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HEALTH BENEFITS OF QUINOA
miércoles, 27 de julio de 2016
martes, 26 de julio de 2016
The health benefits of maca include
relief from problems related to menstruation and menopause,
while also balancing hormones and boosting fertility in women. It helps in
increasing energy levels, improving sexual health, and boosting bone health.
Maca helps in building stamina, maintaining a healthy immune system, and
improving healthy skin. It has
antidepressant properties and under stressful conditions, it also promotes
homeostasis (balance within the body).
Nutritional Value of Maca
Maca is an unassuming plant, and the
most beneficial part of the plant is actually the fleshy hypocotyl, classifying
maca as a “root vegetable”.
The organic composition of maca is what makes it such a valuable and beneficial
plant that continues to grow in popularity around the world.
By adding maca to your diet, you can balance your vitamin and mineral
intake, because maca is a great source of B12 vitamins, along with B1, B2, C,
and E. The plant is also a rich source of protein, a beneficial attribute for
vegetarians and vegans, and it contains the
ever-important trace elements of iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
Maca is itself composed of approximately 60-75% carbohydrates, and 10-14% proteins,
along with fiber and a small amount of fat. The high content of proteins and important
nutrients may explain its’ connection to higher energy, clearer thinking, an
increase in sexual libido, and many other interconnected benefits of this small
South American plant.
Health Benefits of Maca
lthough the exact
effects of maca have not been fully discovered, there are some health benefits
that are agreed upon for the inclusion of maca in a person’s diet. Sexual Libido: Maca is perhaps best known for its’ benefits to a
person’s sexual libido. By consuming some forms of maca root,
sexual stamina and drive are increased in both men and women leading some
people to begin calling maca “Nature’s Viagra”. Sexual libido is partially
controlled by serotonin levels in the body, and by working against the chemical
factors that inhibit sexual dysfunction, maca can improve the energy levels and
natural excitement for sexual activity.
Sperm Count: The consumption of maca has also been linked to an increase in sperm
count for men, leading to more successful reproduction efforts, because an
increase in sperm count is typically reflected in higher rates of impregnation
in the partner. A higher sperm count often raises sexual confidence in men,
improving conditions in their personal life.
Sperm
Motility: Maca
does more than improve your sperm count, it also increases sperm motility! Motility is the freedom of movement and the ratio of activity versus
energy consumption. By adding maca to your diet, you can increase you sperm
motility, which thereby increases your chances of being successful in trying to
get pregnant with a partner.
Fertility: For women who consume maca, studies have
shown that their ability to reproduce is also boosted. Not only is maca a good
way to promote male sperm count and fertility; it is also good for both
partners to actively eat maca in order to give a better chance at potential
pregnancy.
Bone
Health: Adding
maca to your diet can also increase bone density and
strength, while preventingosteoporosis. Maca, along with many cruciferous vegetables, are rich sources of
calcium, which is an integral vitamin for promoting healthy and durable bones.
Antidepressant
Properties: Maca
serves another function as an inhibitor to the anti-depressant
inducedsexual dysfunction. Maca is shown to
improve mood and energy levels, and counteracts the common symptoms that come
from taking antidepressants, namely a decrease in sexual function and libido.
Homeostasis: Maca is a source of many unique
alkaloids and a bevy of vitamin nutrients in higher quantities than are found
in many foods. This combination of organic attributes gives maca “adaptogenic
qualities”,meaning that it can positively respond
to stress in
an organism and promote homeostasis, or balance, within the body, without
adding any toxic or artificial chemicals.
Energy
and Endurance: Maca
has long been used by Peruvian natives as a way to increase energy and
endurance during any task. This comes from its’ high levels of proteins,
vitamins, and minerals. Now that maca is an internationally available product, these same energy
and endurance giving qualities can be enjoyed by anyone willing to add maca to
their daily regimen.
Immune
System: Adding maca into a daily diet, even as
little as a tablespoon a day, can greatly increase the strength of your immune system. One of the most significant aspects of maca is its high level of
protein. It has nearly five times more protein per serving than potatoes, and protein is an essential part of a balanced diet. It can boost your
immune system, tissue repair, and your energy levels. Improving your immune
system is one of the fundamental parts of overall health, so maca is a wise
choice for those who want to avoid the common cold!
Menopause: Maca is a good choice for women who want to balance out their moods
and energy levels when going through menopause. Studies have shown that by adding maca to their diet, women were able
to reduce their anxiety and
mood swings during menopausal periods. Many people are hesitant to try
antidepressants to improve mood and balance, so maca provides an organic option
to alleviate those issues.
Risks of Using Maca
The benefits of maca are clear to many of its’ frequent users, but there
are some people who should NOT use maca to treat their symptoms or ailments.
Pregnancy: While maca is a widely used to to
increase fertility, once pregnant, the use of maca should not be continued. Its
effects on hormonal balances only functions when the overwhelming hormonal
shifts of pregnancy are not occurring. Most plants and herbs of
this nature are not recommended during pregnancy, but always consult your
doctor before beginning or discontinuing use of a regular part of your healthy
diet.
Cardiac
Toxicity: Although
maca has not been shown as a direct cause of cardiac disease or death, plants
with a similar genetic makeup to maca have been associated with cardiac
toxicity, so for those potential users with heart issues,
be sure to investigate the situation further and speak with a physician.
Yacón
The yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius, syn.: Polymnia
edulis, P. sonchifolia) is a species of perennial daisy traditionally
grown in the northern and central Andes from Colombia to
northern Argentina for its
crisp, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots.
Their texture and flavour are very similar to jicama, mainly differing in that yacón has some
slightly sweet, resinous, and floral (similar to violet) undertones to its flavour, probably due to the
presence of inulin, which produces the sweet taste of the roots of elecampane, as well. Another name for yacón isPeruvian
ground apple, possibly from the French name of potato, pomme
de terre (ground apple).
The tuber is composed mostly of water and fructooligosaccharide.
Yacón culture
Yacón can easily be grown in gardens in
climates with only gentle frosts. It grows well in Kathmandu, Nepal and outhern Australia(including Tasmania) and New Zealand, where the climate is mild and the growing
season long. The plant was introduced to Japan in the 1980s, and from there,
its cultivation spread to other Asian countries, notably South Korea, China,
and the Philippines, and is now widely available in markets in
those countries. Yacón has also recently been introduced into farmers' markets
and natural food stores in the United States and has
been available from niche online health food stores in the United Kingdom since
2007.
Yacón leaves
The leaves
of the yacón contain quantities of protocatechuic, chlorogenic, caffeic, and ferulic acids, which gives tisanes made from
the leaves prebiotic and antioxidant properties.
Yacón
The yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius, syn.: Polymnia
edulis, P. sonchifolia) is a species of perennial daisy traditionally
grown in the northern and central Andes from Colombia to
northern Argentina for its
crisp, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots.
Their texture and flavour are very similar to jicama, mainly differing in that yacón has some
slightly sweet, resinous, and floral (similar to violet) undertones to its flavour, probably due to the
presence of inulin, which produces the sweet taste of the roots of elecampane, as well. Another name for yacón is Peruvian
ground apple, possibly from the French name of .potato, pomme
de terre (ground apple).
The tuber is composed mostly of water and fructooligosaccharide
HEALTH BENEFITS OF YACON
Blood
Sugar Levels: The reason that so many people around the world have
begun to use yacon so often is its anti-hyperclycemic effects. The fructooligosaccharides in yacon mean that the body does not absorb any simple sugars;
in fact, it lowers the amount of glucose production in the liver and causes a
shift to lowerfasting glucose rates. This is very important for people
suffering from diabetes. Research is also being done on yacon’s potential to
increase insulin sensitivity in the body, yet another beneficial aspect for
diabetics or for people at risk of developing the disease.
Blood
Pressure: There are a number of heart-healthy aspects to yacon, but the high levels of potassium are certainly worth mentioning first. Potassium is a
vasodilator, meaning that it relaxes blood vessels and reduces strain on the
cardiovascular system. This means increased blood flow and oxygenation to parts
of the body that need it most, and a reduced chance of developing conditions
like atherosclerosis, or suffering from heart conditions like heart
attacks or strokes. Potassium also helps to regulate the fluid balance in our
body’s cells and tissues, in conjunction with sodium.
Cholesterol
Monitoring: Aside from its importance to diabetics, yacon is also
important for people who need to control their cholesterol. Research has shown
that consuming yacon results in a general lowering of fasting triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels. In other words, the fructooligosaccharides that
compose yacon help to lower lipid levels and prevent the accumulation of “bad”
cholesterol. This aids in the prevention of a wide variety of heart concerns,
including coronary heart disease.
Weight
Loss Aid: Although this has been
hotly debated in certain circles, various researchers claim that eating yacon
can help increase weight loss. Since it is not composed of starch (like most
tubers), but fills you up, and has a very low level of calories, it is thought
to result in overall weight loss. This can also be caused by the slight laxative effect of yacon (perhaps due to its fiber content) and the increased satiety that people feel
after eating this sweet plant.
Cancer
Prevention: Research has shown
that the compounds found in yacon can have inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer cells. While this research is still somewhat preliminary,
there is no downside to this possible side effect of adding yacon to your diet!
Liver
Health: The liver is the
source of glucose in our body, so it makes sense that regulation of glucose
through eating yacon would affect our livers in some way. In fact, studies have
shown that proper amounts of yacon (particularly when combined with milk thistle) prevent fat accumulation in the liver and maintain
proper liver health and function.
A Final
Word of Caution: Although
it is rare, there have been some reports of allergies to yacon root. Furthermore, the leaves should only be used for tea,
because they have been found to be slightly toxic to the kidneys when eaten
directly. Other than these two small issues, enjoy yacon, as well as all of the
wonderful benefits it can bring to your health!
Nutritional Value of Yacon
As mentioned, yacon tubers are mostly
composed of fructooligosaccharides and water. This means that the majority of
the carbohydrate sugars cannot be digested by the body, resulting in a very low
calorie level and a prevention of excess sugar coming into the bloodstrea.
Yacon also helps the body increase its vitamin and mineral absorption of all
other foods, so while there aren’t many vitamins and minerals in yacon itself, it is very important for the intake
of these essential components of human health. That being said, yacon is still
rich in potassium, calcium, and phosphorous.
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