Red maca – nutritional content, facts & why it’s in Heavenly Her

Red maca is a root that has grown in the high mountain regions of the Andes for over 2,000 years. Today, red maca powder is used worldwide as an ingredient in smoothies and superfood blends.

In Heavenly Her red maca makes up 35% of the contents — and serves as the base of the blend.

But what exactly is red maca? And what nutritional content does it have?

What is red maca?

Red maca comes from the plant Lepidium meyenii and is grown mainly in Peru, often at altitudes above 3,500 meters.

There are three main varieties:

• Yellow maca (most common)

• Black maca

• Red maca

The red variety is somewhat rarer and has a mild, slightly nutty flavor with natural sweetness.

Traditionally, the root has been:

1. Harvested

2. Dried in the sun

3. Ground into powder

That is why red maca powder is the most common form today.

Red maca nutritional content

Red maca is a food with a broad natural composition.

Macronutrients (approx. per 100 g powder)

• Carbohydrates: 55–65 g

• Dietary fiber: 7–9 g

• Protein: 10–14 g

• Fat: 1–2 g

It is mainly a carbohydrate-rich root with naturally occurring fiber and plant-based protein.

Minerals in red maca

Red maca contains naturally occurring minerals such as:

• Iron

• Calcium

• Potassium

• Zinc

• Copper

• Manganese

The mineral content varies depending on soil conditions and growing environment.

Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body and normal energy metabolism. At the same time, it is important to view red maca as part of a varied diet — not as a replacement for a balanced meal.

Vitamins in red maca

Red maca contains smaller amounts of:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

• Vitamin B6

The levels are not as high as in, for example, rose hips or green leafy vegetables, but they contribute to the overall nutritional profile.

Plant compounds in maca

In addition to classic nutrients, red maca contains natural plant compounds:

• Glucosinolates (also found in, for example, kale and broccoli)

• Polyphenols

• Macamides and macaenes (unique to maca)

It is the combination of these substances that makes maca interesting from a research perspective.

Fiber and everyday balance

With 7–9% dietary fiber, red maca contributes to overall fiber intake.

The Swedish Food Agency recommends 25–35 grams of fiber per day and at least 500 grams of fruit and vegetables daily. Superfood blends can be a convenient way to complement your diet and add variety to everyday life.

That is why red maca is the base of Heavenly Her

When Heavenly Her was developed, the goal was clear:

✔ Organic ingredients

✔ Plant-based nutrition

✔ No added sugar

✔ Easy to use

Red maca was chosen as the main ingredient because it:

• Has a long tradition

• Provides natural body

• Creates flavor balance

• Blends well with both rose hips and leafy greens

In Heavenly Her, red maca is combined with:

• Rose hips (naturally rich in vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress)

• Beetroot

• Lucuma

• Kale

• Spinach

• Alfalfa sprouts

Together they create an organic, plant-based blend that is easy to use in smoothies, yogurt, or baking.

Summary

Red maca is:

• A root from the Andes

• Naturally rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based protein

• Contains minerals such as iron and calcium

• Has natural plant compounds such as glucosinolates and polyphenols

• Mainly used as a powder

As part of a varied diet, red maca can add flavor and nutritional variety — and in Heavenly Her it is the heart of the blend.

We see red maca as a food and part of a balanced diet — never as a replacement for the whole.

Sources & scientific basis

The information in this article is based on:

• Published scientific reviews on Lepidium meyenii (maca), including those by Gonzales, G.F.

• Nutritional analyses published in journals such as Food Chemistry and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

• The USDA FoodData Central nutrition database

• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – approved health claims

• The Swedish Food Agency – recommendation of 500 g of fruit and vegetables per day