By: Zorana Jagodić |
Maca – an Andean powder for hormonal balance |
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For thousands of years, maca (known as maka, makka and macha) plant root is being used due to its exquisite healing properties and nutritive vales.
It is listed as a superfood because of all the benefits it brings to humans.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant originally from the Andes, today’s Bolivia and Peru, and it grows on heights between 2 400 and 4 400 meters above the sea.
According to the legend, Incas used maca root powder for increasing strength and endurance of their warriors.
But, after the battle was over, they stopped using maca because it significantly increases libido.
Its root has been a source of strength and fertility to the natives for hundreds of years. After conquistada, Spaniards brought maca to their homeland, thus introducing that plant to Europe.
For a while maca was intensively used on Spanish court and after that knowledge about it almost completely disappeared.
During the 60-ies, Peruvian, American and German explorers rediscovered this plant to the world.
Today we know that maca’s effects are caused by numerous active compounds in it, such as fatty acids, alkaloids, sterol and glucosinolate, which especially contribute to maca’s effects on fertility and libido.
Natural adaptogen
Scientists list maca as adaptogen – a remedy for better adaptation of organisms.
As an adaptogen, maca enhances physical durability and resistance towards stress, anxiety, trauma and exhaustion.
Regular maca consumption is good for human immune system and it increases resistance towards physical and mental challenges.
Its ability of recognizing the needs of every individual organism has given it a reputation of “intelligent plant”.
For example, if your body produces inadequate hormone levels, maca will enhance the production of the hormone your body needs. Opposite from that, if there is too much hormone in your organism, maca will slow down its production.
The maca root contains vitamin B1, B2, B12 i C, alkaloids, micro and macro nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fibre, fatty acids, fructose, starch, tanine, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, silicon and magnesuim.
It is a little known that maca contains more calcium than milk and therefore it is a strong support in fighting osteoporosis.
As an adaptogen, maca contributes to overall well being of the human organism.
Calcium, phosphor, vitamins B1 and B2 and fatty acids have beneficial influence on the nerve system, enhance appetite and have positive effects on digestion.
Sterols, calcium and vitamin C from maca help building muscle mass and enhance physical endurance. That is why maca is one of diet supplements found in diets of top athletes.
Maca also contains four unique alkaloids – macaina 1,2,3,4 – not found in any other plant. Alkaloids from maca help with using all maca nutrients needed for our body to function.
Helps with menopause and infertility
Regular consumption of maca root powder brings many benefits to women. Doctors emphasize that maca helps in the creation and maintenance of hormonal balance.
Alternative doctors recommend maca for hormonal disorders and infertility problems.
Maca alleviates menopause symptoms - mood changes, hot flashes, sleep disorders etc.
It can help with menstrual problems – pains and unease experienced by many women.
Increases libido and potency
Maca consumption, according to the researchers, has positive effects on fertility problems in men.
According to the study of Cayetano Heredia University, maca has beneficial influence on sperm creation and increases the volume of semen.
Maca is efficient for treating libido problems and erectile problems and many call it "Nature’s Viagra”.
Furthermore, maca is beneficent for muscle growth and for losing stored fat.
Maca brings the following health benefits:
- increases energy level
- balances hormones
- alleviates menopause and PMS symptoms
- has positive effects on sexual energy
- helps with insomnia and stress
- enhances physical endurance
- has positive effects on health of heart and blood vessels
- help with infertility
- enhances memory and concentration
- has positive effects on bone and teeth health
Maca root can be found in the form of a powder, capsules or tablets. The recommended dosage is 1500-3000 milligrams a day.
Annotations
Maca is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
If you have high blood pressure or thyroid problems you should consult your doctor before using maca.
If you think that you can benefit from consuming maca, you can find it on our webshop.
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