Hello friend of steemit today I am going to talk about a miraculous tuber called maca, it is a herbaceous plant native to the Andes of Peru and Bolivia, where it is cultivated both for its nutritional qualities and for its reputation that sustains its roots. The Andean maca closely resembles a radish in shape, however, it is slightly larger in size. The root is three to six centimeters wide and 4.7 centimeters long. It is cultivated at an altitude of 2700 to 4300 meters above sea level, and has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes for almost 2,600 years.

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HOW TO CONSUME PERUVIAN MACA
This plant can be consumed in capsules or powder. Raw is not recommended because it is toxic. Let it cook and then beat in the blender. The food can be included in juices, smoothies, soups, among others. In the case of juices, the interesting thing is to use it with citrus fruits, as they enhance their nutritional effects.

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MACA CONTRAINDICATIONS
As long as it is not abused, as it will be with any other food, maca is a staple food in Peru and there are no known severe contraindications. However, from time to time some people experience adverse effects when they start taking maca, and these symptoms may actually be symptoms of detoxification. If this happens, you may feel bad, but it usually lasts a few days.
Known for providing energy, one of the possible side effects is insomnia. This would be avoided by not consuming it in the afternoon or evening.
Due also to its fiber content (8.5%), maca has some influence on the digestive system. When consumed in excess, the fiber accelerates the rate of digestion which leads to gas and sometimes diarrhea, which could cause dehydration.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of maca supplements may not be recommended because they may contain some ingredient or contaminant that may affect the baby and the mother in a negative way. If you decide to consume do it always under the supervision of a qualified doctor

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PROPERTIES OF MACA
The Andean maca has a nutritional profile similar to that of cereals: 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% fiber and 2.2% fat.
Maca powder has approximately 10 percent protein that contains seven of the eight essential amino acids. Although not a complete protein, maca is an excellent source of amino acids.
The lipid content of Andean maca is around 2.2 percent, including linolenic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid.
It is also rich in bioavailable minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, bismuth, manganese, silicon and tin. It is ideal for remineralization.
Maca contains vitamins from group B, which are the energy vitamins, such as vitamin B1 and B2, vitamin C and vitamin E.
Maca is also a good source of sterols, which have been shown to be very effective in stimulating the immune system.

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MACA PERUANA ITS BENEFITS FOR HEALTH
It regulates and increases the function of the endocrine system, the glands that produce the hormones necessary for essential bodily and metabolic functions such as fertility, sexual function, digestion, the brain and physiology of the nervous system, and energy levels. Hormones regulate many things, including mood, growth, sexual development and tissue function. Hormones also play a role in many diseases, such as cancer and depression.
HELP IN SLIMMING
Because it is rich in carbohydrates, essential for the body to produce energy, and fibers, which aid in intestinal regulation and promote satiety, the litter is excellent in weight loss. In addition, it has few calories. Two spoons of litter flour have only 30 calories.
INCREASE THE LIBIDO
Increase strength and libido, endurance, athletic performance and general sense of well-being. Maca is an adaptogen, helps our body adapt to stress situations, increases the body's ability to defend itself against physical and mental weakening
Among other innumerable functions, it acts regulating the levels of stress and sexual behavior, and the adrenal glands, which help in the regulation of metabolism, promote this increase in sexual desire. Researchers from Peru have already verified the stimulating power of the plant in the libido.

PREVENT DIABETES
The fibers present in maca help to slow down the absorption of glucose by the body and help prevent the release of a large amount of insulin at a time, the hormone that aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
HELP IN THE HEALTH OF THE HEART
Omega 3 is the great responsible for protecting the heart from diseases, such as high blood pressure. In that sense, it is an excellent source of this nutrient. In addition, the plant helps in the control of cholesterol levels, decreasing the bad cholesterol and increasing the good.
COMBAT THE ANEMIA
Being rich in iron, it is also excellent in the fight against anemia. The plant has around 166 mg of iron per 100 g.
STRENGTHEN IMMUNITY
Maca is an adaptogenic plant, which means that it improves adrenal health and helps the body to face adverse situations. She revitalizes, fights fatigue, strengthens and gives energy and improves muscular endurance. It is important to remember that the protein content of maca is very high, it reaches 13% of its weight, which explains, in part, that stimulating and reducing fatigue effect.
COMBAT OSTEOPOROSIS
An important fact: 100 g of milk have approximately 100 mg of calcium. In the case of maca, every 100 g there is 150 mg of this nutrient. Therefore, it acts on bone strengthening, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis.
HELP IN MENOPAUSE
Maca acts by regulating hormone levels and aids in the control of menopausal symptoms, such as heat waves. In addition, it does not have such characteristic collateral effects of the products manufactured for this purpose.
IMPROVES FERTILITY
The study conducted by the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia showed that men had an increase in the amount of semen, after consuming the plant. In women, there was improvement in libido and decreased levels of stress. In addition, there is improvement in body blood flow, even in the pelvic area.

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PRODUCE WELL-BEING
By improving energy, vigor and helping in mood stabilization, the tuber also helps promote a sense of well-being. Maca can also help in the fight against depression, anxiety and memory loss.
Peruvians have always eaten cooked maca, but they have prepared it in different ways. Also fermented as beer. It can also be roasted, boiled and mixed with milk as a cereal, or mashed and dried like flour.

Source:
http://www.macaandina.es/beneficios.html
http://www.macaandina.es/propiedades.html
https://elhorticultor.org/maca-peruana-beneficios-salud/
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