Maca

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Maca

Other Names: Ayak Chichira, Ayuk Willku, Ginseng Andin, Ginseng Péruvien, Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum, Maca Maca, Maca Péruvien, Maino, Maka, Peruvian Ginseng, Peruvian Maca.
Maca root grows in the mountains of Peru at high altitudes of 7,000 to 11,000 feet, making it the highest altitude growing plant in the world. Maca is a radish-like root vegetable that is related to the potato family, and is tuberous and spherical in form. The root itself is about three to six centimeters across and 4.7 centimeters in length. There are four recognized types of Maca Root based on the color of the root. Root color varies from creamy yellow or light pink to dark purple or black.

Special Precautions of Maca

  • Estrogenic Activity : The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reports maca root possesses estrogenic activity. While it is unclear if this would translate to any real danger, using supplements with estrogenic activity could prove problematic in certain instances, such as suffering from or having an increased risk of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive diseases. If this applies to you, discuss the potential risks of using maca root in this instance.
  • Impaired Thyroid Function : Maca contains substances called glucosinolates, which can interfere with production of thyroid hormone -- particularly in the presence of a low-iodine diet – and cause goiter, a swelling of the gland that results in a lump at the base of neck. The University of Michigan Health System reports that while other foods that contain these substances have been shown to impair thyroid function, it has not been proven that maca causes this problem as well, though it is likely it would produce a similar effect. Reduced thyroid function most commonly strikes women over 50, so if you fall into this category and do not know the status of your thyroid function, consider getting tested before using maca.
  • Other Safety Concerns : Maca has been touted as a treatment for both male and female infertility, although the NYU Longone Medical Center cautions that it's not yet clear how well it works. If you have an interest in using maca to improve your chances of conception, discuss this with your doctor. This is especially important if you are taking standard fertility drugs, as you want to make sure your doctor does not have concerns about negative interactions that could affect their efficacy. Do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. If you have liver or kidney disease, always clear the use of supplements with your doctor.

The benefits of Maca are

Chemically Maca root contains significant amounts of amino acids, carbohydrates, and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E. Peruvian Maca also includes a number of glycosides. The main benefits are :

  • Male:
    • Increases energy (Chronic Fatigue)
    • Treat sexual dysfunction (Loss of Libido)
    • Increases stamina & athletic performance
    • Nourishes glandular system
    • Fertility enhancement
    • Improves physical and emotional well being
    • Promotes mental clarity
    • Balance hormones
  • Female:
    • Treat PMS (Mood Swings)
    • Menopause symptom relief (Hot Flashes)
    • Sexual stimulation
    • Nourishes glandular system
    • HRT alternative(Hormone Replacement Therapy)
    • Increases stamina & athletic performance
    • Increases energy (Chronic Fatigue)
    • Balance hormones
    • Menopause is a natural progression in a woman's life - it is the cessation of menses generally accompanied by symptoms. This transition is unique for every woman yet there are ways to prevent and diminish the symptoms that typically accompany menopause.
  • Other Benefits of Maca
    • Increases libido
    • Deeper sleep
    • Balances moods
    • Enhances memory and brain function
    • Increases energy levels
    • Helps adapt to stress
    • Slows the aging process
    • Lessens aches and pain, more endurance and stamina
    • Prevents osteoporosis, high calcium and vegetable protein
    • Reverses vaginal dryness.
    • As a nutritional supplement, Peruvian Maca has generalized tonic effects on the biochemical functioning of the human body. Chief among these effects is the enhancement of endocrine function. The endocrine system includes all of the glands, and the hormones they secrete, that exist in the body and that control such conditions as fertility, sexual function, digestion, brain and nervous system physiology, and energy levels. Hormonal regulation is responsible for all of the physiological attributes that enable us to enjoy the myriad sensations of being vibrantly alive, including those related to sexual arousal, physical activity and mental-emotional states of being. Maca root has also been called an adaptogen, which means that it increases the body's ability to defend itself against both physical and mental weakening, hence potential illness. It is believed it achieves this by supporting adrenal and pituitary gland health, both of which underlie proper endocrine function.
    • Traditionally, Maca has been used for a variety purposes, which can differ for men and women. For example, women have found it helps relieve the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Women tend to notice a dramtic decline in hot flashes and night sweats. Men have used it to enhance fertility and sexual function. Users of Maca root tend to derive a variety of benefits in accordance with their individual needs. However, both men and women have found that it significantly boosts libido and sex drive, increases energy, stamina and the feeling of general well-being. In fact, recently Maca has been used as an excellent alternative to anabolic steroids among athletes seeking muscle hypertrophy. Unlike many other energy- and muscle-boosting substances, such as anabolic steroids, Maca contains no chemicals that interfere with or over-activate normal endocrine function. Maca is also an adaptogen. As such, it increases the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.
    • Reverse Sexual Dysfunction : Sexual dysfunction affects both men and women. Symptoms include a lack of desire, erectile dysfunction and vaginal spasms. Maca root is purported to help restore normal sexual function. Scientific studies have yielded mixed results, necessitating further research. A review published in the August 2010 issue of "BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine" found limited evidence that maca root assists in erectile dysfunction. However, a study in a 2000 issue of "Urology" found an extract from maca enhanced sexual performance in mice and rats, while a study in a 2008 edition of "CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics" determined maca root might alleviate sexual dysfunction caused by selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants.
    • Cancer Benefits : According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, while maca may be beneficial in improving overall health and wellness in cancer patients, it has not been shown to be effective in treating cancer itself. Glucosinates in maca may be processed by the body into isothiocyanates, chemicals shown to inhibit some cancer in lab animals. It is unknown whether this occurs in humans.

Main Combinations