Maca

It grows at a height of about 4 to 5 thousand meters. Maca is a tuberous plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae, its root has a potato-like colour and a sweetish taste.

• Natural adaptogen.
• For both men and women.
• Promoting sexual performance and fertility.
• Source of physical and mental energy.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii walp/Peruvian watercress/Peruvian ginseng) is a plant that grows at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It thrives despite strong winds, frost or high temperatures.

It survives by absorbing nutrients (minerals, vitamins, amino acids) from the rocky soil.

It is said to provide energy, increase brain power, endurance (in sports and sex), increase stamina, libido, fertility, and improve overall health. It balances hormone levels ( in both men and women), reduces stress and anxiety. Stabilizes moodiness and depression. Improves dental and bone health, strengthens hair and reduces hair loss. Relieves symptoms of menopause and PMS. Maca root is well known for helping with hormonal imbalances, which often contributes to improved PMS and menopausal symptoms, this is also associated with controlling estrogen levels in women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). In addition, Maca root clears the skin of acne and blemishes, helping wounds heal faster.

Maca is rich in vitamins B, C, E, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and amino acids.

The tuber, located between the roots and the stem, can vary in colour, cream, yellow, red, green, blue, purple, or black.

Contraindications for using Maca root:

Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use it if you have a hormone-related cancer.

Use with caution if you have thyroid problems. The lighter root suppresses iodine uptake, while the dark one contains iodine in its natural form. If you are starting to ingest it, start with a smaller amount, no more than ½ - 1 teaspoon a day! The average daily dose is 1 tablespoon. It is taken for several days in a row, followed by several days of abstinence. Excessive consumption can disrupt hormone levels in your body.

The early Spanish explorers in South America already noticed that Maca helps to increase fertility and also has a stimulating effect. Since then, it has also maintained a reputation for boosting energy. But interestingly, compared to tea or coffee, Maca does not "push" on the adrenal glands. This energy boost by Maca is steady and sustained. It is said that Inca warriors always consumed Maca before a fight to improve their fitness. Recent studies have shown that Maca increases endurance in endurance races and helps build muscle. There are also users who are professional and semi-professional athletes and they literally rave about how Maca supports their optimal performance.

In various individual tests, Maca has also shown positive results for reducing the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Among the indigenous Peruvian population, Maca has traditionally been considered a powerful aphrodisiac. Maca has been shown to increase libido in both men and women. One study has shown that Maca can help men overcome problems with erectile dysfunction. The most documented traditional use of Maca is for increasing fertility in both humans and animals. Incan farmers used it as far back as a thousand years ago to enlarge their estates. More specifically, black Maca has been shown to increase sperm count and volume. Red Maca has also been shown to balance the female hormonal system and ovulatory cycle. These effects may also be related to the presence of active aromatic isothiocyanates in Maca.

Maca to regulate hormonal balance

Maca contains a number of amino acids, which are the building blocks of hormones. Research has confirmed that regular consumption of Maca can balance hormones in men and women alike. Maca does not contain hormones, but the building blocks from which the body can make them. Since hormones affect many aspects of health, a balanced and healthy endocrine system can lead to many health improvements.

Maca for the treatment of depression

Maca consumed regularly elevates emotional mood. This is likely due to the action of the rich nutrition inside the root, combined with its ability to balance hormones and due to unique compounds called macamides. Recently, Maca has been shown in two studies to lower scores on self-rating scales of depression and anxiety.

Maca to relieve anxiety and stress

One of the most interesting traditional uses of Maca is that it has been an addition to special teas during dance ceremonies to help energize and relax participants at the same time. Recent studies also suggest that the positive effects of Maca on mood lead to a reduction in self-perceived anxiety and stress. This also makes Maca very unique in the sense that it boosts energy without causing any kind of stress.

Maca for menopause

One of the most common reasons for taking Maca peruviana is that it relieves the symptoms of menopause. Many female users have noticed a significant reduction in hot flashes and night sweats just after taking Maca powder regularly. This is thanks to Maca's amazing ability to balance hormone levels.

Maca for a healthy mind and concentration

With its ability to provide energy and energizing effects, Maca also supports a healthy mind as well as the ability to concentrate. When you're busier in the office or warehouse, give yourself an extra dose of Maca. You'll be able to concentrate better on your work and think clearly at the same time. Red Maca and black Maca are recommended for this purpose.

Maca for better memory and easier learning

Experimental studies (in experimental models with animals) confirm that the black Maca variety has beneficial effects on learning and memory. Black Maca improves learning and memory more than Maca of any other colour. Maca is safe for both children and adults and is an excellent part of a student's diet.

Maca to improve blood circulation

One of the most interesting properties of Maca is that it visibly improves blood circulation and thus reduces anemia and speeds up wound healing time. People who are being treated for blood pressure should watch carefully when they start consuming Maca, as it can lower it.

Maca for hair growth

Not much research has been done on this topic, but traditionally Maca has been used to stimulate hair growth as well as prevent hair loss.

Maca for acne

In situations where acne is related to a hormone imbalance, consuming Maca can be just as effective as conventional acne treatment. Of course, since Maca is a food with as yet undiscovered side effects, it is much easier for the body to process than chemical-based acne medications. Several users have reported positive results when taking Maca root for acne.

Maca to improve skin tone

A common feedback from users also relates to the improvement in their skin tone when taking Maca on a regular basis. This is likely due to Maca's strong nutritional content and ability to balance hormones.

Maca for strong teeth and bones

All colored types of Maca are associated with an increase in bone density. This is probably due to the high ratio of bioavailable calcium. Specifically, black Maca was found to increase bone density and strength in tests conducted in 2009.

Maca for gaining muscle mass (total weight)

One trend is that more and more Maca products are being sold to natural bodybuilders and athletes. Hence, a survey has been conducted on the effects of consuming Maca associated with weight training and athletics.

Maca for osteoporosis

Recent research conducted on ovariectomized mice (with ovaries removed) has confirmed that Maca improves the condition of both osteoporosis as well as osteoarthritis.

Maca for thyroid

Maca has been shown to stimulate thyroid function and this is likely due to Maca's ability to balance hormones. Maca contains iodine, which can affect thyroid function.

Maca for curve enhancement

Taking Maca regularly can enhance a woman's curves, but only if you combine it with appropriate exercise. The feedback from users, including even a few natural bodybuilders, is that Maca really helps them sculpt their curves. Could it be that all the success is a result of exercise and not Maca? It's undoubtedly possible, but Maca can definitely help.

Effects of Maca on women

The main reasons why women consume Maca:

• Muscle building (Black Maca)
• Increase in energy
• Increase endurance
• Increase libido (Red Maca)
• Increase fertility (Red Maca)
• Hair growth
• Improvement of skin tone
• Shaping curves
• Balancing hormones during menopause (Red Maca)
• Prevention of osteoporosis
• Support thyroid health
• Improving concentration and a healthy mind
• Treating depression

Effects of Maca on men

The main reasons why men consume Maca:

• Muscle Building (Black Maca)
• Increase in energy
• Increase endurance
• Increasing libido and overcoming erectile dysfunction
• Improving fertility (Black Maca)
• Hair growth
• Prostate Health (Red Maca)
• Strong teeth and bones
• Improving concentration and a healthy mind
• Treatment of depression