WHAT IS MACA? Maca is a plant very similar to the turnip that comes from a plant of the Brassicaceae family. Its botanical name is Lepidium meyenii, and it originates in the Andes. Its roots are rich in important nutrients essential for the health of our body; for this reason, maca is considered a Superfood. THE ORIGIN OF MACA The maca plant is a small herbaceous plant that can be considered perennial because of the formation of its roots. It originates from the Cordillera of the Andes of Peru and Bolivia at an altitude between 8202 and 16404 ft. It grows on hostile soils and very poor and rocky soils where the weather conditions are adverse: strong winds and extreme temperature ranges, with very low temperatures during the night and very intense sunlight during the day. MACA BENEFITS Maca is a source of calcium, which has been relied upon in maintaining a healthy metabolism and muscle function. Calcium can also be used to support the maintenance of healthy bones. In addition to being low in fat and salt, maca is rich in iron, which may help reinforce cognitive function and oxygen flow. People have included it in their diet for generations to reduce tiredness and bolster the functioning of the immune system. Riboflavin is another component of maca, one traditionally credited for the protection of cells against oxidative stress. FLAVOR AND CONSISTENCY The best maca comes from organic farming. Maca is a yellow powder, it has a sweetish, malty flavor and a very particular and pungent taste that oscillates between bitter and spicy, which can be masked by mixing it with other ingredients. HOW IS MACA USED? Organic maca powder is considered the best way to include this precious food in your diet. Maca root powder can be dissolved in water, milk, and smoothies, or added to dough for cakes and biscuits. RECIPES WITH MACA Maca powder can be used in the following ways: in yogurt or milkas an ingredient in homemade dessertsin infusions and green teain smoothies or fruit extractsin cereals or muesliwhen making biscuits or barsfor salads or as a condimentin broths and soups WHAT IS THE PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR GELATINIZED MACA? This method of processing maca has been introduced since the 1990s. The roots are dried in the sun and then are subject to the gelatinization process, which makes the powder easier to digest, as the starch is removed. What are the benefits of taking gelatinized maca powder? Gelatinized maca is more digestible, as it does not contain starch and is easier to digest for those with a sensitive stomach.The nutrients it contains are more concentrated and some are amplified, such as metabolites and minerals.Gelatinized maca is more water-soluble and therefore easier to dissolve in water or in drinks and smoothies. At NaturaleBio, we sell and market gelatinized maca in the form of organic powder. 100% ORGANIC Our maca powder is 100% pure and organic. It is produced in Perú on organic plantations and is approved by the Supervisory Board of the Ministry of Agriculture. At NaturaleBio, we carefully select all our organic products. Our maca comes from organic farming. This plant's treasures are undoubtedly contained mainly in its roots. They are harvested, dried and ground into a very fine powder that is yellow in color. Considered a superfood used and appreciated all over the world for its benefits, organic maca powder is one of the best ways to include this precious source of sustenance in your diet. RECIPES WITH MACA Maca Latte A beverage with a strong adaptogenic power, which helps the body combat stress, boost concentration and increase endurance. Ingredients: 1 TBSP of NaturaleBio Maca Powder1-2 TBSP of coconut (or cane) sugar1 cup of almond or soy milkCinnamon Preparation: Mix all the ingredients to a smooth, lump-free mixture. Pour into a saucepan and warm on a low heat. Before it boils, remove from the heat, pour into a cup and sprinkle over a little powdered cinnamon. Maca & Banana Smoothie Smoothies are well-blended, dense and creamy fruit drinks, usually served cold. Ingredients: 1 cup of almond or soy milk1 TBSP of NaturaleBio Maca powder1 frozen banana1 TBSP of honey2-4 small ice cubes Preparation: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend to a smooth and creamy consistency. Pour in a glass and enjoy! Green Maca Smoothie Ingredients: 2 frozen bananas, 1-2 ripe kiwis1 cup of cabbage or spinach2-3 TBSP of honey1 TBSP of coconut oil1 TBSP of flax seeds1-2 TSP of NaturaleBio Maca Powder2 cups of rice or almond milk Preparation: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend to a smooth and creamy consistency. Pour in a glass and enjoy! Maca Pancakes Ingredients: 2 eggs2 small bananas1 TSP of NaturaleBio Maca Powder1 TSP of lucuma powder1-2 TSP of coconut oil Preparation: Mix the eggs, bananas and maca powder in a blender to a smooth consistency. Add 1 spoonful of coconut oil to a frying pan on low heat. Add the desired amount of pancake mix. Cook each side for about 2 minutes (adding a little more coconut oil if needed). Garnish with fresh fruit, maple syrup or honey. Coconut & Maca Cakes Ingredients: 4 eggs1/3 cup of maple syrup or honey2 TSP of vanilla extract2 cups of coconut flakes1 TBSP of coconut oil1 TBSP of NaturaleBio Maca Powder Preparation: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Mix the maple syrup or honey, the vanilla, maca, coconut and coconut oil. Add the mix to the whites and leave to rest in a fridge 30 minutes. Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto a tray lined with baking paper. Bake for about 8/12 minutes at 356 °F until the cakes turn golden. Maca Guacamole Ingredients: 2-3 ripe avocados5 quartered cherry tomatoes½ diced onion3 TSP of NaturaleBio Maca PowderJuice from 1 or 2 organic lemons or limesSalt to taste1 crushed garlic (optional) Preparation: Crush the ripe avocados with a fork into a lump-free pulp. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix together. Garnish with toast or some tasty tortilla chips! FAQ: What kind of root does maca powder come from? NaturaleBio maca powder comes from yellow maca root. I have recently started taking the maca, and have noticed some side effects. Is this normal? NaturaleBio maca powder is 100% pure and natural. Sometimes, the intake of maca powder can lead to certain side effects, especially when consumed in large portions. It is recommended to start with a small dose, and gradually include more in your meals, so that the body can get used to its effects. I started taking maca, but I haven’t noticed any effects. Why is that? Maca powder is a natural product with numerous properties. Many people report improvements and benefits following the intake of our maca, but it is true that its effect is linked to many factors, such as intake timing and constancy. It must also be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle and diet overall. In any case, this is a food derivative that must not replace other parts of your diet, but rather work with them to fortify your general sense of wellbeing. Is the maca gelatinized? Yes, NaturaleBio organic maca powder is gelatinized. Why doesn’t my maca powder dissolve well in liquids? Maca powder is less fine than other products, such as matcha, due to its larger particle size (measured in mesh units). The powder is, therefore, slightly more granular, and it is necessary to mix it more thoroughly, ideally with a blender or mixer.
