Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root-like cruciferous vegetable
from the Andes of Peru. It grows in some of the harshest farmlands in
the world, where the soil is rich in volcanic minerals, experiencing
freezing temperatures, fierce winds and intense sunlight . Maca is the
only plant known in the world that can grow and thrive at such a high
altitude and in such harsh weather. For more than two millennia, native
Peruvians have used maca root as food and medicine to promote fertility,
endurance, energy, vitality, and sexual virility.
Stories of maca’s fertility supporting effects have been passed down
through history in a story that took place in the 1500’s. Soon after the
Spanish Conquest in South America occurred the Spanish began to
experience poor health and infertility in themselves as well as in their
livestock. This was due to the high altitude of the Andes. The native
Peruvians recommended that they feed their livestock and themselves
maca. The results were so dramatic that many of the first written
records ever kept for the Andean region were passages about maca. There
are also historical notes recording that the Conquistadors began
demanding to be paid in maca instead of gold.
How Maca Works
Containing
31 different minerals and 60 different phytonutrients, maca is a
nourishing food for the endocrine system, aiding both the pituitary,
adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.) Maca has
the ability to affect key hormones in both women and men without
containing hormones itself.
Maca has been scientifically researched for the use of increasing
fertility since 1961 and has been shown to contain specific compounds
called glucosinolates which directly can affect fertility for both men
and women. These alkaloids are responsible for maca’s ability to support
hormonal balance.
Benefits of maca:
- Supports hormonal balance
- Increases energy, stamina, and mental clarity
- Supports the thyroid
- Supports normal sexual function
Adaptogenic
Maca also has adaptogenic properties which means it helps to strengthen the body so it is able to better resist disease and stress, support the adrenal glands and balances the body’s functions. In order for an herb to be considered an adaptogen it must be non-toxic or harmless to any organ of the body and must be able to be ingested for long periods of time safely. Maca is classified as an adaptogen.
Maca also has adaptogenic properties which means it helps to strengthen the body so it is able to better resist disease and stress, support the adrenal glands and balances the body’s functions. In order for an herb to be considered an adaptogen it must be non-toxic or harmless to any organ of the body and must be able to be ingested for long periods of time safely. Maca is classified as an adaptogen.
Endocrine system tonic
One of maca’s main actions is to stimulate and nourish the hypothalamus which regulates the pituitary gland, acting as a tonic for the hormone system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the other three glands.
One of maca’s main actions is to stimulate and nourish the hypothalamus which regulates the pituitary gland, acting as a tonic for the hormone system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, because the pituitary gland controls the hormone output of the other three glands.
Promotes Hormonal Balance
In women, maca works by controlling estrogen in the body. Estrogen levels that are high or low at the wrong time can keep a woman from becoming pregnant or keep her from carrying to term. Excess estrogen levels also cause progesterone levels to become too low. Taking maca may help to increase the progesterone levels which are essential to carrying a healthy pregnancy.
In women, maca works by controlling estrogen in the body. Estrogen levels that are high or low at the wrong time can keep a woman from becoming pregnant or keep her from carrying to term. Excess estrogen levels also cause progesterone levels to become too low. Taking maca may help to increase the progesterone levels which are essential to carrying a healthy pregnancy.
Estrogen in men produces erectile dysfunction or lack of libido, low
sperm count, and lowered production of seminal fluid. Studies have shown
that men who use maca may experience an increased libido and an
increase in sperm health.
In one study with rats and maca, it was found that animals given maca
powder showed multiple egg follicle maturation in females (important
for ovulation) and the males had significantly higher sperm production
and motility rates.
Supports normal sexual function
In a human study of 9 men who were given gelatinized maca for 4 months at 1,500 – 3,000 mg a day experienced an increase in libido, sperm count, mobillity of sperm, increased DHEA levels, decreased anxiety and stress, lowered blood pressure, balanced iron levels and an increase in adrenal androgens.
In a human study of 9 men who were given gelatinized maca for 4 months at 1,500 – 3,000 mg a day experienced an increase in libido, sperm count, mobillity of sperm, increased DHEA levels, decreased anxiety and stress, lowered blood pressure, balanced iron levels and an increase in adrenal androgens.
How to Use Maca
When purchasing maca you want to make sure the product you are using
has only maca root in it, not leaves or stem. Maca is available in
powder, capsules or tincture. It is also available in varying strengths.
Maca powder:
Maca powder comes in two forms. Plain maca powder that is just powdered
maca root or gelatinized maca. Gelatinization is a completely
vegetarian process that removes the starch from maca to improve
assimilation and increases the concentration.
We find that gelatinized maca
is easier to digest than the plain powder and is also more cost
effective since it is more concentrated. The studies mentioned above
used gelatinized maca. Gelatinization does not refer to “gelatin”, and
no animal derived ingredients are incorporated into this process.
Maca powder can be added to juice, smoothies, yogurt or baked goods.
It has a nice malty flavor which goes well with foods. I like to add it
to all of my smoothies.
Maca capsules: Maca capsules are a convenient way to get maca daily. Many people will find using the maca capsules to be easier since they can be taken at any time with some water.
Maca tincture: A tincture of maca root is a liquid
extract of the medicinal properties of maca. Maca tincture is can be
taken with water, in juice or added to smoothies.
Dosage
General suggested usage is 2000-3000 mg a day. To obtain desired results, maca needs to be taken regularly. It can be taken in one dose or through out the day.
General suggested usage is 2000-3000 mg a day. To obtain desired results, maca needs to be taken regularly. It can be taken in one dose or through out the day.
Safety & Side Effects
Maca is a beneficial herb that has been used for thousands of years
and consumed everyday as a food and medicine by the Peruvians. Based on
its long history of use as a food it appears to be very safe. Toxicity
studies (conducted at Product Safety Labs of East Brunswick, N.J.)
showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects.
In a small amount of women, some using plain maca root (not
gelatinized) experienced stomach upset. Some women experience spotting
or a change in their menstrual cycle when they first begin using maca.
This is normal and a sign that the body is beginning to balance the
hormonal system.
Maca Use During Pregnancy
As a safety precaution most manufacturers state that their
supplements should not be used during pregnancy. There have been no
studies on the use of maca during pregnancy. Acute toxicity studies and
cytotoxicity evaluations have demonstrated absence of any evidence of
potential toxicity of maca. The Peruvians have been consuming maca as a
food for thousands of years. Since there have been no studies on the use
of maca during pregnancy we can not state that it is proven safe to use
during pregnancy. Please do your own research and make a personal
decision on the use of maca during your pregnancy.
Summary
As you can see from all the actions maca can have on the body, it is a
wonderful fertility superfood and tonic. Maca can complement any
fertility program and should be used on a daily basis for best results.
It can also be used in conjunction with other fertility herbs and
supplements.
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