Why Peruvian poppy seeds are useful: an overview of the best manufacturing firms for 2020

Maca is a plant native to the Andes with a root rich in unique nutrients and mineral salts. It is a popular natural dietary supplement used by those who need energy support over a period of time, as well as those who exercise on a consistent basis and at good intensity. There are various offers on the market, both in terms of price and type of product. If you're looking for accurate information about Mac, you can find it right here. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers you a complete overview of the useful properties and the best manufacturers of Peruvian maca for 2020.

What is poppy

The Peruvian poppy is an annual herb. The upper part consists of a rosette of leaves. Each new leaf allows the central leaves to move outward, giving the plant its characteristic radial shape. The root of a maca is very similar to a small ginseng bulb (up to 10-12 cm in diameter). Although the species of origin is always the same (Lepidium meyenii), there is great variability in the size and shape of the root, which can be triangular, flattened, spherical or rectangular. The color can range from white to black, passing through light yellow, red, purple, blue, green, and a few other shades. The most used and well-known variety is with creamy roots.

It is an extremely resistant species. Growing it away from its place of origin is difficult, almost impossible, but it manages to be truly "indestructible" in its environment. Maca grows in warm climates, in Peru and Bolivia, but grows at an altitude of 2500-4200 meters above sea level, and therefore it is believed that it "loves" the cold. It is an extremely demanding plant that depletes the soil and requires a lot of water and nutrients.

Since ancient times, it is considered not only an edible plant, but also a medicinal one. The leaves of the plant are not used in any way. Poppy root has a sweet taste reminiscent of toffee. A powder is produced from it, which is then used to fortify meals or to produce food additives.

Peruvian Maca is one of the most widespread and used natural dietary supplements in the world. Release form: powder, extract, capsules or tablets. It is an alternative to the well-known ginseng because it shares many of the same properties, but also has additional benefits.

Maca is a must-have in the Peruvian culinary tradition. Fresh poppies are fried or boiled with milk. Maca powder can be dissolved in water or added to yogurt, smoothies, and natural juices.It is also used as an ingredient in baked goods (a recipe for bread and a drink can be found at the end of the text).

Peruvian maca like "superfood"

It will be easy to understand what is good for and why Peruvian maca is a "superfood" if you analyze the nutritional value and chemical composition.

The nutritional value

Peruvian maca has great nutritional value, high protein content (as a plant food), as well as a good amount of mono- and polyunsaturated fats and a high concentration of trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the body.

Specifications:

Element	amount
carbohydrates	About 60%
protein	About 10%
amino acids, minerals and (in particular) calcium	150 mg / 100 g
iron	16.6 mg / 100 g
selenium, iodine and zinc	3.8 mg / 100 g
fiber	About 8.5%
fats	about 2.2%

The product is rich in fiber and proteins with high bioavailability. This has made Peruvian maca indispensable in the cuisine of Peru and Bolivia, poor countries where not everyone can afford to consume animal proteins every day.

Maca is an excellent source of carbohydrates for both athletes and sedentaries. 100 g of poppy root provides about 350 kcal, of which 60% is from carbohydrates.

Chemical composition

What trace elements does maca supply to the body? Some of the important components (doses per 100 g) are listed in the table.

Element	amount
Thiamine (vit. B1)	0.20 mg
Riboflavin (Vit. B2)	0.35 mg
Vitamin C	2.50 mg
Calcium	220 mg
Iron	15.5 mg
Potassium	2050 mg
Iodine	520 mg

The high content of thiamine and riboflavin is immediately evident. The former is a formidable opponent of psychophysical fatigue, and the latter is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, especially if it is associated with vitamin C, which is also present in sufficient quantities in Peruvian maca.

But what is most appreciated in the chemical composition of maca is the high content of potassium and iodine in ideal proportions. Potassium allows you to drain off excess fluid. Modern diets are very high in salt, and the only way to counteract excess salt (other than physically cutting back on intake) is to increase your intake of potassium-rich foods and drink plenty of water.

So, Peruvian maca is a superfood with the following characteristics:

• high density of macro and microelements;
• high digestibility;
• excellent content of energy and anti-inflammatory vitamins (especially B1, B2 and C);
• good quality amino acids that can make the product a complete source of highly available vegetable protein;
• high fiber concentration;
• fats in the ideal proportion between mono and polyunsaturated;
• rich in omega-3 and omega-6;
• medium glycemic index, ideal at any time of the day for saturation for a long time;
• a very high amount of potassium, far superior to that found in other foods.

Benefits of Peruvian Maca

The useful features of Maca are:

• acts on hormonal balance with benefits for both physical and mental development;
• is a hormonal adaptogenic tonic, especially in case of stress, it modulates the production of cortisol and, as a result, adrenal overload;
• is a natural aphrodisiac, increases libido in both men and women;

• useful for women's health, increases fertility during the reproductive period, has a positive effect on premenstrual syndrome, relieves symptoms of menopause;
• increases physical performance and quickly recovers after periods of overwork;
• regulates metabolism;
• tones up with depression and fatigue, improves mood;
• increases immune defenses and overall physical condition;
• is a natural antioxidant that can counteract aging and promote the utilization of cellular oxidation products;
• improves athletic performance and accelerates the recovery of normal physiological states after excessive efforts;
• Contains discrete amounts of minerals such as zinc and magnesium and all essential amino acids, as well as vegetable proteins;
• improves memory and concentration.

Slimming?

Many people want to buy Peruvian maca to lose weight. Aiding weight loss is not one of its main effects. But it can be seen as a "pleasant side effect".

If the question is: Peruvian poppy for weight loss, does it work? The answer is yes, it is possible.

This is due to the fact that adaptogenic food simulates the body's hormonal response. Its anti-inflammatory properties create an environment conducive to weight loss, as anything that causes chronic inflammation (including stress or even simple undiagnosed food intolerances) is known to alert the body and “block” weight loss processes.

Peruvian maca acts on the pituitary gland (the central regulator of "weight loss" hormone production) and the thyroid gland. It is energizing and can help the body better resist hunger and adhere to low-calorie diets more easily.

Contraindications and side effects

Are there any contraindications? While it is a functional food or a veritable superfood with a thousand properties, even maca has side effects when taken in certain situations or in excessively high doses.

It's hard to hurt yourself with poppies. It is still a natural root and its properties are effective. But it is commercially supplemented with chemical or synthetic ingredients. As a result, the chances of harming the body are increased.

Among the contraindications for maca is, of course, individual hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions, however, are rare.

Maca increases energy levels by acting as a hormone modulator, so:

not recommended for patients suffering from hypothyroidism, hormonal problems, or pregnant women.

In the cases just mentioned, it can still be used, but only after consulting a doctor.

In case of excessive overdose, side effects may occur: changes in the level of the thyroid gland due to the high iodine content.

Dosage

The dosage of maca that should be taken daily has not yet been strictly standardized and can vary based on personal needs. On average, 5 to 20 grams of powder per day is recommended. 20 g is the maximum threshold.

In herbal medicine, maca in tablets, capsules, and powder is recommended to take about 800-1000 mg with meals. Each manufacturer specifies how to take and daily dosage according to the amount of maca in the supplement. It is usually recommended to take it in the morning for a month in order to have a modulated and long-lasting effect.

Even if there are no specific contraindications, it is always helpful to hear the advice of a specialist on personal dosage.

Its use in cooking cannot create any problems. Fresh maca root has no side effects either raw or cooked. However, it is unlikely to get a fresh root, except in places of growth.

Is it recommended for children? Answer ... Not recommended! Absolutely.

Although maca is rich in nutrients, it is not recommended for children. Its high adaptogenic strength can jeopardize, speed up or slow down sexual development.

There are many natural ingredients that can support the body early in life. Children rarely need energizers (they cope with stress much better than adults because they manage to "release" tension much more spontaneously), but rather, they need functional foods rich in micronutrients for the overall well-being of the body and to maintain the immune system during seasonal changes.

In France and in some other countries, health authorities have issued a warning about the possible unsafe consumption of maca, due to the potential content of mutagenic components.This decision is due to the lack of scientific research on the properties of maca. Research is actively ongoing. So far, no drastic measures, other than a warning, are expected.

How to choose a dietary supplement with Maca Peruvian

Maca can be bought from grocery stores or websites that sell organic food. The quality of the product is fundamental: it is an imported product and what will really affect its effectiveness are the methods of preserving, transporting and processing the root.

If you like simple, one-ingredient foods, Peruvian Maca Powder is best.

Athletes, or anyone with slightly higher nutritional needs, will benefit from a pre-made formula that contains Peruvian Maca in combination with other specific ingredients such as spirulina, ginseng and others.

The big difference lies in the choice of brand. Some manufacturing companies prefer to focus only on the original product, choosing high-quality raw materials from which capsules can be created. Others add additional nutrients such as mineral salts, ginseng, fenugreek, or arginine, which can provide additional support. For example, preparations with Peruvian maca and fenugreek are recommended for men: to improve libido and increase potency. Therefore, a careful reading of the label and the type of ingredients is the first step towards a successful purchase.

Large pill packs are for those who want an adequate supply of the product. It's a good idea to check if there are real savings when choosing a maxi package. What to look for? For the concentration of maca in one capsule. In this case, the greater presence of the substance can compensate for the reduced number of capsules.

Safety certifications and manufacturing in economically developed countries, where control measures in the production chain are more stringent, give a higher level of reliability.

To conclude which company is better, it is necessary to make a comparison between different product criteria, as well as taking into account the price and own needs. Mistakes in the choice of nutritional supplements can lead to health problems.

If you follow the tips above before proceeding with the actual purchase, you should be able to find many products that are perfect for your needs.

Best Peruvian Maca Manufacturers in 2020

Maca Peruvian Powder Raw Organic SuperOrganic 100 g

SuperOrganic is a UK-based organic superfood brand. On the market since 2006. Each ingredient is tested, the quality is high, all products have certificates. The manufacturer often offers various promotions and discounts. Average price per 100 g: about 500 rubles.

According to the instructions, it is recommended to start with half a teaspoon a day, gradually bring to 3 teaspoons. Take a daily break every six days. Powdered black poppy is also available. Average price: 700 rubles. for 100 g.

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Nutrient Enriched Red Maca Powder, 1 lb (454 g) by Sunfood

This manufacturer with a wide range of products produces not only health food products, but also beauty products. The quality is high. Therefore, the price is slightly higher than that of competitors. Despite this, it is in demand, since in the opinion of buyers, the products are tastier than those of other companies.

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Maca Orgtium Peruvian, compressed tablets, 50 g

The Russian trade mark Orgtium started working relatively recently, but quickly established itself thanks to its high-quality products. She won the Healthy Eating 2017 award. There are over 30 types of seeds and over 10 superfoods available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, there are packs of maca of 50 tablets (average price - 450 rubles) and 100 tablets each (about - 800 rubles). There are powders and capsules. The company is active in social networks, the information is comprehensive, the photos are attractive.

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Natrol Maca Peruvian 500 mg 60 capsules

Natrol is a well-known American manufacturer of nutritional supplements, sports nutrition and vitamins. On the market for 35 years. Quality is checked at every stage (raw materials, production, testing, control). Products in several hundred positions are available both in the pharmacy and online. Peruvian Maca capsules are recommended to be taken 1 daily with food. As part of Peruvian poppy, gelatin, magnesium stearate, dye.

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MacaRich Organic Maca with Ginseng, 500 mg, 90 Capsules, by Natural Factors

Natural Factors is also a major American manufacturer. Unlike Natrol, which buys raw materials, it has its own huge farm, which grows various herbs in an ecologically clean area. This does not apply to the Peruvian poppy, it can grow only in the Andes at a certain height. The manufacturer combines and creates special formulas for women and men, for children, for all sorts of health problems. In this case, the Peruvian maca is combined with another valuable plant, ginseng. They reinforce each other's effect.

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Culinary recipes

Maca powder can simply be dissolved in water and drunk. But why limit yourself when you can use it like a real culinary ingredient?

• Energy Milkshake

Put two tablespoons of Peruvian maca powder in a large glass of milk (soy, rice, cow, goat, whatever), pour everything into a blender and add banana, sesame paste, and a teaspoon of honey. Whisk and consume immediately.

Bread

Ingredients for four loaves: 250 g kamut flour, 70 g Maca powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, about 160 ml water, 20 g fresh brewer's yeast, various oil seeds taste.

Procedure: dissolve syrup or honey and fresh brewer's yeast in water, mix everything. Mix both flour and butter; then slowly pour in the liquid portion and knead with your hands, adding salt at the end. Stir everything for at least ten minutes, until a ball with a soft consistency forms, which must be covered with a damp towel and left for at least three hours. Then take the dough and knead it a little, adding oil seeds: chia, flax or sesame seeds, if desired.Shape into several loaves, let stand for half an hour, then bake for about 30 minutes in the oven (250 °).

Conclusion

Peruvian Maca has a thousand properties indeed, and its consumption is highly recommended at any age (except for children) to recharge the body during times of excessive stress. Nowadays, you can buy poppy seeds thanks to many manufacturers. Therefore, finding the best product is not always easy. Before making a purchasing decision, it is very important to evaluate a product from all points of view by looking at ratings, reviews, and other important sources. If you have any experience with Peruvian Maca, please let us know in the comments.