Maca is derived from the basis of Lepidium meyenii, which is a perennial plant that grows at excessive altitudes within the Peruvian Andes.
Additionally referred to as Peruvian Ginseng and Ginseng Andin, Lepidium meyenii belongs to the Brassica plant household, which additionally consists of broccoli, radishes, and arugula. There are several types of maca, and the roots can vary in shade, from black to pink.
In Peru, maca has been used as a meals and pure medication for at the least 3,000 years. The cooked root might be made into dishes like mashes, whereas maca flour is used to make baked items, like breads and muffins. It’s additionally used as a standard medication to deal with circumstances akin to fertility challenges and respiratory issues.
Although maca has been a staple meals and medication in Peru for hundreds of years, it is solely lately turn out to be in style within the U.S. Over the previous couple of many years, the demand for maca has skyrocketed as extra individuals turn out to be occupied with pure treatments for low libido and fertility challenges.
Following this elevated public demand, scientific curiosity in maca root has picked up. The variety of scientific publications specializing in maca elevated by 550% over one decade, from 35 papers in 2010 to 228 in 2020.
Whereas maca root can be utilized as a meals supply, it’s principally consumed as a complement within the U.S. It’s normally consumed as a powder, however can be present in capsules and gummies. Maca powder has a nutty, barely butterscotch-like style.
As for the way it’s normally used, “Maca root powder might be safely integrated into an individual’s weight loss program by including it to meals and drinks, like baked items and smoothies,” herbalist Grace Yoon tells mindbodygreen.
