History
Maca is the highest- altitude crop on Earth. This superfood naturally can grow altidude of 14,000 feet. According to achrchiological evidence, maca has been grown in the Puruvian Andes in South America for over 2,600 years.
"Today the Quechua people, desendents of the Incan, continue to grow this superfood at it’s natural altitude of 9,000 -10,00 feet (2,700-3,000 meters)" Legend has it that during the hieght of the Incan empire, Incan warriors would consume maca before entering battle to make them fiercly strong, but after conquering a city the Incan soldiers were prohibited from using maca, to protect the women from the exessive sexual desires from men. (David Wolfe, "Superfoods" pages 67-68)
Physical prospective
According to research, maca as an adaptogenic superfood increases energy, endurance, oxygen in the blood, physical strength, neurotransmitter production, and libido. It supports the endocrine system, the adrenals, and the thyroid. As an adapotogen, maca can provide more energy. According to most studies, adapotogens also boost immunity and increase the body’s overall vitality by 10 to 15 percent. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, adaptogens improve overall adaptability of the whole body to challenging situations and stress. (David Wolfe, "Superfoods"pages 70-72)
Evidence
Personal use
Maca is powerfully energizing superfood. I personally use “maca” after I workout, with my protein shakes. Giving me the best muscle repair and adaptogenic effect, along with massive amounts of energy. I intuitively experienced, increase libido, sustained energy through workouts, overall energy, and bliss!
Possible Benefits
- Increase libido
- Increase stamina, and energy
- May strengthen the immune system
- Increase oxygen in blood
- Increase bone strength
- Regulation of blood sugar
- Stimulate fertility in men and women
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti- aging properties
- Hormonal balance
- Regulation of Endocrine system
- Mental clarity
- Reducing chronic fatigue
- Supports adrenal function
- Vitamins, amino acids, and minerals
- Adaptogen
Work cited
(http://www.sunburstsuperfoods.com/organic-maca-root-powder/) David Wolfe “Superfoods” page, 67-72.
I am familiar with some superfoods, including quinoa and chia seeds, but I'd never heard of maca before this post. So that's great. You have a lot of good details. I would suggest, though, that you cross-reference your initial maca source with data from the FDA or NIH or another medically reliable source. This is important with fairly rare herbal supplements because some readers could be taking advice from you and you want to make sure you are covered when you suggest that medical evidence from professionals *all* lean in this particular direction.
ReplyDeleteI did find this link from WebMD when I searched maca and "FDA" ...http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/the-truth-about-maca
What I liked about this source is that it shows how the plant is actually cooked in its non-powdered state. It does look promising. Hopefully more studies will be out shortly?
Thank you, for the feedback. I'm surprised! you checked it out. The "FDA" cross-reference, thats a good idea. It slipped my mind.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking at this stuff in the store wondering if it was just another food fad or not. I wonder if they will do any studies looking for the source chemicals or nutrients that give these effects though it may be a combination that cannot be synthesized. I like the fact that you mentioned that it is an adaptogen, as I regularly drink Tulsi or Indian holy basil tea which is another adaptogen. It helps regulate stress in your body, as well as give you a caffeine free boost of energy.
ReplyDelete