impressive list of vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-6
Vitamin B-1 is also known as a thiamine and vitamin B-2's other name is riboflavin. Niacin is an alternate name for B-3 and pyridoxine for vitamin B-6. These four nutrients belong to a larger family of vitamins usually referred to as "vitamin B complex." As a group, the B vitamins facilitate your physical growth and cognitive development. Vitamins B-1 and B-2, in particular, help your digestive system to change food into energy. Vitamin B-3 keeps your skin healthy and your nervous system functioning properly. Your red blood cells and immune system depend, in part, on vitamin B-6 for their health.
Vitamin C and Vitamin P
Vitamin C permits your body to repair itself after injury or illness. It is also the building block of the protein that creates skin, tendons, blood vessels and ligaments. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, a substance that neutralizes free radicals. These are molecules that appear after digestion or exposure to tobacco or radiation. They damage cells and cause disease. Technically speaking, vitamin P is a group of bioflavonoids, not a vitamin. Bioflavonoids enhance vitamin C's powers.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D, usually available from foods, while another form is synthesized in your body after sun exposure. This nutrient helps you to absorb calcium. Vitamin D also maintains a balanced concentration of potassium and calcium in your bloodstream. Besides, the vitamin helps to control cell growth and reduce inflammation.
Carotene
Carotene is the pigment that gives carrots and other plants their orange color. Like vitamin C, this natural coloring agent is an antioxidant. Three types of carotene -- alpha, beta and gamma -- are precursors to vitamin A, a nutrient essential for bone and eye health. Vitamin A also supports your reproductive system.
Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium
Of all the minerals in your body, calcium has the highest concentration. Most of it is in your bones and teeth. The small amount left, about 1 percent, is distributed among your blood, muscles and cell fluid. Calcium is essential for the nervous system to send messages and for your muscles and blood vessels to contract and stretch. Like calcium, the highest accumulation of phosphorous is in your bones. The mineral is also a component of cell membrane and it helps your body to produce and store energy. Along with calcium, magnesium makes it possible for your muscles to expand and retract. The mineral is also vital for protein production. In addition, magnesium generates and carries energy through your body.
Potassium and Sodium
Your heart, kidneys, digestive and nervous systems, and muscles need potassium to function properly. Sodium controls the pressure of the blood that flows through these organs and systems.
Trace Minerals
Maca root contains some minerals that your body needs in small quantities, called "trace minerals." Iron and copper are vital for blood production, while zinc strengthens your immune system. Selenium pairs up with vitamin E, which maca does not supply, to prevent cell degeneration. Boron and manganese participate in the production of sex hormones, muscles and bones.
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