If you’re into health foods, super foods, and supplements, you have probably heard of maca. Outside of Peru, this root is sold in the form of pills or dehydrated and grounded into a powder, and it has gained fame for being energizing and for regulating hormonal imbalances. Indeed, maca has these desirable qualities that make it a wonderful supplement. But maca is more than just that.
In Peru this root has been consumed fresh for many centuries, and only recently as a powder added to smoothies, or in the form of pills. This Andean ingredient is known to be a strong sexual enhancer; so much so, that it is commonly known as “mellicera“, which means that it will make the person who consumes it have twins!
A few weeks ago we were having coffee with our friend Manuel Villacorta, author of the book Peruvian Power Foods, and he told us a very interesting fact, which reflects the energizing and sexual powers of this root. According to Manuel, in the times of the Incas, men were encouraged to consume large amounts of maca during battle, to gain extra energy and force. Once the war was over, however, maca became forbidden as a measure to keep them from raping the women in the villages they had conquered. Do we need to say more?
The efficiency of maca at balancing hormones make it ideal for women going through menopause. But its balancing effects don’t stop at a hormonal level. A perhaps less talked about effect of this super food is the way it balances the mood of the person who ingests it on a regular basis, improving conditions such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
Sounds too good to be true? Start taking 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of maca powder every day, and experience it in your own body.
Peru Delights
Great article and love Maca. I use it everyday!
Try mixing the maca powder in hot water with raw cacao, no need for sugar or milk. I have heard that this is how the Incans used to take it. Regardless, it tastes amazing – I used to find maca somewhat difficult to consume due to personal tastes but this sorts that problem right out. Raw cacao also has benefits such as improved cardiovascular health if taken over a long period of time but also gives you an energy perk due to its high nutrient levels (magnesium and other essential acids).
Thanks for the tip,Avi!I´m going to try it.You can also mix maca with hot water and drink it like tea.