Lepidium Meyenii, also known as Maca, is a plant grown in the Andes of Central Peru. This has also earned it the name “Peruvian ginseng” because of its exclusivity to the region. Lepidium Meyenii is grown in very harsh conditions at very high altitudes – 13000 feet. You might be wondering how a plant can grow in these circumstances; it’s absolutely mindblowing, we know!
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable and is closely related to greens like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and cabbage. And one thing you should note is that when people refer to eating Maca, they aren’t talking about the plant as a whole but the root. So yes, this root is a delicacy in Peru and other parts of the world. You’ll get what we mean soon.
In a previous article, we spoke about the Yacon root and its various medicinal properties. Well, Maca root is quite similar, in the sense that it is the part of the plant grown underground. And it usually assumes a variety of colors, such as yellow, purple, and Black. These colors help denote their rarity and uses.
Maca Colors And Their Meaning
As stated earlier, Lepidium Meyenii comes in three different colors; Yellow, purple, and black. We have found that Yellow Maca is quite common from research, with 60 – 70% of harvest assuming this color. On the other hand, Purple is quite rare, with 20 -25% of harvest coming from this. And Black is the rarest of them all, with only 10-15% of harvest assuming this color.
Shamans from Peru have utilized Lepidium Meyenii for a variety of practices, including medicine. They have also instructed that we should prepare and ingest the three different colors. Yellow Maca is for long-term balance and daily use(It is neutral). While Purple and black are sacred and reserved for acute or chronic therapeutic use. Purple Maca contains feminine energy and is, therefore, internal. Black contains masculine energy and is external.
Maca In Other Parts Of The World
Lepidium Meyenii is highly medicinal, and it has grown in popularity over the years due to this. Unfortunately, this has led other countries such as China to smuggle the plant and grow it in similar conditions. For example, Chinese Maca is grown in the mountains of Yunnan, which exceed 15,000 feet!
The Chinese maca industry has seen a significant boom over the years due to its skill in exports. However, this sudden growth has also led a lot of shady individuals to export substandard products which offer little or no benefits to consumers.
Benefits Of Maca Roots?
Below are some of its benefits;
Packed full of nutrients
Lepidium Meyenii powder is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent carbohydrate source, contains a decent amount of fiber, and is low in fat. Asides from this, it has several plant compounds, including Polyphenols and glucosinolates. When measured, one ounce contains;
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Calories: 91
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Potassium: 16% of the RDI (Reference Daily Intake)
- Vitamin B6: 15% of the RDI
- Manganese: 10% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 133% of the RDI
- Copper: 85% of the RDI
- Iron: 23% of the RDI
Sexual Vitality
As we grow older, our sex drive tends to lessen. So why not combat this with one of nature’s most potent Libido enhancers, Maca? A survey conducted in 2010 had 131 participants undergo four randomized clinical studies. It found concrete evidence that Maca improves sexual drive after six weeks of ingestion.
Improved Mood
Multiple studies have revealed that Lepidium Meyenii is a good antidepressant and can help improve your mood. So how does it achieve this? Maca contains some plant compounds known as flavonoids which proffer psychological benefits.
Reduces Erectile Dysfunction
Individuals with erectile dysfunction can benefit a lot from maca root powder. In 2009, researchers conducted a small study where participants ingested 2.4g of maca root per day for 12 weeks. All of these participants suffered from Erectile Dysfunction.
After the study, the participants who consumed Lepidium Meyenii’s root experienced improved sexual health.
Enhances energy
Athletes and bodybuilders often use Lepidium Meyenii roots as a supplement to help boost their performance and energy. In 2009, a pilot study found out that using Lepidium Meyenii extract for 14 days improved performance for male cyclists in a 40km time trial. The improvements were minute, but a minor percentage increase in performance can mean the difference between 1st and 2nd place to an athlete.
Where Can I Get Raw Gelatinized Maca Root Powder from?
Good quality Maca is hard to find. And with the amount of substandard Maca imported from various locations around the world, you’ll have to examine numerous retailers to find out which one sells top-notch Maca.
But wait, what if we told you we provide the highest and purest form of Maca out there? Our Maca is the most potent in the United States, and our 225 five-star reviews provide evidence for this. We are also among the first in the U.S to provide raw gelatinized Maca to our patrons.
And what’s more, In10sity Raw Gelatinized Maca Powder contains 80% black maca, 15% purple maca, and 5% yellow maca. Remember, rarity matters.
How Is Maca Root Consumed?
The Lepidium Meyenii root is mainly consumed dry and in powder form. It has an earthy taste, and most people call it an acquired taste.
You can add it to your oatmeal, smoothies, or treats as a means of supplementing your diet.
To get maca powder, click this link. Also, follow us on Instagram to learn more about how to improve your health through nature’s gifts.
