What are the growing conditions for black, red, and yellow maca roots?
The maca root is an important concentration of vitality that boosts the immune system for optimal well-being. The benefits of maca are so numerous that it can be used for various purposes. This plant, highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, is cultivated at altitude in the high plains of the Andes in Peru. It is notably in the region of Junin that maca cultivation takes place between 3,800 and 4,500 meters.
It is cultivated on sunny lands, in well-drained soil rich in minerals. The roots are harvested by hand about 7 months after planting from May to August. Farmers dry the tubers in the sun before grinding them into maca powder.
The growing conditions are thus the same for red, black, and yellow maca. However, their nutritional values are slightly different. This is why each type of maca has its own specific use.
Also read Our tips for buying maca
What are the nutritional value differences between each variety of maca?
Maca is a strengthening plant that includes 13 different phenotypes. Each variety of maca has a slightly different composition. The red does not have exactly the same nutritional value as the black or yellow, as shown in this table.
Red maca nutritional composition
The nutritional composition of red maca is distinct for its higher pure protein and fiber content compared to other maca varieties. Its root is also the richest in glucosinolate, magnesium, and potassium.
Nutritional value of black maca
The nutritional value of black maca stands out for its richness in iron and calcium. It is the least protein-rich of all maca, but the richest in vitamin B2. Additionally, its roots offer the highest carbohydrate content.
Yellow maca nutritional composition
The nutritional composition of yellow maca is the one that offers the highest content of vitamin B3 and vitamin C. This is why its roots are the most consumed when doing a vitality cure.
General nutritional composition for all types of maca
Although there are slight differences in nutritional value between each variety, the general composition of maca (yellow, black, and red) is still relatively similar.
For a dosage of 100 mg of maca root extract, the composition is as follows.
- 10 to 15 mg of protein
- 60 to 75 mg of carbohydrates
- 8.5 mg of fiber
- 2.2 mg of lipids
- vitamin C
- minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, selenium)
- trace elements (iron, zinc, copper, iodine, manganese)
- 19 types of amino acids, including 7 essential ones
- fatty acids
- polysaccharides
- MTCA
- malic acid
What are the different uses of each type of maca?
Are you looking for the perfect dietary supplement to regain your health? You’ve heard about maca, but you don’t know which one to use? Each maca has a different use.
Different uses of red maca
The red maca proves to be very effective for the natural treatment and prevention of prostate disorders. The red maca root is also ideal for stimulating fertility in women, increasing physical endurance, combating the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, and regulating the skin’s natural functions.
In what cases to use yellow maca?
The yellow maca is both the most common superfood on the natural dietary supplements market, and the most effective for treating loss of tone. This Peruvian plant with aphrodisiac properties also helps boost libido.
Main uses of black maca
The black maca is most suitable for restoring hormonal balance in both men and women. It is also the best choice for stimulating memory functions and increasing concentration abilities.
In conclusion, even though their nutritional compositions are very similar, the 3 varieties of maca each have their specificities. Thus, the type of maca root is chosen based on the health issue one wants to address.
