Maca consumption as a superfood dates back at least 3000 years, and possibly as long as 10,000 years ago. When the Spanish explorer Captain De Soto landed in Peru in 1549, he was gifted Maca by the Peruvian Indians to help the European livestock cope nutritionally and reproduce successfully in this harsh new land. As word of Maca’s health-giving properties spread, the Chinchayochas Indians apparently began substituting Maca for the gold and silver previously demanded by the conquerors to be shipped back to Spain for use by Royalty. Maca is a whole food – in fact, a functional food whose label ‘superfood’ is due to the many and varied components of its nutritional composition including numerous minerals, vitamins, 18 amino acids, essential fatty acids, and sterols known for their ability to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption. Maca also contains glucosinolates (known for antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties) and the unique alkaloids macaina 1-4, macaenes and macamides, found nowhere else in the botanical kingdom, whose properties are just beginning to be understood by modern science.

As a nutritional supplement, Maca has generalized tonic effects on the biochemical functioning of the human, namely the nourishment and consequent enhancement of endocrine function. The endocrine system includes all of the glands and the hormones they secrete that control such functions as:

• fertility and sexual function
• digestion and absorption
• brain and nervous system physiology (including mood moderation)
• energy and stress response (adrenal glands, etc)

Maca is considered to be adaptogenic, meaning it will work on the body according to needs, age and gender of the person taking it – allowing both males and females of all ages to benefit from taking it regularly.

Also known as Chinese Wolfberry or Gou Qi Zi, and growing profusely on vines that reach over 6m in length in the remote hills and valleys of the 'Goji Triangle' - Tibet, Northern China and Mongolia - the revitalizing and energy containing Goji berry (Lycium Barbarum) is the most health enhancing of the 80 odd varieties of the Lycium fruit.
Goji berries are packed with nutrients including: 

• more vitamin C than oranges
• more beta carotene than carrots
• 18 amino acids including all 8 essential amino acids (a complete protein)
• 21 minerals including potassium, iron, germanium, selenium, calcium, zinc
• anti-inflammatory agent beta-sitosterol
• anti-bacterial/fungal agents sesquiterpenoids
• unique Polysaccharides LBP1, LBP2, LPB3 and LPB4 (not found in any other plant)

Eating Superfoods will not guarantee you will remain cancer and heart disease free on their own but added to a healthy, well balanced, majority plant based diet, they will help you to reach your full potential health wise. I give my children superfoods every day. Usually a handful of Goji berries, some raw cacao and spirulina in a smoothie after school or as breakfast when we are in a hurry. Try them yourselves; you might be surprised.

• 2 bananas
• The juice of 2 oranges
• Handful of Goji berries soaked overnight
• 2 Teaspoons Spirulina powder
• 8 lettuce leaves or handful of baby spinach
• 2 cups of water

Place all ingredients in a blender until smooth adding ice cubes as you go.
Makes 4-5 cups. Enjoy