Maca grows in the high plateaus of the Andes mountains in central Peru and Bolivia, where it has been cultivated for over three thousand years. Widely praised as a superfood, it is credited with boosting stamina, energy, libido, and fertility. Maca also functions as an adaptogen that stimulates the body to heal whatever is out of balance. Maca has been recommended by both conventional and alternative health care practitioners around the world since the 1980s. Some of the conditions they have prescribed maca for include anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV and AIDS, hormone imbalances, leukemia, osteoporosis, post traumatic stress disorder, stomach cancer, other types of cancer, and tuberculosis. Maca is available in four forms: capsule, tablet, powder, and liquid extract (tincture). Beverly Lynn Bennett shows how to incorporate powdered maca into 32 recipes, including beverages, morning meals, snacks, sides, main dishes, and treats. Incan Maca Hot Chocolate, Garden Guaca-Maca-Mole, and Maca-Miso Dressing are just a few of her delicious offerings.
