Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous herb that is often compared to a turnip or radish because of its appearance.1 Also called Peruvian ginseng,2 this plant was first documented in the Peruvian Andes, where the Incas used it as a stamina and strength booster for their warriors.3 At one time, only the elite and the royals were permitted to consume this herb. Today, the maca root is utilized in different parts of the globe. Maca extract is now valued as a liquid extract or tincture or as a nutritional supplement because of its impressive nutrient content. It contains amino acids, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and many other compounds that can provide the body with wholesome benefits.4 Maca for Men: Improving Sexual Drive and FertilityMaca has been called "Peru's Natural Viagra" because of its strong effect on male sexual drive and stamina.5 As an aphrodisiac, maca has the ability to boost libido and endurance in males,6 even in people who are affected by impotency and infertility.7 In an animal study, it was observed that daily intake of maca helped improve and preserve spermatogenesis. It has also been found out that maca generally protects prostate health by increasing zinc levels and helping convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).8 Studies also revealed that ingesting maca helped improve the quality, quantity and motility of the sperm of both fertile and infertile men. It does not directly affect or increase the amount of testosterone in the male body, but it normalizes the production of hormones.9 For Women, Maca May Help Regulate Menstruation and Ease Menopause SymptomsMaca can be used by women as a supplement to boost sexual drive.10 Lack of sex drive in women can be caused by numerous factors, such as a decrease in hormone production, fatigue, intake of certain medications, relationship problems and illness.11 However, while it has been proven that maca helps in improving sexual drive, it is still not clear on how it's able to yield this kind of result.12 According to numerous sources, maca is an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps you deal with different stressors.13 This may be one of the reasons why maca may help address decreased sex drive. Additional research also showed that women who added maca to their diet were able to ease menstruation-related pain and cramps14 and had improved fertility.15,16 Maca helps regulate women's menstruation cycles as well.17 Maca may help address menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness and loss of libido.18 It is also being used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).19 Instead of introducing external hormones into the body, maca works to help balance the estrogen and progesterone levels.20 Other Maca Root BenefitsMaca is famous for its aphrodisiac effects, but its benefits are not limited to this. It contains numerous vitamins and minerals that provide you with more than a healthier sex drive.21 Here are some of the benefits that you can get when you add maca to your diet:
How Do You Use Maca?Because of the increasing demand for maca, different forms of this herb have been introduced to the market:29
Be aware of the proper guidelines when taking maca products so you can reap its benefits without the side effects. Learn the ideal ways to incorporate maca in your lifestyle by reading "Maca Is Good for More Than Your Mojo." Grow Your Own Maca and Reap Exciting BenefitsMaca was originally grown in the Andes, where the temperatures reach below 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C). It is a very tolerant plant that can survive cold temperatures, poor soil conditions31 and drought.32 The maca plant yields a root that's off-white, yellow or purple, and produces leaves that grow close to the ground and flowers with four small and white petals.33 To grow a maca plant you need to gather seeds from the roots.34 It's typically grown as an annual, although it's a perennial,35 and requires well-drained and alkaline soil and full sun. According to "Rodale's 21st Century Herbal," try planting maca in the early fall, so it'll produce crops in the winter.36 Try These Maca Powder RecipesWhile maca is usually taken as a supplement, it is also added to smoothies and other food recipes to provide a unique nutty flavor. Here are some tasty and healthy recipes that you can try: Seedy Chocolate, Banana and Maca Smoothie RecipeIngredients
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Preparation time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes This recipe makes 2 16-ounce glasses. (Recipe adapted from The Blender Girl37) Golden Milk RecipeIngredients
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Total time: 10 minutes This recipe makes 1 serving Recipe adapted from New Nostalgia38 Maca Side Effects You Should Look Out ForWhile maca root has not been directly linked to serious side effects, you should still exercise caution if you plan to use this extract, as certain side effects have been noted during the first few days of taking maca-based products. Side effects to watch out for include:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid intake of maca because there is little research concerning its potential adverse effects on these groups of women.42 from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/29/xdjm18-herbs-spices-18mcsa-maca.aspx
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