Peruvian Maca is rightfully considered the queen in the world of healing plants due to its huge number of positive properties. Its healing effects were known to the indigenous peoples of the Andes more than 2,600 years ago. This root vegetable helped the Indians survive in the harsh conditions of the highlands. Time passed, civilization developed, pharmaceutical products began to come to the fore, and poppy began to be forgotten.
However, about 30 years ago, thanks to the efforts of one Peruvian biologist and researcher Gloria Chacon, an abandoned and little-known plant at that time found its rebirth. Scientific research and development over the past decades has proven the effectiveness of Peruvian maca in stabilizing mental health, relieving symptoms of PMS and menopause, increasing libido, increasing testosterone and other aspects of health.
Compound
The root powder has a highly nutritious nutritional profile and is a storehouse of important micronutrients for health. One ounce (28 g) contains:
- calorie content - 91 kcal;
- carbohydrates - 20 g;
- protein - 4 g;
- fiber - 2 g;
- fat - 1 g;
- vitamin C - 133% of the daily value;
- copper - 85% of the daily requirement;
- iron - 23% of the daily requirement;
- potassium - 16% of the daily value;
- vitamin B6 - 15% of the daily requirement;
- manganese - 10% of the daily requirement.
Sofia Sokolova
Pharmacist. Author of articles on the site
Ask a Question
Maca is a good source of carbohydrates, low in fat and contains fiber. In addition, it is rich in beneficial plant compounds, including glucosinolates and polyphenols.
Beneficial features
Thanks to this valuable nutritional profile, this plant:
- effectively used in correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies;
- serves as a prevention of tumors of various origins;
- slows down degenerative processes at the cellular level;
- strengthens the immune system;
- stabilizes metabolism;
- balances hormonal levels;
- helps to effectively resist stress;
- improves reproductive function;
- reduces symptoms of menopause and PMS;
- increases testosterone levels, enhances libido;
- increases athletic performance and endurance;
- protects skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays;
- has a positive effect on cognitive functions;
- reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety in postmenopausal women;
- is a natural adaptogen.
For men
When it comes to male fertility, indicators such as sperm quality and quantity are very important. There is robust clinical evidence showing that maca improves male fertility. A recent scientific review looked at the results of 5 studies, one of which included 9 men.
After consuming maca for 4 months, researchers noted an increase in sperm volume, count, and motility.
For women
The natural decrease in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause and the period following can cause very unpleasant symptoms. These are hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances.
One scientific review of 4 studies in menopausal women demonstrated that maca significantly reduced painful symptoms.
Chicken high salad with poppy seed smoked chicken cheese - recipe
This amount of ingredients makes 4 servings of salad. I prepared the salad in layers. But you can cook it in a transparent salad bowl.
Ingredients:
- 300 grams of smoked chicken (I used a leg)
- 100-150 grams of hard cheese
- 1-2 tomatoes (I used pink)
- 1-3 tbsp. spoons of poppy seeds
- 60 grams of crackers (I used ham flavor)
- Mayonnaise to taste
Chicken.
Chicken can be boiled, baked, fried or smoked. It tastes better with smoked chicken. I bought a smoked ham. You can take breast or thigh.
If you boil meat, then boil it in salted water, adding spices to taste.
Crackers.
I bought crackers at the store. You can make it yourself from white or black bread, or from a loaf. Cut the crackers into cubes or strips and dry in a frying pan.
Tomatoes.
You can buy pink or red tomatoes. But tomato is an essential ingredient in salad. I bought a pink tomato.
Cheese.
Buy regular hard Russian cheese. But you can take Dutch or any other.
Mayonnaise or sauce.
You can make a sauce from sour cream or use mayonnaise.
You can add boiled eggs (optional).
Layered chicken high salad - recipe with photo:
I will prepare the high chicken salad with poppy seeds in a white plate. I use a homemade ring. I place it on a plate and lay out layers of salad.
I bought one smoked chicken leg. I skin it and separate the meat from the bones. I cut the meat into cubes.
The first layer is chicken meat. Mayonnaise on top.
Slice the tomato. I cut the whole tomato into cubes. If the tomato is juicy, then there is no need to add the core. In any case, juice is not needed in the salad.
Place the tomato in a second layer on top of the smoked chicken. You can grease with mayonnaise or not so that the salad is not greasy.
The third layer is hard cheese, which I grated on a coarse grater. I spread the cheese, no mayonnaise is needed. Lightly tamp the cheese with a spoon.
I remove the ring.
I put croutons on top in a heap. My crackers are from French baguettes. Again, you can make your own croutons. Cut black or white bread into cubes or sticks and dry.
Drizzle mayonnaise on top of the crackers. This is necessary so that the poppy seed stays on top of the salad.
I sprinkle the salad with poppy seeds. I bought fresh delicious poppy seeds. It happens that poppy seeds are bitter, this indicates that they are not fresh. And poppy seed in the chicken stoned salad is almost the main ingredient, although it is presented in small quantities.
I sprinkle 2 tbsp. spoons on top of crackers. I do this by carefully distributing it over the entire surface. Decorated with parsley sprigs. You can decorate as desired. But this is a unique dish and does not need to be decorated; the salad is bright, tasty, and looks great on the holiday table.
I will definitely be preparing this salad for New Year 2020. I will surprise my friends with the appearance and name of the dish.
And if you suddenly find the salad unattractive, then we have 10 more recipes for salads with croutons.
Types of Peruvian maca
Maca fruit comes in a variety of colors, with each shade having its own unique nutritional and chemical profile and affecting the body differently. Depending on the plant variety, biological additives are available in several varieties, the most popular of which are black, yellow and red maca.
Red poppy
Red maca is the rarest type of Peruvian root. Its food chemical analysis shows the highest amount of antioxidants. Studies have also proven that this type is more effective against prostate cancer in men and bone loss in postmenopausal women. Black maca also has a positive effect on bone density.
Both red and black maca improve bone structure, but the red variety appears to be more beneficial. The study demonstrated that red maca had little effect on increasing sperm volume in men, while yellow and black root had this effect. Of the three varieties, red has the highest amount of amino acids. It is also used to relieve symptoms of depression and reduce stress.
Black poppy
In a number of scientific experiments, Peruvian poppy has shown itself to be an aphrodisiac.
Black Maca is known as " natural Viagra " because it increases sperm motility and has beneficial effects on fertility. It is very popular among couples who want to have children. In comparison, yellow maca showed a moderate effect on sperm count and sex drive, while red maca had no effect at all.
Including black maca in your diet will also protect against stress and fatigue, and improve memory and learning ability. Black maca can also be used as a natural antidepressant. It can lift your mood, improve sleep quality and strengthen the immune system. The taste of the fruits of this variety is very similar to roasted soybeans.
Yellow poppy
Yellow maca has a pungent taste, and the powder made from it has a light brown hue. This strain has its own unique set of benefits, including the ability to increase fertility in women and relieve menopausal symptoms by doing a great job of balancing hormones in a woman's body. Yellow maca is also known for its mood-boosting properties.
A simple salad recipe with smoked chicken, tomatoes and poppy seeds
Ingredients
- — 0.5 kg + —
- — 2-3 pcs. average + —
- Poppy poppy – 1/2-1 bag + –
- — 200 ml + —
- White or rye bread - several slices + -
- — 100 g + —
- Fresh herbs – bunch + –
How to easily make a salad with chicken, tomatoes and poppy seeds at home
We are all accustomed to long preparations and standing at the stove during the holidays, because we need to set a rich table so that there are as many dishes as possible on it that can satisfy even the most sophisticated taste.
However, sometimes there is very little time left for cooking, and you need to prepare an original cold appetizer. In this case, a delicious quick salad will come to the rescue, the recipe of which we will now consider.
- First, remove the skin from the smoked brisket and also separate the meat from the central bone - you can even do this with your hands. Then cut the chicken into thin strips and place in a deep salad bowl.
- Place a dry, clean frying pan over medium heat to warm up, meanwhile cut the bread slices into small cubes. After a couple of minutes, pour the sliced bread into the frying pan and dry over low heat, remembering to stir all the time.
- Pour the finished croutons into a separate container, and in the meantime rinse the tomatoes. We tear off the green tail from them and cut them in half. The middle should be cut out, as it is too hard, and the pulp itself should be cut into small cubes.
- We grate the cheese on a coarse grater, and wash the green stuff and chop it as finely as possible.
- We move all our ingredients into the salad bowl with the chicken, except for the croutons, then season with mayonnaise sauce and mix well.
Just before serving, add the croutons to the bowl and mix again, or simply sprinkle them on top of the salad.
Indications for use
Due to the presence of an extensive database of clinical data proving the effectiveness of Peruvian maca for various diseases, the list of indications for this drug is very extensive.
But, according to statistics, maca is most often used:
- for erectile dysfunction;
- to increase libido;
- to increase testosterone levels;
- to increase endurance and energy;
- to lower blood pressure;
- to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders;
- with hormonal imbalances in both sexes.
Instructions for use in Russian
Since Peruvian maca is not officially a pharmaceutical drug or a dietary supplement, but is classified as a superfood (along with spirulina and chia seeds), the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, each manufacturer is required to include instructions for use of the drug. It is recommended to study it carefully and follow the recommendations, after consulting with your doctor.
As a rule, experts recommend starting with small portions, gradually increasing the dosage to 5–10 g per day.
Release form
Traditional forms of maca release are powder, capsules, extract. When purchasing a product in any of the above forms, it is better to give preference to reliable and trusted manufacturers.
Powder
To obtain maca powder, the root vegetables are first cleaned and washed. Afterwards, they are disinfected and cut into cubes, which are dried at a temperature of 30–45 °C. Once the root dries, it is used to make powder. On the iHerb website, maca powder is offered under the Navitas Organics brand.
Capsules
Maca capsules are the most common form offered on the market. It is very popular due to its ease of reception. On the iHerb website, maca capsules are presented in a wide range by various manufacturers.
Peruvian maca extract
The extract differs from the powder in its higher concentration of active components, and therefore concentrates always have a more pronounced therapeutic effect. On the iHerb website, maca extract is offered by the manufacturer Maca Magic.
Delicious salad with chicken fillet, poppy seeds and bell pepper
Ingredients
- Chicken loin – 0.5 kg;
- Sweet red pepper – 2 pcs.;
- Tomatoes – 1-2 pcs.;
- Chicken egg – 3 pcs.;
- Salad onion – 1 head;
- Mayonnaise – 50 ml;
- Sour cream – 150 ml;
- Fresh greens – 1 bunch;
- Salt and black pepper - to taste;
- Poppy poppy – 1 sachet.
Making a salad appetizer with chicken breast, poppy seeds and bell pepper step by step
- Wash the chicken fillets, remove the white cartilaginous strips and place them in a saucepan. Here they will need to be cooked for 20-25 minutes after the water boils. For flavor, you can throw a couple of peppercorns and bay leaves into the water.
- At the same time, cook hard-boiled eggs.
Please note that you should not overcook them - 12 minutes after boiling the water is enough. It is important for us to preserve the brightness and shade of the yolk.
- While all this is cooking, we are busy with vegetables. Cut off the cap of the pepper, remove the seeds and cut it into small cubes. For more information on how best to peel bell peppers, watch the step-by-step cooking video tutorial from the chef of the “Your Cook” portal.
- Wash the tomatoes, cut them in half, cut out the middle and chop them into slices.
- We clean the onion and chop it quite finely.
- We chop the washed and shaken off excess water greens as much as possible and pour them into a separate bowl. Add poppy seeds here, as well as mayonnaise and sour cream, mix everything - this is our dressing.
- By this time the chicken and eggs should be cooked. We take everything out of the water. Cut the chicken into small cubes and pour into a salad bowl. We peel the egg and separate it into yolk and white.
- Chop the white finely and set the yolk aside for a while.
- Mix all the ingredients in our deep bowl, pour in the dressing and level the dish with salt and pepper.
- Grate the yolk and sprinkle it on top of the salad.
Of course, you can grind the eggs along with the yolks, but then the presentation will not be so elegant and unusual. Garlic will also taste great in this salad, but it needs to be put through a press and added to the dressing sauce.
Precautions and contraindications
Maca has low acute oral toxicity and low cellular toxicity in vitro. It is extremely important to observe moderation.
Sofia Sokolova
Pharmacist. Author of articles on the site
Ask a Question
If you have any medical problems that may be worsened by estrogen, do not use maca as it may increase estrogen levels.
Side effects
When taken orally, maca is probably safe for most people when taken in amounts found in food. It is probably safe when taken orally in large quantities as a medicine, but only for a short period of time. Doses up to 3 g daily appear safe when taken for 4 months.
Use during pregnancy
The use of maca should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of data on safety and effectiveness.
Festive salad appetizer with layers of chicken, poppy seeds and croutons
Every cook knows that a holiday treat is required not only to be tasty, but also to have an appropriate appearance. That is why we invite you to familiarize yourself with this festive variation of this salad.
Serving will be carried out for each guest separately, using portioned salad rings, so make sure you have them in your kitchen in advance.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast – 0.4 kg;
- Large chicken eggs – 3 pcs.;
- White bread - a few slices;
- Yellow onion – 1 head;
- Confectionery poppy – 1 bag;
- Tomatoes – 2 pcs.;
- Hard or semi-hard cheese – 150 g;
- Sour cream – 200 ml;
- Salt and pepper - to taste;
- Dill and parsley - half a bunch each;
- Vegetable oil - for frying.
Homemade holiday salad with chicken, poppy seed and cheese
Fry chicken pieces in oil in a frying pan
- First, let's prepare our chicken meat. We wash it under running cold water, remove the films, remove the white cartilages and cut out the bones, if any. Cut the meat into small cubes (the smaller the better).
- Pour a little sunflower oil into the frying pan and heat it over medium heat, then transfer the chicken pieces inside and fry until golden brown. At this point, lightly pepper and add salt to our meat.
Preparing the remaining products for a multi-layer salad
- We should send chicken eggs to boil in salted water so that the shell does not crack. They will be completely cooked within 12-14 minutes after boiling.
- Peel the onion and chop it as finely as possible. Next, we choose: either marinate the slices in vinegar with added sugar, or quickly fry them until “golden” in vegetable oil.
- We wash the tomatoes and cut them into small cubes, after removing the central part.
Making the right tasty salad dressing
- Now we’re making the dressing for our holiday salad. Transfer all the sour cream into a small container, add grated cheese and finely chopped herbs. You also need to add poppy seeds to the bowl and add a little salt to the contents. Mix everything and let it brew.
Making croutons for an unusual chicken salad
- We cut the bread into small cubes and dry them in a frying pan until they become croutons. If you like croutons with a soft center, then pour in a little oil - this will form a crispy crust on the cubes, and they will remain soft inside.
Assembling the salad using special split rings
- Place the rings on the plates. Place the fried chicken at the very bottom, brush with dressing, then form a layer of grated eggs, then add the onion and again turn for the dressing.
- Now it’s the turn of the layer of tomatoes, which we coat for the last time with sauce and sprinkle with crispy croutons.
Please note that when you prepare this salad with poppy seeds, tomatoes and chicken breast and calculate the amount of ingredients needed, it is important to consider a few things. First of all, this is the number of guests, as well as the size of the salad rings.
So, if your rings are tall enough, then you can repeat some layers and make quite tall salad arrangements that are sure to make a lasting impression on every taster.
Bon appetit!
The original “Chicken High” salad is very tasty with an unusual name. Prepare a salad from the most available products. But there is one secret ingredient; looking at the photo it’s not difficult to guess what we’re talking about. About the poppy seeds that cover this layered salad.
The recipe is based on boiled chicken, although smoked chicken can also be used. All ingredients are in perfect harmony with each other and, in combination with mayonnaise, give an amazing taste. The juicy tomato gives this salad a bright red layer, and the golden crackers topped with poppy seeds make this salad different from others. Try to surprise your guests and loved ones by preparing the Chicken High salad
The salad can be served for any holiday or prepared for homemade lunch and dinner. I like this recipe for its speed of preparation and small amount of ingredients.
Taste Info Holiday salads / Chicken salads / New Year's recipes