Maca Root Powder: The Peruvian Superfood Adaptogen

Maca root powder is gaining popularity among many for its nutritional and medicinal benefits.  Originating in the mountains of Peru and South America, it’s now imported in it’s easy to use dried form all over the world. We came across it when buying super food powders from the local organic store, intrigued because it was actually by weight one of the most expensive ones available. For us, we get 300 grams of the stuff for 300 pesos, about 15 usd.    

Similar to a turnip, this little root (lepidium meyenii) is a part of the crucifer family.  It’s a short wide spreading plant with a medium sized root that’s most commonly ground down and dried into a powder.   It is in this powder that maca root is most commonly consumed.  Something to consider is that there are MANY root vegetables hailing from that section of the world that all have their own specific preparations before cooking.  Some are soaked, some sliced and sun dried, some dried and ground into a powder like maca.   

So like anyone who just spent what used to be their grocery budget on just one product, I looked it up to find out why it costs so much! (For me, anyway.)

So the benefits are listed as but apparently not limited to:
balancing cholesterol hormone balance (male and female) energy levels health booster increased fertility in both males and females immune system booster improved sexual function improved memory improved focus improved sperm production

 The little root is comprised of the following by weight:
 18% protein   76% carbohydrates 5% fat 8.5% fiber
 

And aside from the medicinal effects, it’s also highly nutritious containing:
20 amino acids,

8 essential 

20 free form fatty acids 

Vitamins B1, B2, C, E 

Calcium

Magnesium 

Potassium 

Copper 

Zinc 

Manganese 

Phosphorus 

Selenium 

Sodium   

Iron

 Most people start taking it about 1 tablespoon daily, eventually working up to 2-3.  We actually started this using much less, partially due to cost and partially just because I didn’t know a damn thing about it at the time.  It’s pleasant smelling, sweet and slightly nutty.  It blends great into a smoothie and probably would mix into other things really nicely as well.  I like the smell of it very much, personally.
 

It’s a highly fascinating little root that is currently so expensive due to it’s recent rise in popularity as a super food item.  With the internet spreading awareness on it’s virtues it makes sense that everyone would be scrambling for some maca root powder.  Considering it’s a plant that really only grows in one part of the world currently, the prices are high for good reason.    

If you come across maca powder and have the funds, give it a try.  I have been pleasantly surprised and as far as flavor is concerned, it’s so far my favorite of the super food powders.    
 Thanks for following and supporting us, until next time!