|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

Maca Herb Benefits

The maca plant (Lepidim meyinii or Lepidium perianium Chacon) is a member of the radish and mustard family. It is native to Peru and thrives in the intense sunlight and barren altitudes of the Andes. It has been used by the indigenous people for centuries to treat a wide variety of complaints and to increase fertility in humans and in livestock. For this reason it is often referred to as "Peruvian ginseng."

  1. Adaptogen

    • Many herbalists recommend maca as an adaptogen. This means its natural properties work through the adrenal glands to cause adjustments in the body. An adaptogen has the ability to increase your body's resistance to infection, fatigue, stress and trauma. Maca is believed to behave as a restorative and tonic and to help rebuild weak immune systems and improve your body's absorption of nutrients. It is believed to do so by supporting endocrine health. The endocrine system is the combination of glands that produce hormones. Hormones are released into the blood stream and act as "messengers" to the tissues and organs. Scientists believe that maca helps regulate hormones, contributing to regulated metabolism, elevated energy levels and an overall feeling of wellbeing.

    Stress Reduction

    • A significant number of people who have taken maca root supplements for an extended period of time have reported a considerable reduction in the effects of stress on the body. This is possibly because, as an adaptogen, maca will help to regulate blood pressure and have a balancing effect on the total hormone system. Maca also assists the body in its production of serotonin (a chemical which affects mood and digestion). Maca may also help to lower cortisol, a stress hormone that is also linked to serotonin production.

    Menopause

    • Maca has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, anxiety and depression. Though maca root does not contain estrogen, as it is an adaptogen, it can help to balance out your body's own hormones and encourage the production of hormones which are lacking. Maca is also helpful for menopausal symptoms because it is rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron and B vitamins.

    Sexual Stimulant

    • A number of studies conducted by C.M. Dording et al. show that maca has a number of beneficial uses as a sexual stimulant. One of its uses is to increase libido. Maca does not have any effect on testosterone levels, and it is not entirely clear how it works, but it has been shown to increase sexual desire after eight to twelve weeks of treatment. Preliminary research on animals has also shown that it may have potential for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and for fertility enhancement in women and men.

    Dosage and Contraindications

    • It is suggested that you take 4 to 6 750mg capsules per day. Once there is a noticeable change in symptoms you can reduce the dosage by 1 to 2 capsules per week. If you are a woman taking maca for hormonal effects, it is recommended that you take maca around 2 pm, as this is when the hormones levels are at their lowest.

      If you are suffering from breast cancer or prostate cancer, you should avoid using maca. You should also not use it if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).

Nutrition - Related Articles