Maca is a super-food loaded with various vitamins and minerals along with essential fatty acids and amino acids. Some of the most common health benefits provided by Maca roots include improved energy levels, better hormonal balance, and a boost to the overall health.

Maca is a root belonging to the radish family. It is available commonly in the form of a powder. It is also referred as Peruvian Ginseng for being grown in the mountains of Peru. This amazing root is packed with numerous chemicals, amino acids, and fatty acids. In foods, Maca is eaten roasted or baked, can be prepared as a soup, and can also be used to make a fermented drink called Maca Chicha.

Well, Maca is available more commonly in the form of powder that can be added to shakes, juices, or just water. Instead, you can also avail it in the form of flour that can be used to bake yummy goodies. In addition, you can also cook the root itself for direct consumption.

Amazing Health Benefits of Maca for Your Kids

The pleasant tasting root of Maca is generally available in the form of powder. Besides being rich in nutrients, it is also a natural source of healing nutrition. Besides, it also features a long history for being a safe super food.

Maca is high in quality carbs. These carbs, when combined with its alkaloids and other nutrients, make it simply amazing for sustained energy. Additionally, the good content of bio-available plant protein makes it easy to assimilate for the body. Maca also contains good levels of lignin and cellulose that are good for intestinal function. The high fibre provides a healthy digestive and elimination system.

Here are some of the amazing health benefits provided by Maca.

Rich in Vitamins: With the rich content of vitamins B1 and B12, and essential fatty acids, Maca nourishes and calms the nerves thus providing a stronger nervous system. Besides, these vitamins and minerals also stimulate the appetite and aid healthy digestion. It also contains vitamin B2, crucial for body growth and cell reproduction and vitamin B3 to support healthy blood circulation.

Boosts Energy: Maca has the potential to boost energy levels – physical as well as mental. Besides, it also increases the stamina.

Improves Skin: Maca is a good choice for kids with skin issues. Maca helps to treat various skin problems like sensitivity and even acne in some cases. Moreover, it also makes the skin withstand extreme temperatures.

Improves Overall Health: Maca aids the better overall health. It supplies minerals like iron and helps restore red blood cells. This further helps avoid anaemia and other immune related diseases. The nutrients contained in maca also maintain healthy teeth and bones while helping to heal the wounds more quickly.

Rich source of minerals: Maca is high in essential minerals like:

Calcium: Maca contains good amount of calcium, thus being effective for healthy bones and teeth. The high content of calcium helps treat problems like rickets and other bone related diseases.

Magnesium: The good content of magnesium in Maca helps in synthesis of protein and aids healthy nerve activity. It also aids a healthy heart.

Phosphorous: Phosphorous is an important hemostats of calcium. Besides, it also transmits electrical stimuli for brain and muscle action.

Sodium: Sodium, when combined with potassium, provides positive circulation.

Iron: The high content of iron in maca makes it a super food for kids. Iron is essential for the healthy production of haemoglobin. In addition, it also supports healthy growth of muscles.

Potassium: This essential mineral contained in maca works within the cells to support healthy osmosis.

Copper: Copper is yet another mineral contained in maca. It is good for enzyme health.

Besides, maca is also rich in other essential minerals like boron (supports proper metabolism), selenium (provides protection to cells against free radicals), manganese (supports healthy growth), and zinc (aids clarity of thought and mental function).

Regulates Hormone Balance: Hormonal imbalance is a common problem in teenage kids. Maca contains good amount of amino acids that are good for hormonal balance.

A Word of Caution

There are no serious health issues or side effects associated with maca. But, just like any other health supplement it should not be consumed in large quantities. Although there are numerous health benefits associated with maca, excessive intake or any allergic reaction can cause certain health issues. Here are some of the potential health risks that can occur.

Insomnia: Since maca root us known to boost energy levels, overdose to children can cause problems like sleeplessness or insomnia. A better alternative is to give it to kids for breakfast and avoid consumption after lunch.

Not suitable for thyroid patients: If your child suffers from hyper- or hypo-thyroid, maca is not for him/her. Maca carries iodine, which could be too good or too bad for thyroid patients, depending upon their condition. Therefore, it is better to consult your doctor before giving it to your child.

Not suitable for diabetics : If your child suffers from childhood diabetes (type 1 or 2), maca is surely not the choice. This is because maca root can boost the effects of insulin as well as any other medicine taken for diabetes. This can further lead to a drastic fall in the blood glucose level. However, if your child is not under medication, maca is the perfect choice for it lowers the blood glucose level in blood.

Diarrhoea and Gas: Maca contains high content of fibre. At initial levels of consumption, it can be a cause of diarrhoea or gas. However, this effect will soon disappear once the body gets used to it.

Maca Nutrition Facts