Maca Powder Benefits and the Maca Chip Truffles

I have heard of this magical Super-food powder called Maca powder. My mum uses it, and each time i go into a health food shop i see it. My curiosity has gotten the better of me as i investigate what exactly is it and why is it a Super-food??

Maca root powder is an Incan Super food made of maca root. Maca root, or Lepidium meyenii, is a plain, very resistant plant of the family Cruciferae, reddish roots like radishes. Themaca root is usually dried and stored can last for 7 years. Over time, the Inca legend says the Inca warriors were taking taking these plants before battles, which would give them enormous power but after winning the battle would not take it due to the strong effect on sex drive. Thus, even before 5000 years, benefits of maca powder have already had a reputation for strong force, libido, and that they were good for increasing fertility. Maca root powder is now more popular because of its beneficial aphrodisiac properties, and generally strengthening of the body.

Botanical Name: Lepidium meyenii and Lepidium peruvianum

Other Names: Peruvian Ginseng, Maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, ayak willku, red maca

Maca Powder Benefits

Benefits refer to the adaptogen – a metabolic regulator which increases the ability of an organism to adapt to environmental factors, and to avoid damage from such factors, boosts the immune system and reduces stress. The powder closely affects the hormonal system, which will directly affect almost everything: energy state within us including growth, sexual stamina and overall health. 

Animal studies have demonstrated its assistance in men with erectile dysfunction and also in reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia via glucosinolates in the powder. For women research has shown that after 8 weeks of taking 1,500 mg of Maca a day reduced miscarriage rates and increase in fetal growth. Men enjoy an average 180% increase in their libido and average a 200% increase in semen volume as well as significantly increased sperm counts, increased sperm motility, and increased conception rates. All of these benefits occur, again, without any meddling with sex hormone levels. Instead, it appears that maca activates an anabolic gene pathway known as IGF (insulin-like growth factor), which is a critical determinant of fertility and fetal development, and which is known to decline with age.

Due to decreases in estrogen levels, postmenopausal women are at risk for osteoporosis. Red maca has been tested on rats and found to have notable effects on bone structure and the formation of new bone as reported in Research in Complementary Medicine. Although the estrogen pathway was the route taken to help strengthen bone, there was no increase in uterine size, which is usually the case when estrogens are increased. Researchers involved in this study were unable to determine by which mechanism maca utilized the estrogen pathway.

The agonizing pain of monthly menstrual cycle, is something, that women can never get used to. Maca root is a natural remedy for menstrual cramps. Maca provides great relief from the common symptoms of monthly menstrual cycle, like, nausea, fatigue, headache, backache and the painful cramping.

A recent study using human cartilage found that maca almost triples cartilage's anabolic activity, even if there's current inflammation. When combined with the anti-inflammatory action of another Peruvian herb, cat's claw, the anabolic stimulation in the cartilage almost quadruples.

It contains vitamins B1, B2, B12 and C to ensure proper functioning of the heart, the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, cell growth and adequate production of red blood cells.

Maca Root also contains significant amounts of amino acids, complex carbohydrates and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium and iron.

Quantity per serving % Daily Intake & Quantity per 100g:

Energy 54kj 13 (calories) <1% & 1542kj 368 calories 

Protein <1g 1% & 14.6g 

Fats <1g <1% & 1.9g 

Carbohydrates 2.5g <1% & 72.1g 

Total sugars 1.1g 2% & 31.3g 

Sodium <5mg <1% & 39mg 

Potassium 60mg 2% & 1700mg 

Calcium 12mg 1% & 351mg 

MINERALS

CALCIUM The most abundant mineral in the human body, found namely in teeth and bones. Instrumental in muscle contraction (heart), blood clotting, and maintenance of cell membranes. Can lower the irregular rate of colon cell turnover and may reduce cholesterol levels. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the body - both are implicated in preventing osteoporosis. Alcohol impairs calcium absorption. 

POTASSIUM Important electrolyte that maintains the acid/alkaline balance required for efficient cellular activity. Regulates the bodies electrical activity (ie. heartbeat) and carries nerve messages to muscles, releasing some hormones and neurotransmitters. Low levels are associated with high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias. 

COPPER Essential trace element concentrated in the blood/liver/kidney/brain. Involved in the formation of haemoglobin. Powerful antioxidant (co-factor in enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase). Required in both collagen and myelin sheath formation. Linked to anaemia, osteoporosis, and aneurysm. 

IRON Required for blood production and oxygen transport within the body. Linked to childhood learning problems, poor concentration and short attention span. Low levels can result in anaemia characterized by fatigue, cold sensitivity, and lowered immunity.

Maca root powder also contains four types of alkaloids, which are indirectly through the hormone system responsible for the proper utilization of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

To conclude possible Maca powder benefits are:

• Adaptogenic properties
• Quick supply of body energy
• Increase of endurance and physical strength 
• Alleviation of chronic fatigue
• Increase of fertility in both men and women 
• Reduction of prostate size in men 
• Relieve of menstrual AND menopausal symptoms
• Reduce of hormonal disorders during menopause
• Regulation of hormonal balance in the body for all ages 
• Improvement of the overall health
• Regulate blood sugar levels 
• Reduction of stress
• Reduction of depression
• Decreasing thyroid & fibromyalgia issues
• Assisting treatment of anemia
• Help with wound healing
• Improvement of memory, mental and academic abilities with continued use 
• Providing the skin a youthful look
• Contributing to healthy bones and teeth - rebuilding bone and cartilage (increase IGF levels) 
• Acting as an antioxidant and anti-cancerogenic, thus reducing the risk of cancer tissues and the development of cardiovascular disease (similar to Vitamin B17)
• Containing 18 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids, & a rich source of Vitamins & minerals
• High levels of glucosinolates, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins, & cardiotonic glycosides
• A positive effect on increasing muscle mass

All i can say is... WOW!! Maybe i should try this 'Super food' sooner than i thought. 

Researches on the impact of maca root powder on human health is growing day by day, and it’s more than enough reason to put the maca rootpowder (Lepidium meyenii) in your diet. Maca can be used every day cooking, like a regular spice, to obtain maximum benefits.

Suggested Use: Mix 1 - 2 teaspoons with juice, yogurt or in your favorite smoothie.

So while i am excited to try some in my new Chai, Maca and Cacao tea, i may have to invest in some powder of my own. I found this yummy looking recipe in my exploration from 'Living on the Vedge' which i can't wait to try!

Maca Chip Truffles - by Kelly Phillips

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None

Ingredients (9 truffles)
3/4 cup cashews
1/3 cup rolled oats
2 tbsp maple syrup (or coconut nectar or agave)
1.5-2 tbsp maca powder
1 tbsp cacao nibs
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of sea salt

Instructions
Grind cashews and oats into a fine flour in your food processor.
Add maca powder and salt and pulse for a few seconds.
Then add sweetener and vanilla. Pulse to combine. Lastly, add cacao nibs and pulse.
When the dough is ready, it will clump up into balls and bang around in the processor. A nice sign!
Scoop out small balls and roll into truffle shape. Chill in fridge for an hour and enjoy! :)