Maca: beneficial properties and uses of Peruvian ginseng

The maca (Lepidium meyenii), also known as Peruvian Ginseng, is a plant of the Brassicaceae family and it grows in the Andes. It resembles a turnip root and, since always, the Andean mountaineers consume it for its anti-fatigue and anti-stress properties, which allow them to overcome large workloads. Maca is also known for its energizing and invigorating properties and it is rich in vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids and fibers, which make it the ideal food also for those suffering from anemia and nervous system disorders. But let's find out more about the properties of maca, and how to use it to make the most of its benefits.

Properties and benefits of maca

The maca also contains all the important nutrients that make it a complete food, in fact it contains essential amino acids, vitamin A, C and B vitamins, as well as mineral salts, fatty acids, carbohydrates and fiber. All these elements make maca a very energetic food, ideal for overcoming periods of fatigue, especially when associated with dull skin, decreased sexual desire and hair loss. In fact, this root increases the body's ability to adapt to stressing agents that come from outside, also balancing the lymphatic, cardiovascular and muscular system. The presence of amino acids gives the maca anabolic properties favoring the increase of lean and muscular mass in sportsmen.

Maca also helps improve concentration and memory and it is useful for strengthening the immune system and for preventing and fighting osteoporosis. Maca is also known for its aphrodisiac properties as it contains alkaloids that help counteract hormonal imbalances that can lead to decreased desire, sexual dysfunction and infertility. This root is also recommended in case of premenstrual syndrome and painful cycle.

During pregnancy and lactation it can be taken to tone the uterus and increase milk production, always after consulting your doctor. The vitamins in the maca instead help to fight anemia because it has the ability to raise the level of hemoglobin.

Maca: where to buy it and how to use it

You can buy maca in herbal medicine shops, in pharmacies or online. You can find it in the form of a powder, with a sugary taste, which you can consume inside milk, yogurt and fruit juices or simply dissolving it in water. It can also be used for the preparation of desserts and homemade biscuits, but also in soups.You can also take the maca in the form of a capsule supplement that contains the dried and ground root, to be taken to counteract the stress and the decrease in energy, but also in the case of sexual and pregnancy disorders and to improve the health of skin and hair. It is recommended, on average, to consume from 5 to 20 grams per day of dried root or powder, and 800-1000 mg of tablets or dry extract, to be taken with meals. However, consult the herbalist for the doses to be taken.