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| Maca Root Whole |
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Featured Product:
Maca - Lepidium meyenii Walp (CERTIFIED ORGANIC)
Presentations Available:
- Maca Root Chips
- Maca Root Powder
- Maca Root Gelatinized Powder
- Maca Root Powder Extract 4:1
- Maca Root Powder Extract 6:1
- Maca Root Powder Extract 0.6%
Maca: Also called Peruvian Ginseng, Maca is a Peruvian plant (sort of like a radish) used for restoring energy, vitality and fertility. As folklore has it, when Spanish explorers arrived in Peru in the 16th century, their livestock were weak and infertile. Upon the advice of the Incas, the Spaniards fed maca to their horses and other animals. The result was healthy livestock that reproduced normally. In addition to its use for fertility, Inca warriors would eat maca before battles to promote strength and stamina. Today, maca is still a staple in Peru – the root may be roasted like a potato, or may also be prepared as a jam, pudding, juice or soup. As an aphrodisiac, maca is typically formulated into a capsule.
Taxonomic Classification:
Division: Phanerogramia or anthophyta
Subdivision: Angiosperm
Class: Dicotyledoneae
Subclass: Archichlamydeae
Order: Rhoeadales
Family: Cruciferae
Species: Lepidium meyenii
Common name: Maca
Geographical Distribution: Herbaceous plant of Andean origin that grows on the upper Andean reaches between 3,800 and 4,500 meters above sea level. The plant has a great ability to extract nutrients from the soil in such a way that it sterilizes the ground. Some 3 to 5 metric tons per hectare of organic matter must be added to enable the plant to be sown for a second consecutive year, or otherwise the land must be left fallow for at least eight years to allow it to recover.
Description: It is an herbaceous plant with a tuber root, a globular rounded shape with a variety of colors (from light yellow, pink, unevenly faded, purple and black) with sizes ranging from 3 to 7 cm in transverse and longitudinal diameters. The Maca root has been used since the Inca era. It was the most widespread crop to be produced, consumed and traded, and was of utmost importance and energy they needed to fight. As vitamins are indispensable in the metabolic activity of cells and are generally not synthesized by the human organism, the vitamins contribution of Maca is important: calcium and phosphorous fortify bones and iron has a direct role in synthesizing hemoglobin.
The root forms a unique association of natural estrogen and “glucosinolates” bio-chemical with action, to which is attributed the regulation of a hormone secretion and its beneficial effects of the human reproductive process.
Composition: Maca is a rich source of protein. The dried hypocotyls can contain 14–16% protein, with a high content of essential amino acids and minerals. Maca has a high amount of antinutritional substances, such as tannin, alkaloids, and small amounts of saponin. The roots are reputed to have fertility-enhancing properties. Each root of Maca contains proteins, fats, glucides, fiber, calcium, phosphorous, iron, Vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Pyridoxine (B6) and Ascorbic Acid (C). In addition: Iodine, saponines, triterpenoids (natural estrogens), aromatic “glucosinolates” and flavonoids.
Traditional Use: Maca has a high nutritional value that includes the main metabolites: proteins, glucides, vitamins, minerals, hormones, etc.
The high percentage of proteins contains the majority of essential aminoacids, necessary for the synthesis of new proteins and the formation of protein compounds of physiological importance in the formation of skeletal muscle; in addition to the association of globulins and ascorbic acid that creates the antibodies that are of major importance in defense mechanisms against infections and tension of all types (fortifying action).
In percentage of glucides translated into calories provides the necessary energy to develop vital functions, with the presence of large quantities of fructose and sugar, which upon metabolizing, do not convert into reserve matter nor blood sugar, which is why it is used as a sweetener for diabetics and diabetics products. It is also used as a quick source of energy and metabolic stimulant against various infections or in normal conditions. This is why it is consumed by athletes to combat fatigue (invigorating and energizing).
* Excellent source of energy. Containing proteins, vitamins, minerals, and hormones, among others.
* Stimulates sexual desires. Recommended in cases of sexual impotence.
* Increases physical endurance and promotes mental clarity.
* Indicated in cases of stress, anemia and depression.
Side Effects: None
References: 1. Canales M, Aguilar J, Prada A, Marcelo A, Huaman C, Carbajal L. Nutritional evaluation of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) in albino mice and their descendant. Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2000 Jun;50(2):126-33. 2. Chacon, G., 1990. La maca (Lepidium peruvianum) Chacon sp. Nov. Y su habitat. Revista Peruana de Biologia 3:171-272. 3. Dini, A., et.al., 199994., "Chemical composition of Lepidium meyenii," Food Chemistry 49: 347-349. 4. Gomez, A., "Maca, Es alternativa Nutricional para el ano 2000." Informe Ojo con su Salud No. 58 August 15, 1997, Lima Peru. 5. Johns, T. 1981. The anu and the maca. Journal of Ethnobiology, 1:208-212. 6. King, Steven, 1986. "Ancient Buried Treasure of the Andes," Garden, November/December. 7. Leon, J. 1964. The "maca" (Lepidium Meyenii) a little known food plant of Peru. Economic Botany. 18:122-127. 8. Quiros, C. et al., "Physiological Studies and Determination of Chromosome Number in Maca, Lepidium Meyenii." Economic Botany 50(2) pp. 216-223. 1996. 9. Report of an Ad Hoc Panel of the Advisory Committee on Technical Innovation, Board on Science and Technology for International Development, National Research Council, 1989. Lost Crops of the Incas: Little Known Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation. 10. Zheng et al. Urology, April 2000.
DISCLAIMER:
Information presented at Internaturales.com is for educational purposes only; statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
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