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Maca has been developed and us. by the Incas of Peru for over 3,000 years. A single root of the Lepidium meyenii form of maca contains almost 60 phyto-nutrients. [It] has been treasured for thousands of years due to its ability to increase energy, stamina and fertility for all people and animals who eat it.  

                                                                                                                           --http://.www.Themacateam.com

 

Common Name:      maca, Peruvian ginseng, pepper grass

Botanical Name:      Lepidium meyenii walpers and other botanical names

Parts Used:               root

 

Maca was domesticated during the pre-Inca period, sometime around 3800 B.C., and the Inca people of Peru continue to prize it as a nutritious dietary staple and herbal medicine. They consume this large, radish-like root by roasting it or preparing it as a soup, or by drinking the fermented beverage, maca chicha. Its fertility and endurance-enhancing effects have become legendary among Incan and other cultures, where maca has long been used to increase productivity in cattle.

       

Maca is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng, because it is an overall adaptogen, aphrodisiac, stimulant and general health tonic. The huge global explosion of interest in maca has stimulated several studies confirming its legendary reputation, though there is still much to be known. Here is a general overview of maca's health benefits.

       

Maca is an overall energizing tonic and immune-stimulant, and can beat effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. Unlike other stimulants, maca does not stress the adrenals, and provides even and sustained energy.

       

Many of maca's potent health benefits come from its apparent hormone-balancing effects. Because proper hormone function is essential for healthy body function, these hormone-balancing effects are wide-ranging and enormously helpful. Maca does not contain hormones, but rather the building blocks from which the body creates them.

       

Maca powerfully affects all areas of sexual function. It has been regarded as a potent aphrodisiac, and is reported to help erectile dysfunction, and to increase sperm count and volume.

       

Regular maca use helps women at all stages of life. It regulates ovulation, treats hormonal imbalances, and relieves both menstrual and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Maca also prevents hair loss and improves skin tone.

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Due to its relatively high levels of bio-available calcium, maca has been linked to improved bone density, and in treating existent osteoporosis. Black maca in particular was found to increase bone density and strength in tests conducted in 2009.

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Taken regularly, maca elevates mood. An Australian hospital study of 12 woman suffering from depression showed "significant reduction in scores in the areas of psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression" after taking maca.

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YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

 

Here is a great recipe to incorporate maca into your life in a delicious way, All ingredients are available at Healthy Heart~Healthy Pleasures.

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 Vegan Cocoa Maca-roons (from www.vegkitchen.com)

 1/2 cup almonds (finely chopped) 

 1/2 cup nut butter or tahini

 1/2 cup Medjool dates

 1/4 cup maca powder

 2 T cacao or organic cocoa 

 1/2 t cinnamon

 2 t vanilla extract

 1/2 cup shredded coconut, plus more for rolling

 2 to 3 T maple syrup or honey

 

Place the almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground. Add remaining ingredients and process until the mixture holds together as a mass. (If it doesn't do so after a minute or two, add a little water but not more than 1T at a time.) Roll into balls and into coconut to coat.  Arrange on small plate and refrigerate for about an hour. Enjoy,

 

Contraindications, if any: Maca is safe for both children and adults. In toxicity studies conducted in the U.S., maca showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects. People on blood pressure medication should monitor themselves carefully when taking maca as their blood pressure may normalize. If you are currently receiving treatment for a thyroid condition, you may want to exercise caution when taking maca, as one major side effect is an increase in iodine levels, which directly affects thyroid function.