Tuesday 13 January 2015

Maca - The Ancient Peruvian Superfood

Lepidium meyenii, known commonly as Peruvian Ginseng or maca, is a root vegetable that belongs to the radish family native to the high Andes of Peru. It has been cultivated as a vegetable crop in Peru for at least 3000 years. Maca’s benefits have long been valued, and has recently been popularized as a supplement and food ingredient. What are maca's benefits? Below are the 7 top health benefits that maca provides:
 
 
1. Vitamins
Maca is rich in vitamin B vitamins, C, and E. It provides plenty of calcium, potassium, phosphorous  and contains the essential trace elements iron, iodine, copper, manganese and Zinc. Maca also contains fatty acids including linolenic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid as well as 19 amino acids.
 
2. Sexual function
Maca is widely used to promote sexual function of both men and women. It serves as a boost to your libido and increases endurance. At the same time it balances your hormones and increases fertility. Hormonal regulation is responsible for all of the physiological attributes that enable us to enjoy the myriad sensations of being vibrantly alive, including those related to sexual arousal, physical activity and mental-emotional states of wellbeing.
 
3. Women’s health and mood
Maca relieves menstrual issues and menopause. It alleviates cramps, body pain, hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings, and depression. If you are pregnant or lactating you should avoid taking maca. Hot flashes are diminished; sleep is normalized while stress levels are reduced when incorporating maca Power into a daily wellness routine. Peruvian Maca root encourages the body to produce its own hormones to restore balance, instead of introducing hormones to the body. It's the simple, natural approach that brings a world of difference to women suffering from the sometimes debilitating symptoms.
 
4. Energy
Within days of using maca your energy level may increase. It is also known for increasing stamina. Many athletes take maca for peak performance. Unlike many other energy- and muscle-boosting substances, such as anabolic steroids, maca contains no chemicals that interfere with or over-activate normal endocrine function. If you find yourself tired most of the time, experiment with maca to see if it helps. Just a small amount could be exactly what you need for a boost!
 
5. General health
Maca helps your overall health in a number of ways. It supplies iron and helps restore red blood cells, which aids anemia and cardiovascular diseases. Maca keeps your bones and teeth healthy and allows you to heal from wounds more quickly. Maca is an adaptogen, which means that it raises the body's response to defend itself against disease both physically and emotionally. When used in conjunction with a good workout regime you will notice an increase in muscle mass.
But be very cautious if you have a cancer related to hormones like testicular and ovarian, among others. If you have liver issues or high blood pressure you should ask your doctor before taking maca.
 
6. Skin
Many people take maca for skin issues, as for some people it helps to clear acne and blemishes. Another benefit for your skin is that is decreases sensitivity. In hot or cold weather, maca may help your skin withstand extreme temperatures.
 
7. Mood balance
If you find yourself overcome with anxiety, stress, depression or mood swings, maca may help alleviate these symptoms, though of the evidence is anecdotal. Some have reported an increase in mental energy and focus. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to cope with physical, chemical and biological stress. Characteristics of an adaptogenic herb are non-toxic, while increasing resistance to stress, fatigue & distress - helping the body regain balance.
 
Maca can be used for a variety purposes, which can differ for men and women. Here is a break down of the top ways it helps both sexes.
 
Male:
  • Increases energy (Chronic Fatigue)
  • Treat sexual dysfunction (Loss of Libido)
  • Increases stamina & athletic performance
  • Nourishes glandular system
  • Fertility enhancement
  • Improves physical and emotional well being
  • Promotes mental clarity
  • Balance hormones

Female:
  •  
  • Treat PMS (Mood Swings)
  • Menopause symptom relief (Hot Flashes)
  • Sexual stimulation
  • Nourishes glandular system
  • HRT alternative(Hormone Replacement Therapy)
  • Increases stamina & athletic performance
  • Increases energy (Chronic Fatigue)
  • Balance hormones

Overall, maca will:

  • Promote vitality
  • Contribute to a feeling of overall well-being
  • Maintain good health
  • Provide antioxidant support



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    Maca root is a food and therefore should not be used in small quantities. For it to be effective and to achieve results, proper dosages should be followed. In keeping with original ancestral Peruvian dosages, you should mix 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of maca into smoothies, yogurt, herbal teas, fruit juices, etc. Or if you are using maca capsules take 2 to 6 500mg capsules per day or as directed by your health practitioner.

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