Maca (pron. mah-cah)
raw, organic, vegan

Source Junin, Peru, 4000m above sea level and grown by the Pumpush people who have cultivated and consumed maca as a staple food for thousands of years. Loving Earth, from whom we buy, procures its maca powder direct from a growers' association, which leaves the soil fallow for up to five years after each harvest so the soils can regenerate.

Health benefits Maca is an adaptogen and therefore adapts to the body's metabolism. By balancing and optimising the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, maca's unique alkaloids also balance and optimise the functioning of the endocrine system (adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas). Because the levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone are optimised this in turn helps regulate ovarian function and enables the adrenals to produce enough hormones to ease the effects of menopause.

Maca is 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fibre, and 2.2% fatsa and is rich in essential minerals, especially selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. It includes the fatty acids linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acids; 19 amino acids, seven of them essential; and almost 60 phytochemicals. Maca's reported benefits for sexual function could be due to its high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients, including the chemical p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which reputedly has aphrodisiac properties.

Traditionally, native medicine practitioners and herbalists have recommended maca to
• treate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and depression, as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• stimulate and regulate the endocrine system
• regulate and normalise menstrual cycles
• stimulate fertility in both men and women
• support the immune system
• increase energy, stamina and endurance, and reduce chronic fatigue
• enhance libido, treating impotence

Dosage
Maca is non-toxic, has no dangerous side affects and no withdrawal symptoms. Some people benefit more with higher doses consumed daily, others with lower doses less frequently. To start off try 1 teaspoon a day; if you feel a little queazy in the stomach reduce it to a half teaspoon for several days until your body adjusts. You can then build up to 1-2 teaspoons or if it suits determine your own dosage.

Serving suggestion Add 1-2 heaped tsp of maca to juices, smoothies or cereals.

MORE www.raw-chocolate.net/superfoods.php?ancient-superfood=maca