The Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii”> has been popular in healing beauty concoctions dating back to the Incan civilization, when it was a common main ingredient for dozens of all-natural remedies dealing with skin, body, and beauty. Often called the Peruvian Ginseng, Maca root’s birthplace is the Central Highlands of Peru. It is a highly micronutrient powder related to the potato family, meaning it contains Iron Iodine, Manganese, and Zinc. Together, these nutrients help the body deal naturally with stress while producing better energy levels and strengthening the body’s cellular response.
Why try Maca root?
- It strengthens and fortifies hair
- It eases menstrual cramps
- It reduces acne
- It increases physical stamina
- It improves skin elasticity
- It regulates the body’s sleep pattern
- It reduces hair loss
Hair
Those who have used maca-infused products over a period of a month or so should notice thicker and overall stronger hair. Recent studies show that maca root may help reduce the chance of hair loss, too. It promotes keratinocyte to the hair bulb, protecting and maintaining it for additional strength through the elements and brushing, detangling, etc.Skin
Maca powder has been included in some skin care products because of its ability in eliminating acne breakouts quickly. It contains essential B and C vitamins to create energy and give red blood cells a boost. Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, maca has been known to prevent the appearance of smile lines, crow’s feet, and saggy skin.
Body
Maca is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body rebuild a healthy immune system. For those who have terrible menstrual cramps come that time of the month, including maca in your diet may cut down dramatically on your mood swings, cramps, and overall weakness. If you are menopausal, it has also been effective in decreasing hot flashes throughout the day when used regularly. In the ancient Incan civilization, some people would include maca in their diet for sexual stamina, as it gives an all-natural boost of physical energy that lasts for hours. In modern day science, maca has been compared to anabolic steroids as a much safer alternative for athletes looking to improve their strength and endurance.
How to use it
According to doctors, maca root should be taken first thing when you wake up, or mid-morning before lunch. It can backfire if used too late in the day and cause sleeplessness. Get maca root as a supplement in your local natural drugstore or at GNC by Herbal Plus (not to exceed 5000 grams per day”>. You may also try Maca root in a smoothie or juice by way of powder–available at Swanson Health Products. There is also an affordable Maca “Magic” Powder available at Walmart. If you have thyroid problems, PCOS, or cancer, check with your herbalist or family doctor first before purchasing and ingesting maca root.
Check out this awesome smoothie recipe, thanks to all-smoothie-recipes.com:
Blend 1 1/2 cups of almond milk (or coconut milk”>, 1 teaspoon maca powder, 1 banana, and ice for a refreshing treat that will nourish your body from the inside out!