What Is Maca Root?

Also referred to as the Peruvian Gingseng, or the Peruvian Miracle, maca root is a hardy perennial that belongs to the radish family. It is native to the slopes of the Andean mountains of Peru and Bolivia, where it has long been used as both a root vegetable and a medicinal herb. After more than 2,000 years of being cultivated in Peru, it continues to be used widely in the region.

Identification

• The maca plant (Lepidium Peruvianum) has a mat-like leaf and stem system that grows close to the ground. It bears little, off-white flowers, frilly, thin leaves and a radish-like tuber, with an inverted, pear-shaped body. This tuber, which is pale yellow, is the part of the plant that is used for dietary and nutritional purposes. The taste of roasted maca root has been described as being similar to butterscotch.

Aphrodisiac

• Maca root is a highly-prized, centuries-old aphrodisiac among the Andean Peruvians. For more than 500 years, men and women in the region have used this herb to increase sexual desire. A 1998 clinical study (See References below), found that maca root does in fact have strong aphrodisiac as well as fertility-enhancing properties.

Super Food

• Maca root is a highly nutritive herb often described as a "super food," because it is rich in phyto-nutrients that are essential for health and well-being. These nutrients include vitamins C and E, as well as B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin and niacin). It also has significant amounts of minerals such as iron, calcium, selenium, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc, as well as dietary fiber, amino acids and complex carbohydrates. A less common supplement form is freeze-dried maca juice, in which the fresh juice is squeezed from the raw tuber and immediately freeze-dried.

Supplement

• Maca root is an increasingly popular nutritional supplement, as scientific research uncovers more of its amazing nutritional and medicinal attributes. It is most commonly available in the form of maca flour, which is obtained from the dried, ground root. Supplement manufacturers use maca flour as well as dried root to produce different types of concentrated extracts. It also is available in a gelatin form, which is many times stronger than the powdered extract, and also more digestible. Gelatinized maca is produced using an extrusion process that involves heat and pressure.

Adaptogen

• Maca root is a potent natural adaptogen. This means that it has the capacity to balance and stabilize a person's body systems while enhancing the body's overall vitality. Adaptogens, for example, will lower high blood pressure and increase low blood pressure as needed by that person's body. As an adaptogen, maca root also boosts immunity and supports the entire endocrine system.