Is Maca Root a Good Source of Vitamins?

Spring is on the horizon, but the winter months haven’t released their hold on us just yet. It’s important during these longer, darker days of the year to stay on top of your diet, as winter holidays mean poor eating habits, and less sunlight and outdoor activities can take their toll on the body. It’s estimated that about ten million Americans experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, with women four times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

Brighter days are on their way, but in the meantime there are numerous ways to treat seasonal depression, which include UV treatments and talk therapy. Ranked among those methods is making sure your body is getting plenty of healthy vitamins. Luckily, there are plenty of good, affordable sources of vitamins out there - fruits and vegetables, multivitamins, and of course, maca root.

Maca Root is High in Nutrients

We’ve discussed the nutritional values of maca root before, but it’s something we never get tired of highlighting. It’s a common misconception due to its availability largely in powder and capsule forms that maca is a supplement of some kind. However, maca is in fact a root vegetable from the family Brassicaceae, related to radishes and cauliflower. If you’re wondering why you’ve never seen maca root on the shelves in grocery stores, we’ve written about that, too - in short, due to Peru’s laws regarding the export of this valuable economic and cultural treasure.

The Maca Team’s maca root products are all made from 100% Peruvian-grown maca powder, meaning that you can expect to get the full range of maca’s nutritional benefits compared to what you might get from inferior maca products grown in other parts of the world, or even imitation maca produced in labs.

So what can you expect from maca root? A full range of essential amino acids, for one. Nearly all of them, to be specific. A 10g serving will provide you with 1.6g of protein. It’s also a great source of free fatty acids. But what about vitamins?

Maca root contains Thamin (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), and Niacin. Together, these vitamins support red blood cell production and circulation, antioxidant activity, and they help your body convert carbohydrates into energy. Not bad, for a humble little root vegetable.

In addition, maca root can provide you with minerals to help you stave off the lingering winter blues. These include Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, and more. Maca root is a nutritional powerhouse, and as a regular part of a healthy diet and exercise routine it may help keep you running in tip-top shape until spring arrives at last.

Jump Start Your Day with Maca Root

Looking to start your morning with a little pep in your step? Pass on that sugary coffee and try out this vitamin-packed Citrus Maca Morning Jumpstart juice recipe instead!

Ingredients:

• 1 TBS Red Maca Root Powder
• 1 juiced ruby red grapefruit
• 1 juiced orange
• 1 juiced lime
• 1 juiced lemon
• 1 TBS Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

Mix until all powder is dissolved or place in blender for 30 seconds. Drink or sip this delicious jumpstart drink through a straw.

We hope that you've enjoyed this recipe. Please see our main Maca Recipes page for more inspiration. And if you have a recipe of your own to share let us know.

Why Shop The Maca Team?

Our organic maca products are certified Fair Trade, vegan, and free of GMOs. Our family-owned business works with a co-op of farmers local to the Junin Plateau region of the Peruvian Andes, where maca originates, to ensure that our customers are getting the highest quality maca available.

If you have any more questions about our maca root products, we’d love to hear them! Don’t hesitate to Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at (888) 919-8616.

Enjoy the day!