Food Focus: Maca Powder

ByRuthie Guten

Food Focus: Maca Powder

Maca powder is a super food.  Dried maca root contains about 10% protein that is mostly obtained from amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. It is grown in the Andes Mountains and has historically been a valuable commodity to the indigenous people of the Andes Mountain region. It has been used for nutritional as well as medicinal purposes. Maca is also referred to as Peruvian Ginseng, because it is said to enhance fertility in both humans and animals. It is reported to stimulate the immune system, enhance memory, and increase stamina. It’s also used as an aphrodisiac. Although it is a super food, a little goes a very long way. The values shown below are for an amount of 100g. However, the typical serving size is only 0.8g (1/3 tsp).

  • Vitamins
    • Niacin – 29%
    • Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) – 57%
    • Riboflavin –21%
    • Vitamin C – 475%
  • Electrolytes
    • Potassium – 57%
  • Minerals
    • Calcium – 25%
    • Copper – 300%
    • Iron – 82%
    • Manganese – 39%
    • Sodium – 1%

I add ½ teaspoon of maca powder to our smoothies. I also try to not use maca every day.

References:

http://rainforest-database.com/plants/maca.htm

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/custom/2193874/0?print=true

 

Similar Posts

  • Spice Focus: Saffron

    ByRuthie Guten

    Spice Focus: Saffron  Saffron has been said to be the most expensive spice in the world.The spice is obtained from the stamens of the saffron crocus. The flowers are hand picked and the stamens are hand plucked, one at a time. The stamens are fine, red yellow threads. Much of the best saffron is grown…

  • Food Focus: Cilantro

    ByRuthie Guten

    Cilantro (This article appeared in the December, 2010 issue of A Healthy You.) The leaves of the coriander plant are called Cilantro. It is also known as Chinese Parsley. It is a sweet and fragrant herb that has been used medicinally in many cultures for many years. It is also a very good source of…

  • Food Focus: Pineapple

    ByRuthie Guten

    Food Focus: Pineapple Did you know that pineapple is a compound fruit? I didn’t even know what a compound fruit was until I did my research for this article. A compound fruit is a fruit that develops from many small fruits that become fused together around a central core. It’s low in calories: around 50…

  • Food Focus: Oils & Fats

    ByRuthie Guten

    FOOD FOCUS: OILS AND FATS (This article appeared in the November, 2010 issue of A Healthy You.) Not all oils and fats are created equal. Heavily processed, hydrogenated, “trans” fats and oils that are used in prepared, packaged foods can be extremely damaging to the body. However, fats and oils from whole foods and other…

  • Food Focus: Tomatoes

    ByRuthie Guten

    Food Focus: Tomatoes Folklore Tomatoes used to be grown solely for decorations. In fact, during Colonial times, tomatoes were thought to be poisonous and that its poison would turn blood into acid. Meanwhile, the native people of South and Central America regarded tomato seeds as aphrodisiacs. The first tomatoes were probably first cultivated in Peru…