3 Facts You Never Knew About Maca

Maca, scientifically known as Lepidum meyenii, is a plant found in South America. People grow the root for its fleshy hypocotyl. Find that hard to understand? In easier terms, this plant is used as both a root vegetable and also as a medicinal herb. Even if you've heard of it, there's sure to be something you never realized about this interesting plant. First, there's the power that this plant punches as food. Legend has it that the root was choice food to build powerful warriors. Today, too, the plant can be used in a plethora of recipes. You can mash, roast, or boil the root. You can make things from juices to soups to smoothies. You can even use it to make beer! This plant also comes with a variety of medicinal uses. Plentifully full of natural nutrients, eating it can give your immune system some added help. It increases your energy and helps to nourish you back to shape if you do fall ill. The root can even help cure acre and increase both male and female fertility. Super food? Judge the evidence for yourself. Sure, you may already be consuming this plant for yourself, but do you know its origins? It has in fact been used for centuries. It's found in the Andean mountains and has been cultivated there for hundreds of years. More specifically, the plant is native to the high regions of this mountain range in both modern day Peru and Bolivia. Known as Maca in English, it comes with names in Spanish and Quechua as well. Whether you're new to the food or a seasoned veteran, these three facts about Maca are sure to give you a taste for the power the plant holds. From where it's from to how it's used, knowing about the plant can help you learn how to integrate it into your daily recipes.