What is Maca Root?

This natural blue pill alternative is called Maca, also known as Peruvian Ginseng. Maca is a hardy perennial plant cultivated high in the Andean Mountain at an altitude from 11,000-14,000 feet. It has a low-growing, mat-like stem system, with scalloped leaves that lie close to the ground and produces self-fertile small off-white flowers typical to the mustard family. The plant part used is the tuberous root which is pear shaped (like a turnip), up to 8 cm in diameter. and off-white color. Maca is propagated by seed. Even though it is a perennial, it is grown as an annual, requiring 7-9 months from planting to harvest. Maca was domesticated about 2000 years ago by the Inca Indians and primitive cultivars of Maca-Power have been found in archaeological sites dating back to 1600 BC.

According to folklore, ancient Incan warriors took Maca before going off to battle to make them physically strong. However, they were later prohibited from taking Maca, in order to protect conquered women from their heightened sexual energy.

Today, Maca's popularity is very much on the increase, as people discover that the plant really does boost libido, sexual function, overall energy, and help with erectile dysfunction. Acreage in Peru dedicated to Maca cultivation is increasing every year to meet demand, and a number of scientists have turned their attention to the properties of the root. In Peru, Maca is used by men and by women who want to put more fire into their sex lives. And in the U.S., Europe and Japan, dietary supplements containing Maca are gaining ardent devotees.

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Maca Nutritional Value:

Maca is a highly protein rich food. It also has a large content of amino acids (18), carbohydrates (60- 75%) and some vitamins (A, B1- thiamine, B2- riboflavin, B3, niacin, B6, B12, C, E, carotene), minerals and oligoelements including calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, sodium, potassium, selenium, boron, manganese and aluminium.

Several alkaloids such as macaina, macaridina and macamides as well as Chacon alkaloids 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been identified.

Macamides and Macaenes are believed to be directly responsible for Maca's sex-boosting powers. To test this idea, researchers conducted a series of controlled animal experiments, the results of which were published in the April 2000 issue of the medical journal Urology. Rodents fed MacaPure extract, which contains a concentration of Macamides and Macaenes, demonstrated greatly increased energy and stamina. The animals also exhibited a striking increase in sexual activity as compared with non-Maca-fed animals, or those fed lesser amounts of Macamides and Macaenes.

How Much Maca Should I Take?

I believe that many people think of herbs like drugs, and assume that small amounts will do some good. In actuality, the proper measure is in relation to size, sensitivity, age, and gender. In general though, a typical daily-suggested intake could be anywhere from 1,500-5,000mg daily. Keep in mind that Maca is a food, and is not used in tiny quantities. Less than 1500mg will likely not deliver desired results. To be consistent with Peruvian use you'd need to take a minimum of 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams of Maca a day.

The more Maca or Maca extract you consume, the more benefit you are likely to get. In toxicity studies conducted in the U.S., Maca showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacologic effects. In animal studies, the more Maca animals consume, the stronger and more sexually active they become. You can be generous with the amounts of Maca products you take. With Maca, you have a safe, effective, nontoxic way to significantly boost your sexual function, without the hazards of prescription drugs.

Is Maca Safe?

Patients with thyroid conditions should avoid Maca because glucosinolates taken in excess and combined with a low-iodine diet can cause goiter.

There are no other side effects thus far reported for Maca root