Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Discover the Magic Maca Root ( By Travis Witt )


     Maca is a small tuber root, with medicinal properties. It is a perennial plant that grows in the Andes Mountain range of Peru at altitudes above 12,000 feet. Maca produces tuber roots that look similar to radishes and turnips, a close relative. It was wild-harvested as a food crop by the Inca more than 2,000 years ago. Modern cultivation of Maca, particularly in Peru is expanding greatly because of the interest in its medicinal properties by consumers in Asia, Europe and the United States.

    Maca is considered by many to be a super-food because of its excellent balance of sugars, proteins and starches. Dried Maca tubers contain up to 20 essential fatty acids, 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, and more than 5% fiber. It is very high in minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. This wonderful little root is so nutritious that many claim to have replaced their multivitamins with Maca because they believe it supplies all the essential nutrients the body needs.

     Maca is sometimes called "Peruvian Viagra" or "Peruvian Ginseng because of its unique ability to enhance and support healthy sexual function in both male and female. Studies by Peruvian researchers have concluded that Maca increases men's sperm activity and enhances sexual endurance in both genders. This is why many call Maca, libido magic!Maca root is also known to be an adaptogen (increasing the bodies resistance to stress). Please understand that adaptogens do not have an immediate effect, they work gradually over a period of time with continual use.

     The root can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a long shelf life, therefore it stores well. However in Europe and the United States the most common form is dried granulated powder. It is usually added to a drink or sprinkled over other foods. The flavor is very nutty and some claim it tastes similar to malt. Some powders are made into tablets or put into capsules for people on the go.

    It is important to note that to date, no adverse effects or toxicity have been discovered in Maca root.
In my opinion this wonderful food ranks high among the small list of true super-foods discovered by man. However it is also important to know your source and how the product is handled from cultivation to market. Therefore only organic products should be considered and only purchase from companies that support sustainable harvesting methods. This is critical to your health and the health of our planet.

Travis Witt
Travis Witt writes articles that concern your health and the health of our planet. Please visit your natural health resource & review! http://www.applegateimagetransfer.com/


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com




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