Organic Maca Powder

Maca is a plant native to the Andes of Peru and has been cultivated and consumed as a health tonic for centuries. It is the root that is harvested, sun-dried and ground to a powder and is known in Peru to be a medicinal food with uses extending from improving fertility to increasing sex drive. Maca is also known as Peruvian ginseng because of its traditional use for increasing stamina and energy.

Maca is of the same family as the radish and is around 70% carbohydrates, 14% protein, 8% fiber and 2% fat. Maca also contains a host of nutritional constituents such as potassium, calcium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc.

Health benefits of Maca

Current studies on Maca show positive effects on sex drive and sexual function. Other studies have shown improvement in depressive symptoms and blood pressure in post-menopausal women. Maca has also been studied for its effects on the common flu viruses and has demonstrated remarkable anti-viral effects. Despite there being only a few scientific studies so far reporting the benefits of Maca, the traditional range of use is extensive.

Maca has been used traditionally as well as currently by many natural health practitioners to treat anaemia, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance in women, memory problems, osteoporosis and depression. Other documented but not studied uses include treating acne, improving thyroid function and reducing the many symptoms of postmenopause such as insomnia, heart palpitations and joint aches and pains.

In the kitchen with Maca

With its unique, malty caramel flavour, Maca makes an excellent addition to smoothies, energy balls and hot chocolates and in Peru, the locals use Maca in their cooking to flavour breads. Maca is best taken at around 1 teaspoon per day.