We have met this
root before, but it is worth a second look.
Of course, everyone is now promoting food products as a superfood which
is a bit rich. I am fond of them all so long as I can have a different one
every day.
The take home is
that this is a powerful tonic acting on the body’s hormonal system positively.
The plant grows
at high elevation and this means it is slow to build up itself up and this
leads to serious concentration and a likely complete nutritional profile. This compares favorably to ginseng which
grows under eighty percent shade for a minimum of four years. Both plants promote a healthy hormonal
system. Ginseng is also effective for stabilizing menopausal symptoms.
The argument re
caffeine seems thin however.
This Superfood Could
Replace Caffeine & Viagra: Meet The Maca Root
January 8, 2014
Most of us are
constantly looking for a potent source of energy to get us through our hectic
week. For many, this comes in the form of caffeine from coffee or energy
drinks. This type of fuel has its downfalls however, sometimes in the form of a
“crash” mid afternoon, a headache from dehydration, or nausea if the stomach is
empty. Beyond all of this, caffeine has a high instance of addiction, whether
it be a physical or a habitual dependency. As a replacement for energy
enhancers such as caffeine, Maca root has been gaining attention from health
conscious consumers not only for its nutritional density, but also for its
remarkable ability to replace some of today’s most common pharmaceuticals,
including Viagra and Progesterone.
Maca root grows in the
mountains of Peru at high altitudes of 7,000 to 11,000 feet, making it the
highest altitude growing plant in the world. Maca is a radish-like root
vegetable that is related to the potato family, and is tuberous and spherical
in form. The root itself is about three to six centimeters across and 4.7
centimeters in length. There are four recognized types of Maca Root based on
the color of the root, which varies from creamy yellow or light pink to dark
purple or black.
Maca is a
nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of vitamins,
minerals, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. It is rich in
B-vitamins, the energy vitamins, which makes the plant a great supplement for
vegans and vegetarians. To boot, Maca has high levels of bio-available calcium
and magnesium and is great for remineralization.
As a nutritional
supplement, Peruvian Maca has
generalized tonic effects on the biochemical functioning of the human body.
Chief among these effects is the enhancement of endocrine function. The
endocrine system includes all of the glands, and the hormones they secrete that
exist in the body and that control such conditions as fertility, sexual
function, digestion, brain and nervous system physiology, as well as energy
levels. 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 being. Maca root has also been called an
adaptogen, which means that it increases the body’s ability to defend itself
against both physical and mental weakening, hence potential illness. It is
believed it achieves this by supporting adrenal and pituitary gland health,
both of which underlie proper endocrine function.
It has been used by
native Indians in Peru as a vital ingredient to health for thousands of years,
dating back to around 3800 B.C. when Peruvian Indians cultivated and ate it for
both its nutritional and medicinal value. Centuries later in 1549 A.D., records
indicate that during his time in Peru, the Spanish explorer Captain de Soto
received Maca from the Indians as a gift in return for his help in improving
methods of animal husbandry in the Peruvian Castile region. By 1572, as Maca’s
health-giving properties gained notoriety, the Chinchayochas Indians had begun
using Maca root for barter. It was not until 1843 that this plant was studied
by scientists and given the botanical name of Lepidium meyenii after
German Botanist Gerhard Walpers.
How Can Maca Benefit
You?:
*(Side note: I
purchased Vega’s line of Maca root powder in capsule form before I knew about
its hormonal benefits. What I found after taking the supplement for about a few
weeks was that my libido had noticeably increased.)
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
Menopause?
Menopause is a natural
progression in a woman’s life – it is the cessation of menses generally
accompanied by symptoms. This transition is unique for every woman yet there
are ways to prevent and diminish the symptoms that typically accompany
menopause.
Symptoms:
·
Diminished libido
·
Insomnia
·
Mood swing (blues & depression)
·
Migraines, memory problems
·
Lower energy levels
·
Palpitations
·
Acceleration of the aging process
·
Joint aches and pains
·
Bone pain
·
Vaginal dryness
·
Benefits of Maca Power: Energy – Balance –
Vitality!
·
Increases libido
·
Deeper sleep
·
Balances moods
·
Enhances memory and brain function
·
Increases energy levels
·
Helps adapt to stress
·
Slows the aging process
·
Lessens aches and pain, more endurance and
stamina
·
Prevents osteoporosis, high calcium and
vegetable protein
·
Reverses vaginal dryness
How
Does Maca Aid In Treating Menopause?
First and foremost it
balances the hormonal system. It works on the pituitary gland – the master
gland – which regulates all hormone production in the body. 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.
Although the evidence
may be lacking, personal accounts of people’s positive experiences with Maca
root are undeniable. Psychiatrist and functional medicine physician Hyla Cass,
MD, says Maca works. “In my practice, I have seen Maca restore hormonal
imbalance and related sexual desire and fertility in both men and women.”
Sources:
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