Information on Maca

Maca root, a vegetable from Peru, may contain many valuable health properties. This Peruvian root has been used for centuries, and has been touted as a natural energy enhancer.

History

• Maca is thought to have been fully domesticated from 1200 to 100 B.C. It continued to be cultivated for its aphrodisiac properties for centuries later by the Yuro tribe throughout the Adean highlands. The Inca later conquered this tribe and maca was given to their soldiers to increase energy and stamina. The whole root was used as a sexual enhancer, natural health elixir and also in a variety of traditional Inca recipes.

Benefits

• Double-blind studies have shown maca's benefits for increasing sexual stamina in men suffering from erectile disfunction. The Journal of Internal Medicine has touted maca as a therapeutic herb because of its ability to regulate hormones and its antidepressant qualities. Naturopathic doctor Tori Hudson says maca can also be used to help reduce hot flashes in women going through menopause.

Considerations

• WebMD suggests that women who are pregnant or breast-feeding not take maca. Maca is well tolerated by most people, and no known toxicology information is available. It is suggested that up to three grams daily should be limited intake until more research is conducted.