MACA'S REMARKABLE REPUTATION

The maca root has been used over the ages for its nutritional and herbal qualities. Once harvested, the maca root was traditionally dried, then powdered. Once powdered it was either eaten or put into sacs and traded for other commodities. Oftentimes cacao nibs and beans (raw chocolate) would come up the Andes from the jungle and in exchange maca would go down from the Andes into the jungle. These two foods (maca and cacao) have a unique affinity and history which is evident when one tries eating them together. Both cacao and maca were used as money by ancient indigenous peoples.

Maca's reputation as a powerful strength and stamina enhancer as well as libido-enhancing food-herb stretches back into prehistory. Maca, like goji berries and ginseng, is a powerful adaptogen, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body's systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc.). As an adaptogen, maca can provide more energy if it is needed, but if it is not, it will not overstimulate. Adaptogens also boost immunity and increase the body's overall vitality by 10-15% according to most studies. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, adaptogens are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole body to diverse and challenging situations and stress.

The Scientific and Health Properties of Maca
Dried maca powder contains 60% carbohydrates, 9% fiber, and slightly more than 10% protein. It has a higher lipid (fat) content than other root crops (2.2%), of which linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid are the primary fatty acids, respectively. Maca is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and iron, and contains trace minerals, including zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, bismuth, manganese and silica, as well as vitamins B1, B2, C and E. Maca contains nearly 20 amino acids and seven essential amino acids. Maca is also a rich source of sterols, including sitosterol, campestrol, ergosterol, brassicasterol, and ergostadienol. As a root crop, maca contains five times more protein than a potato and four times more fiber.

During the height of the Incan Empire, legend says that Incan warriors would consume maca before entering into battle. This would make them fiercely strong. But after conquering a city the Incan soldiers were prohibited from using maca, to protect the women from excessive sexual impulses.

Maca's actions on sexual function are better researched than its effects on mood and memory. One study showed that maca increased fertility in rats. Then came studies of guinea pigs, rams, and cows, each of which corroborated maca's libido-enhancing effects. For example, maca significantly increased ram semen volume and sperm count.

HOW TO CONSUME MACA
We deliver maca to you as a dried, raw, organic root powder. You may use a tablespoon or more of this powder in smoothies, teas, nut milks, coffee or just about any natural beverage you can think of. Maca is a great addition to desserts and sweet treats.

As previously mentioned, maca has an unusual relationship with cacao nibs (cacao beans or raw chocolate) and all cacao products in general. Mix maca into all your favorite chocolate treats and experience real culinary magic. Additionally, maca may be added to homemade jams, broths, puddings and fresh juices.

Maca has major flavor notes that are sweet and full. It has some minor taste qualities reminiscent of other cruciferous vegetables; these add some mildly spicy elements.
Our maca powder is a great emulsifier. It can be used to draw fats/oils together with starches/sugars in a beverage, dessert or recipe. For example, if one makes a drink containing agave nectar and cacao nibs, maca may be used to draw these two foods smoothly together and create a beautiful, rounded flavor. Another example, would be a raw fruit pie with a nutty crust containing figs or dates. If one makes the crust with maca, the nuts and figs or dates will be drawn together for a more wholesome and complete flavor.

CAN YOU EAT TOO MUCH MACA?
Yes. Of course. Maca is a powerful superfood-food-herb and should be consumed with respect
If you really love maca, use 1-2 tablespoons each day and it is recommended that you take a week off during every month of consistent use. Are there any side effects or interactions to overeating maca?  In toxicity studies conducted in the U.S., maca showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects. In animal studies, the more maca animals consumed, the stronger and more sexually active they became. In spite of all this, moderation is advised.