How to grow and use maca root?

Maca root is called Lepidium Meyenii or Peruvian ginseng. It is a vegetable that is similar to broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. The native place of maca root is the Andean plateaus or the Peruvian Andes. It has been growing around for over 200 years. It grows in harsh weather conditions and survives in such tough conditions. Maca root is commonly used for medications and treatment of respiratory diseases. Maca root has many healthy elements such as vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, etc. 

 

Maca root: Key facts

Properties	Properties of maca root
Scientific name	Lepidium Meyenii
Family	Brassicaceae
Appearance	Radish like tuber
Seed	Infructescence
Colour	Yellow, black

 

How to grow maca root?

Maca root can be sown in any container with a 30 cm depth and width. The holes for drainage allow removal of excess water. Soil for maca root should be rich in organic matter. Compost is a great fertilizer for maca root. The soil acidity should be between 6 to 7 pH. Sow a maca root in 1-inch to 3-inch deep soil. The soil temperature is better when it is around 15o C. The maca seeds should be watered regularly and the seedlings will grow. The cool temperatures are better for maca root.   

See also: Cinchona Trees: How to Grow and Maintain Tips

 

How to use maca root?

Maca is available in capsules as well as in powder form. Maca can be added to smoothies, juices, baked foods, energy foods, etc. The taste of maca is like butterscotch which makes it tastier for people to consume. Maca root doses are usually around 1.5 – 3 grams per day. A doctor should be consulted before the intake of maca root. 

Maca root is added to smoothies but the powder is also used as a substitute for coffee, tea, and other beverages. Maca root is also used for soup and even consumed as a vegetable. The fermented maca root beverage is called chicha de maca. Maca root is used for diets. The actual research of maca root is limited. 

See also: How to grow and care for ginseng?

 

Various uses of maca root

Maca root has many benefits. Even though the research is less, maca root has been shown to change many issues. Here are some of the uses of maca root present.

Menopause

The maca root has helped in menopause. It helps benefit people who are going through a menstrual period that stops permanently. Maca root can help remove symptoms and can help in interrupted sleep.

Improve mood and energy

Maca root helps in improving energy levels and it can enhance moods and even fatigue. Maca helps in improving the energy scores of people. The evidence for such issues and their treatment is less. Maca extract is said to reduce tiredness in young women. 

Depression

Depression is an increasing issue for many people. Consuming maca for six weeks has shown to increase dopamine. It reduces depression by increasing dopamine levels. Stress and day-to-day situations are handled more effectively through the consumption of maca root.  

Benefits for the bones

Maca root has improved bone strength in many people. It increases bone density and makes the bones stronger. Maca has polyunsaturated fatty acids that are an important nutrient for bone health. Bone health increases significantly due to the consumption of maca roots.

Improving learning and memory

Maca improves learning power. It allows one to store more memories and increases learning ability. Maca also helps in Alzheimer’s disease. The research for such conditions is less. The evidence is not enough to suggest the reality. But people have been using maca for such purposes. 

 

Toxicity of maca

Maca is a safe food to eat. But if it is taken in higher doses than suggested, it can cause issues. The maca roots are used for diet and supplements of three grams are used by many people for their diet and health. If the lead is increased in blood, intake of maca is dangerous. Maca does have side effects for pregnant and nursing women. It can be a mild or severe issue. Many gastrointestinal issues are present in consuming maca root. Maca root is said to cause cramps, moodiness and insomnia in many people. Maca is found to have no effect at times on sexual hormones in some people. Maca root has been a cause of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. It has caused uterine fibroids and endometriosis. 

 

FAQs

What is the scientific name of the maca root?

The scientific name is Lepidium Meyenii.

What are the side effects of maca root?

Maca root is said to cause breast cancer and uterine issues if taken without consultation and in high doses.

What are the compounds present in maca root?

Maca roots have many minerals, vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids.

Which place is prominent for procuring maca root?

Maca root is widely available in the Andean Plateaus.

How to use maca root?

Maca root is used in smoothies and as a beverage.

Which family does maca root belong to?

Maca root belongs to the Brassicaceae family.

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