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Varieties of Maca

Maca is a root vegetable that comes in three varieties; red, yellow and black. This food is found mainly in South America. Maca is high in nutrients and mood enhancing phytochemicals (plant-chemicals). Local people in South America eat this vegetable regularly and use the food for medicinal purposes to treat upset stomach, depression and other health conditions.



In America, whole maca vegetables are not readily seen in grocery stores, but people often find maca powder-packed supplement pills in the health section. All types of maca contain high levels of calcium, making this food excellent for healthy bones. In addition, all three forms of maca generally have nearly the same health benefits, but each type has its own distinct flavor.

  1. Yellow

    • Yellow maca has fertility-enhancing components that also help improve mood in both men and women. In addition, this form of maca helps decrease menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes by balancing hormones. Yellow maca also helps to enhance libido and energy levels. The Discovery Health Channel website says maca is Peru's natural Viagra because of it's powerful effect on sex drive and stamina. If possible, eat maca vegetables whole. If you are not able to find maca in whole form, however, sprinkle maca powder on your salad or add two tbsp. of maca to your favorite fruit smoothie. Yellow maca has a butterscotch aroma and a slightly tangy taste.

    Red

    • All forms of maca are similar with slightly different tastes. Red maca is cultivated from purple and red maca bulbs. This type of maca helps improve energy and balance hormones. Red maca helps improve energy because this food is high in amino acids, which are the building blocks for protein. In addition, people in other countries have used red maca to help with stress, depression and sex drive.This type of maca has a light malty taste.

    Black

    • Black maca is harvested from dark maca root vegetables that are dark brown or nearly black. This variety of maca has a hearty taste similar to roasted soy beans. Like other forms of maca, black maca also helps boost sex drive and increase fertility. South American natives also use black maca to improve digestion and regulate mood. In addition, this type of maca helps improve immune function, which helps reduce colds and flu. Lastly, black maca is known to improve quality of sleep and reduce aches and pains.

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