Benefits of Maca

What are the benefits of maca? Maca has been used for centuries in Peru to increase energy and to help to balance hormones.

I hadn't even heard of the benefits of maca until I started seeking relief from hormonal imbalance symptoms. After researching I started using it daily in my morning green smoothie to see if it might help.  There verdict is still out as I am experimenting with this nuevo food.

This superfood is grown high in the Andes mountains of Peru and is consumed as a food, and for medicinal benefits.

There are many claims of maca benefits, and some of these touted claims are backed by scientific evidence.

Some of the benefits of maca are to help create endurance, greater stamina, and mental concentration.  For athletes, it encourages muscle growth and better recovery time.

In the 2008 study from the journal, Menopause, this root is used to ease anxiety and depression in post menopausal women.

Here are the benefits according to vitaminstohealth.com:

• For men it is used for impotence, erectile dysfunction, and to increase testosterone. 
• For women it stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone. It is used for hot flashes, as a HRT alternative, and for perimenopausal symptoms, and get this...for PMS symptoms. It also won't cause ovarian atrophy like HRT as it stimulates the body to produce its own hormones instead of supplying the body with hormones. It works to BALANCE your system.
• It is used to treat male and female menopause, fertility enhancement, and hormone related problems. 

Forms of Maca

• Maca herbal supplement
• Maca powder
• Maca root extract
• Maca tea

 If interested, a good site to purchase these items is The Raw Food World.

Maca Root Side Effects

• Insomnia: When taken in large amounts it may cause insomnia.
• Thyroid Function: Maca root contains glucosinolates that when taken in excess and combined with iodine deficiency can interfere with normal thyroid function.
• Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have liver or kidney disease.* 
  

According to www.livestrong.com Sept10 article on Maca side effects: "Given the long history of maca as a human food, it appears to be a generally safe supplement."

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that clinical trials using the root has not reported any significant adverse affects.

As with any herbal supplement, consult with your physician prior to usage.

Uses of Maca Root

Since maca comes in so many different forms it is easy to use.  I add the powder form to smoothies.  I hope this article encourages you to learn more about the maca benefits and it's uses. 

*Reference: www.livestong.com Sept 10 issue.

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