Motivating Matters

         Consuming this unfamiliar Peruvian superfood unleashes the human potential. It goes by the name Maca Lepidium Meyenii aka Maca root, and can only be found in the central sierra region of the Andes Mountains in Peru. Maca grows best in some of the harshest conditions: intense sun, violent winds, below freezing temperatures, and rocky soil 3500-4500 meters (11-15,000 feet) up in the mountains. It has been cultivated at lower altitudes, but interestingly enough doesn’t reach the same size or potency. For centuries, it was consumed by ancient indigenous peoples, more specifically the Inca. 

        I came across Maca while binging health videos and articles about nutrient dense foods. As you can see in the picture above, there are three different phenotypes of Maca: black, red, and yellow. They have many similarities, but there are some key differences in the use cases and benefits of each color. I’m going to be focusing primarily on the black Maca because that’s the type I’ve been using for a few months now. I encourage you to read further into the benefits of red and yellow phenotypes because they also have many use cases.

    You might be wondering what sets black Maca apart for the other phenotypes? Well, to start, black Maca is the rarest color, and makes up only 15% of the annual yield. Research has show that the lipids and polysaccharides of black Maca showed higher antioxidant effect than red or yellow. This is important because antioxidants impact our health and wellbeing on a cellular level. It is said to help balance and regulate hormone levels, as well as increase your libido and sexual desire. For those of you who need a boost on that front, this is a great natural option. Studies also show that supplementing Maca over time can increase memory, concentration, and even improve your mood. Another reason I was interested in trying black Maca was because of its impact on athletic performance. It helps build muscle and increase muscular endurance. The ancient Incas used to eat it before going to war to give them strength. All these studies and many more can be found here. 

    I can attest to the benefits listed above after only a few months of using black Maca. While researching the best place to buy Maca, I found The Maca Team and can only say positive things about their products. They are a small family company that sources their Maca directly from local farmers in Peru. They vow to have fair trade, 100% organic Maca. My first purchase included black Maca capsules and extract. I take the capsules on a daily basis and definitely notice the difference in my mood, concentration, and overall energy level throughout the day. I like taking the extract 15-20 minutes before working out because it reaches the blood faster and almost acts as a pre workout energy booster. I am already hooked on Maca and made my second purchase recently. I decided to try the Morning Motivator powder to see if I could replace my daily cup of coffee with Maca. I haven’t had sufficient time to try it and you’ll have to check back for an update on my Maca journey to hear what I think of it.

    More now than ever, people are depressed, easily distracted, and always tired. If you’re one of these people, (I definitely was) I encourage you to try Maca for a few months. What do you have to lose? Many people are more willing to turn to unhealthy alternatives like energy drinks or go to the doctor and take prescription medication for their depression and anxiety, when there is a natural alternative in Maca. By no means am I saying it will solve all of your problems, but I truly believe there’s a reason why it prospers in the harshest growing conditions. We are a product of our environment… Depression and anxiety are normal human emotions. Similar to Maca’s capability to thrive in harsh conditions, if we are able to overcome the difficult situations we’re faced with, we become a better version of ourselves…. Has it clicked yet? There’s even something to learn from Maca. 

    If you’re interested in starting 2023 off with a healthy habit, I encourage you to look further into the benefits of Maca. This blog post barely touches the surface of the potential health benefits from daily supplementation. If you have any questions about Maca, and my experience thus far, feel free to comment on this post or send me a personal message on one of my social media accounts. I am no expert, but I am more than willing to share with you what I know.

    I did sign up to be an affiliate marketer for The Maca Team, so any Maca purchased with a link to their website on this blog I would profit from. The only reason I share that information is to remain completely transparent with whoever is reading this. I guarantee you that I would not be writing this article or promoting the use of Maca if I wasn’t in full support of the product and it’s potential health benefits.  

    I appreciate you reading this post and hope this showed you why Motivating Matters. Feel free to comment any thoughts or feedback about the article!

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