Maca has been used and venerated by native Peruvians for being an excellent natural source of vitamins and minerals. Living in the highlands is tough, oxygen is scarce and the living conditions are difficult. Maca has been their natural source of Iron needed for the blood production and oxygen transportation within the body, that’s why maca has been very useful for the adaptation of the Incas to the high altitudes.

 

The researches made on Maca have demonstrated its huge amounts of nutritive elements like a rich variety of minerals (iron, sodium, calcium...), vitamins (B1, B2, E ...), amino acids.

Maca nutrient profile 100gr.
Energy	270kcal
Proteins	10.2%
Lipids	2.2%
Carbohydrates.	59%
Fiber	8.5%
Vitamin B1	0.5mg
Vitamin B2	0.11mg
Iron	16.6mg
Sodium	18.7mg
Potassium	2050mg
Calcium	150mg
vitamins C,B6,D,P

Vitamins:

Maca  has a rich variety of vitamins in its composition; that's why many people take it as a nutritive complement. Among the vitamins found in maca, we have: vitamin B1, B2, B, C, E ...

Thiamine - B1 this vitamin convert blood sugar to energy (co-enzyme) - very active people like sportsmen need specially this vitamin for efficient nutrient absorption from food. This vitamin will also help you feel more active and have more energy for your day to day living.

Riboflavin - B2 Helps body release energy from protein/carbohydrates/fat, and to cope better with stressful situations; essential to life. Lack of HCl leads to inefficient B2 absorption. Lost via perspiration/urination (water soluble). Destroyed by light. Insufficient B2 can lead to: -Sores at corner of mouth; -Eczema, conjunctivitis, baldness; -Burning feet, muscle weakness, dizziness, tremors/shaking; -Mental apathy.

Minerals:

Iron  is the responsible of blood production and oxygen transportation within the body, that’s why maca has been very useful for the adaptation of the Incas to the high altitudes where oxygen is scarce. Linked to childhood learning problems, poor concentration and short attention. Low levels can result in anaemia characterized by fatigue, cold sensitivity, and lowered immunity. When women enters menopause period they need a double quantity of iron in their diet.

Potassium Important to maintain the acid/alkaline balance required for efficient cellular activity. Regulates body's electrical activity (ie. heartbeat) and carries nerve messages to muscles, releasing some hormones and neurotransmitters en route. Low levels are associated with high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias.

Calcium Maca has the higher concentration of this mineral than other vegetal of his gender. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, very important to the teeth, bones and for the normal levels of growing for children.

More details click here