Although it has been cultivated in the Andean highlands for more than 3,000 years, maca is still an unknown tuber in our country for many. It’s in the same family as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, so you’ll especially like it if you enjoy eating these kinds of foods.
Especially when you know all the benefits that the consumption of this Peruvian ginseng can bring to your health. It is used to make natural medicines. for sale in pharmacy and that can work as a stimulant of the central nervous system and awaken the sexual appetite, in addition to many other things.
Maca, Peruvian ginseng
If you have heard of maca, it is because you are one of those people who try to be up to date with regard to natural and healthy eating. In that case, you will also know that we owe its birth to the pre-Columbian civilizations, who were the ones who discovered its numerous medicinal properties, which we will see later.
This herbaceous plant is native to the mountains of Peru, grows at a height of between 2,000 and 5,000 meters and is forced to take root on the ground to be able to withstand extreme temperatures and strong winds in the area. It’s a close relative of the radish and, due to its fleshy root, it reminds us of the turnip, although in this case the smell is similar to that of caramel.
At the time, this vegetable root was considered by the Incas a gift from the gods. Since ancient times, maca has been a fundamental food in the culture of pre-Columbian civilizations. Its strong roots grow absorbing all the nutrients from the uncontaminated terrain of the mountains and is one of the few plants capable of adapting to these particular climates.
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Lastly, note that this resistance to the elements This is due to its biochemical composition, which also makes it particularly nutritious for people. In fact, for thousands of years it has been used as a tonic for the body and its organs. Although others have preferred to use it for its powerful aphrodisiac properties.
And although we have already revealed some of its health benefits, it is worth listing all its properties before messing with her in the kitchen. The most important are:
- It is rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesiumphosphorus, potassium, bismuth, manganese, sulfur, sodium, copper, selenium, iodine, silicon, iron and tin. In addition, it provides vitamins B1 and B2, vitamin C and vitamin E.
- It is antioxidant energetic and revitalizing.
- Increases libido and improves fertilityincreasing both the number and mobility of sperm.
- Reduces premenstrual symptoms and period pain.
- stimulates the formation of Red blood cells.
- Help in cases of anemia.
- regulates cholesterol and help in diabetesincreasing the activity of the pancreas.
- It has anti-stress and antidepressant properties. Also, Improves mood and reduces anxiety.
- Reduce the osteoporosis.
- Increases the learning capacity and memory.
- Reduces the symptoms of fatigue.
How to use maca in your recipes
Before talking about its uses in the kitchen, it should be clarified that there are different types of maca, which are defined by the external color of the root (depending on the color, the concentrations of its components vary). That said, you will be able to find red maca, black maca and yellow maca.
In any of the cases, this superfood, which you will generally only be able to find in its dehydrated powder presentation, which is the most accessible, you will be able to use it in hot and cold drinksby way of smoothiesor in your bread recipes (using maca flour), as it has a slightly nutty flavor.
If you choose to prepare a refreshing drink with it, which is known as maca juice, you must dissolve a cup of maca in water (to cover) and cook it for 20 minutes. Next, you will have to wait for it to cool down and blend it. And you would have it, although you can also combine it with oatmeal or quinoa so you don’t just use maca.
Another option is to prepare juice with maca flour. In this case, you use half a cup of flour for every liter of water and cook for a few minutes after it has started to boil. You can add cloves, cinnamon, pineapple or apple peel to flavor. The result will be an unbeatable full of energy.
But the queen of all maca recipes is this Coffee, Maca and Banana Smoothie, of which we are going to give you all the details below. It’s a drink to start the morning off right, rich in carbohydrates and protein, so it is especially suitable for those who are going to practice sports. Its main advantage is that quite satiating without being heavy. And with the addition of coffee, we will have the extra that caffeine gives us for a quick energy boost.
heat the milk for 30 seconds in the microwave.
Beat all the ingredients with the kitchen robot until integrating. If it is too thick, thin with more milk.
Consume at room temperature or cold.
Full recipe | Coffee, maca and banana smoothie
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