Maca Powder health benefits: The lost crop of the Incas

Maca powder is otherwise known as ‘Peruvian Ginseng’ due to its stimulating qualities that are similar to the benefits found in ginseng-related herbs. Historically, the Ancient Incas believed the maca root to have special properties which enhance energy and stamina.

Maca is commonly taken to boost energy levels and increase vitality - it is the ancient superfood of the Incas and was originally taken to increase fertility. It can also balance hormone levels, relieve stress and improve libido.

What is Maca Powder?

Maca is an ancient crop species, believed to have been first cultivated around 2,000 years ago in the San Blas area of central Peru and known as the "lost crop of the Incas".. The crop was originally grown in the Puna grasslands of the Andean mountains on inhospitable terrain unsuitable for other forms of agriculture. Maca only grows at altitudes above 3,500 metres on poor rocky soils where acidity may exceed pH5 and is able to withstand high winds and temperatures as low as -10°C.

Maca by The Healthy Tree Company is 100% raw and organic, grown in the Andean Mountain Range in Central Peru. Naturally high in vitamin B2, calcium, iron and zinc, it is also a super-healthy source of vitamins B1 and B6.

Our organic maca is produced to the highest possible standards, using farming practices that have been used locally for generations. It has a reputation for being one of the most mineral-rich superfoods with a high mineral content, in particular iron, potassium and calcium, and does a great job in maintaining the body's alkalinity levels.

How do I Take Maca Powder?

As a powder, we typically recommend taking 5-10g of raw organic maca per day. There many ways in which you can incorporate maca into your diet. Because some of the nutrients can be lost when cooked at high temperatures, the most effective way to take maca is to add it to your breakfast smoothie or juice in its raw form, sprinkle it on salad or add to a warm (but not hot) drink. Examples of warm drinks using maca powder might be an organic maca and cacao hot chocolate or simply mixing it with warm milk with honey.

How Does It Taste?

If you haven’t tasted maca powder before, it has a malty, nutty, almost sweet taste and so lends itself well to being added to meals like, cereal, oatmeal or breakfast cereal/granola bars.

We have found that it goes well with cinnamon and organic honey and in smoothies, a good combo is cacao/chocolate, banana and organic peanut or almond butter. If you are trying to factor in some additional carbohydrates into your diet, then consider adding rolled oats to your maca smoothie.

benefits of maca powder

Health Benefits of Raw Organic Maca Powder

It is rich in B-vitamins and has bio-available calcium, magnesium and potassium. It also helps to balance hormones by stimulating and nourishing the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Ultimately, Maca works as an adaptogen, responding to the body’s needs on an individual basis by helping balance hormone levels and relieve stress. Additional benefits of the nutrients found in organic maca are:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - plays an important role in maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - fuels the body's main functions through energy production and processes amino acids and fats.

Vitamin B6 - stimulates co-enzymatic activity and protects the immune system, as well as having positive effects on metabolism, premenstrual syndrome and hormone control.

Calcium - helps build and maintain strong and healthy bones.

Potassium - strengthens bones, maintains better brain function and lowers blood pressure.

Iron - an important component of haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells which carries oxygen throughout your body. Also helps reduce feelings of fatigue.

Zinc - boosts the immune system, balances hormone levels and is a powerful antioxidant.

Maca Powder Recipes

Head over to our recipes section for some delicious maca recipes and food ideas or click here.

Where Can I Buy Maca Powder Online?

Organic Maca Powder is available to buy from our UK superfood store. You can also buy this and other organic health powders from our UK Amazon storefront. Just enter 'TheHealthyTree Company' into the Amazon search bar.