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By Abra Pappa for Nutritious America.com

We are just days away from Valentine’s Day, which means buckets of chocolates and red roses to symbolize the ubiquitous love fest that is February 14th are being snatched up across the globe. Roses and chocolates are nice, but what if I told you there is one food that you could add to your diet today to get you revved up for the best ?night of your life on February 14th? I am talking about a great night, a long amazing night…. okay, I’ll just say it…. a night of great SEX!

I am always fascinated by the extreme power of food, not just because it can be delicious and healthy, but because food, certain foods, have the power to be medicinal. These foods are called superfoods, and they truly straddle the line between being a food and a powerful medicinal compound.

The superfood that I am talking about here is called maca, and it is thought of as nature’s version of Viagra.
Maca has been used for thousands of years as a staple food in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is a root vegetable that resembles a radish. You will find it dried and ground into a powder in most natural markets across the country, but before you run out and chow down on an entire bag… listen up, there are guidelines.

Maca contains 2 compounds; macamides and macanes, which some studies show are directly responsible for its sex boosting power, its ability to increase energy, endurance, strength, libido and sexual function.
During the height of the Incan empire, legend has it that Incan warriors would consume maca before entering into battle, which they believed would make them fiercely strong. After conquering a city, the Incan soldiers were prohibited from using maca to protect the women from the soldiers’ maca-induced sexual impulses.

In addition to the sexual benefit of consuming maca, it is also one of the most supportive foods for the endocrine system. Known as an adaptogen, it has the ability to balance various systems within the body, and maca can provide more energy if it is needed, but will not overstimulate. Adaptogens also boost immunity and increase the body’s overall vitality.
The maca root is like an oily root vegetable containing 20 amino acids and fatty acids. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and iron. It has been shown to increase fertility, greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, improve memory and relieve stress and depression.

In Peru, maca is greatly revered. In fact, there is a maca festival every year in July where you can sample numerous products made with the sex enhancing root. Now that is a festival I would love to attend!

How do you use maca? Well, it’s pretty simple. Slip 1 tbsp of dried maca (also called maca powder) into your husband’s smoothie every morning from now until Valentine’s Day. Mix that with 1 tbsp to your own smoothie every morning, then send me a thank you note. Maca has a mild malt- like flavor and works really well with chocolate, banana, and peanut butter flavors.

I also love making a hot maca malt on a cold winter morning. Simply heat 1 cup of organic almond milk in a small pot, whisk in 1 tbsp maca, 1 tbsp cocoa powder and 1 tbsp of agave nectar. Whisk until well blended and enjoy.

You CAN get too much of a good thing. For best results, if consuming maca daily, it is recommended to take a week off during every month of consecutive use. Now get out there and “Maca-it” a Valentine’s Day to remember.

From easier.com

A recently published scientific paper has highlighted that an ancient Peruvian remedy could genuinely help boost men’s sex life. Reporting that maca can help increase sexual desire, erections and even the quality of sperm function the paper adds serious weight to claims that the unusual plant extract acts as a libido booster and now, thanks to the launch of a new organic powdered form of the remedy, giving your man a boost in the bedroom could be as simple as sipping a smoothie.

Maca is the root of plant that is grown in the Peruvian Andes and has been used for over 2000 years for its health benefits. Recently maca has begun to be used in Europe for its potential to help boost libido and a new paper supports this use, reporting on a study that shows maca appears to boost sexual desire. Maca was administered in two doses to patients with sexual dysfunction with results showing a positive effect of maca on sexual desire and mild erectile dysfunction data. Additionally the paper reported that maca was also seen to improve the quality of sperm function, with another study showing that in men who received maca for four months there was an increase in seminal volume, sperm count, and sperm motility.

How your man can benefit from maca

Organic Burst has developed a stand out range of ethical sourced organic superfoods, which caters for all areas of everyday life. Organic Burst Maca is grown organically, cultivated in the Andes and, to preserve as many of the nutrients as possible, comes raw and pure. The powder, which is portent mix of 4 varities, is easily dissolved in juice, water and smoothies and is accredited with both the Soil Association and the Vegan Society. So if you are looking for a way to boost his performance in the bedroom then visit organicburst.com to learn more.

Press Release: Trio Communications

February 21, 2012

Peruvian herb supports men's sexual performance

So Valentine’s Day fell a bit flat...

If the romantic fireworks were really just fizzle and the main event was less than memorable, well, it can all be a little disappointing for both partners.

Sexual performance can make or break a romantic night, and is often associated with energy levels, stamina and sex drive.

It’s not surprising really when, for example, it’s estimated up to 52 percent of men in NZ over the age of 40 (946,000 men) may be affected.

These issues don’t just plague men over 40 as men sexually peak when they’re 19. An old herbal product has, however, managed to find its way back into modern science to help support male sexual performance.

A Peruvian herb called MACA (or Lepidium peruvianum chacon) is an edible root plant rich in nutrients including protein, vitamins and minerals. The herb has also been used for thousands of years by Peruvians to help support energy and stamina as well as sexual function. During the Inca Empire, its use was restricted to nobility, the clergy and privileged classes. It was also given as a prize to warriors.

With this knowledge, the Clinicians scientists looked into the properties of MACA and introduced a supplement scientifically proven to support sexual function and desire. Clinicians MACA Men’s Performance is now available in New Zealand.

They used an organic, premium grade form of MACA as the key ingredient derived from farms 14,000 feet above sea level in the Peruvian Andes that are free of pesticides and herbicides.

MACA has no known side effects and doesn’t interfere with reproductive hormone levels. Instead it acts as a natural energiser and helps to support mental and physical stamina.

Healthy men between 20 and 70 can use MACA to support sexual desire, general health and sexual well being, energy levels and their ability to handle stress, maintain stamina, endurance and athletic performance as well as support mental focus.

By Yoga Mom on http://www.chicagonow.com

"This morning I woke up to the uncomfortable feeling of a weekend of over indulgence.  I enjoyed parties filled with fried potatoes, big portions, delicious desserts and little to no yoga.  I'm starting today with a green smoothie in hopes for setting the tone for a healthy last week of 2011.

There is no official recipe for my green smoothie; I simply use what I have around and this recipe can be altered.  Smoothies are a great way to use up browning bananas and bruised berries or peaches.

What you need:

Blender/Cuisinart

Banana

Spinach

Berries (fresh or frozen)

Other fruit (mangos, peaches, cherries etc.)

Maca Powder

Optional: Flax seed

I used to use almond  milk in my smoothies, but realized cold water can easily be substituted.  When I share with my kids, I always include milk as they are not huge milk drinkers and I  figure they can use the calcium.  My children do not like spinach, but they will drink it if it is hidden in a smoothie. 

Maca Powder is labeled as a Incan Superfood.  Maca root has been used to increase stamina, boost libido and combat fatigue.  It is nutrient dense and packed with vitamins, amino acids and essential minerals.  Maca Powder is organic, kosher, vegan and raw and has very little taste when a spoonful is added to the smoothie.

Although I haven't given up coffee completely, I have found Maca to provide energy similar or even better than a cup of Joe.  I also love to start my day with a green smoothie as I have gotten at least one serving of vegetables and fruit first thing in the morning.

I am sure today is going to be far from perfect in the healthy eating department as we are headed to Navy Pier for Winter Wonder Fest.  At least I began the morning with nutrients and vitamins. 

What do you put in your smoothies?"

NEW YORK, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Native to the high Andes, Maca Root, used for thousands of years in Peru for its hormonal effects, is providing effective relief for an increasing number of menopausal women in the U.S. Now we know why. Scientists at the Center for Cardiovascular Sciences at Albany Medical College in Albany, N.Y., discovered in 2004 that Maca Root fed to mice could raise their tissue levels of IGF-1.  This hormone helps regulate many of the body's physiological processes including human fertility.

"We finally have a key which helps explain how maca works in a few days to alleviate a wide range of menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, depression, loss of libido, vaginal dryness and insomnia," says Viana Muller, who founded a company which introduced maca root to U.S. menopausal women fifteen years ago.  

"Since IGF-1 helps the body produce its own hormones, maca root works in a completely different way than dietary supplements such as black cohosh and isoflavones of soy," said Muller.  "These plants contain weak plant estrogens.  Although they often work for a few months to alleviate mild menopausal symptoms, they are ineffective for women with more severe symptoms.  In contrast, women generally experience dramatic relief with high quality maca root supplements.

"I'm just too tired for sex"...

Sound familiar? Today's lifestyle is so demanding. If you're even remotely like the majority of individuals holding down a full time job, maybe looking after the kids at the same time, or taking care of the kids full time, or in some cases even more difficult scenario's, then there are plenty of times when you finally get to that time of the evening when you actually get 5 minutes to yourself or your partner, and you're too exhausted to even consider having sex. Just the thought of it can seem like too much effort. So in many cases you both just fall into bed and are asleep before your heads hit the pillow. And fatigue is just one factor contributing to a road block in many sex lives. What you need to understand first is that you are not alone.

Many factors can contribute to a lack of desire. Things such as prescription drugs, age (declining testosterone), pollution, and lack of time are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head but I'm sure many of you could write and tell me MANY more. The problem is when your desire starts to decline if your communication with your partner is lacking it can cause further problems with your relationship. Your partner may feel as though you just don't desire THEM. Or worse that you're having an affair and are getting it somewhere else. And trying to explain to a partner who just doesn't understand is very difficult and in turn, makes YOU think there's something wrong with you.

If all this sounds even remotely familiar I am here to tell you...

THERE IS HOPE!

There is a new herb, okay well it's not new it's actually over 2000 years old, but it's just now creating huge market demand. Why? This little Peruvian radish like herb is known as a powerful, strength, libido, and stamina enhancer. The name of this little herb is Maca. And we are going to predict that it's going to take over the supplement industry. Here are some of the benefits we've been able to source out:

Enhanced Energy - The steady enhancement of both physical and mental energy Maca an ideal supplement for students, professionals, writers, athletes, and anybody else who needs a lift. The Peruvians have used it for centuries as a general energy tonic. The fact that Maca contains no stimulants, but obtains its benefits from vitamins and minerals, make it especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Many people who use Maca also report increased mental clarity.

Increased Sexual Desire (Libido) - Maca was well known in ancient times for enhancing sexual desire, increasing libido, vitality, stamina and sexual performance.

Hormone Balancing - Maca has also been shown to be effective in reducing mood swings associated with PMS and Menopause. The herb works through the hypothalamus and pituitary to help insure balanced and healthy hormone levels in the body. Maca helps promote sexual functioning and, in general, brings about all the benefits of healthy, balanced hormone levels in the body.

We think this is going to really take off once individuals realize that they can get natural energy without stimulants AND an increase in libido not to mention the many other benefits of this herb.

By the time this article is posted, I will be high up in the Andes mountains of Peru working with maca, a plant I have focused on for over 12 years. It seems fitting, then, to share some information about maca with you.

Ever heard of Maca? Well, it’s pretty awesome. It’s a true power root. It grows high in the Peruvian Andes and it’s the only food in the world that can grow at altitudes of 12000 feet.

It packs: Amino Acids, Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamins C, E, B12, Iron, etc.

It has tons of benefits however I feel that these are the 3 biggest.

It’s been proven to cure chronic fatigue and also improves athletic performance; I add it to my protein shake in the mornings after my workout, because I feel it revitalizes me and provides the strength to get going without the need for coffee. It also has been proven to enhance memory and brain function. I’ve read articles where athletes use it as a substitute for steroids as

This is huge, ladies if you have issues with mood swings during PMS or hot flashes because of menopause and gentleman if you find yourself going through mood swings because of stress or fatigue (Honestly guys are moody often, we just don’t admit to it as much) then Maca is your answer.

The gist is that it enhances the endocrine system and all of the hormones it discharges. These hormones are what control your moods and if the endocrine system is balanced so will be your moods. Don’t ask me how, I’m not a doctor, I just know that’s what it does and it works trust me I take it.

I never knew how important the endocrine system was until I started taking Maca. Gentleman lets be real once we are past our 30’s our shit don’t work like it used to in our early 20’s. Back then erections came about every hour on the hour regardless of where you where, but once we pass our 30’s we start to save our powers for good. If we workout too hard or if we are over stressed from work, our powers are not as strong. It happens with age.

If you’ve never taken Maca then you’ll be happy that you read this, I’m not saying that it works like Viagra and you might hurt yourself, however I am saying that after a few days of taking it, it will strengthen your manhood and you will feel it, believe me. Also if you are having fertility issues, Maca has been proven to strengthen your little swimmers, in fact in South America doctors prescribe it to patients that are having these types of issues.

Ladies Maca will empower you in this department as well, as it will provide you with sexual stimulation which will ultimately keep you in a happier state.

You don’t need more than a small teaspoon of the gelatinized version of it which you can buy at your health store, it tastes kinda like butterscotch but stronger, I recommend drinking it in a juice that includes bananas to hide the taste a bit.

I hope you try it, I think its fun to try new things and let me know how you feel afterwards, I’d love to hear about it.

The NY Times has put together a fantastic photo essay on the powerful root Maca and the work of Chris Kilham - the Medicine Hunter, (thx Maxine).

The photo essay is part of a longer article titled, On a Remote Path to Cures. The article has some great information on maca including how recent research has shown that it "improves stamina, reduces the risk of prostate cancer and increases the motility, volume and quality of sperm."

Sort of like Viagra except NOT. Maca actually works and doesn't carry any of the known or unknown risks of V!@g(a.

And you certainly don't get Maca spam - although... if I HAD to get spam, I'd much rather prefer Maca spam.

Here's a little more on Maca from DW's site:

Are there any side effects or interactions? In toxicity studies conducted in the U.S., maca showed absolutely no toxicity and no adverse pharmacological effects. In animal studies, the more maca animals consume, the stronger and more sexually active they become.

Historical or traditional use: Maca's history as a powerful strength and stamina enhancer and libido-fertility herb stretches back well over five hundred years. Maca is a powerful adaptogen, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body's systems. Maca can raise low blood pressure AND lower high blood pressure. Adaptogens also boost immunity and harmonize the body's overall vitality. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, adaptogens are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole system.

We hear people saying some foods may increase your libido. We always wonder if it’s true or just another myth.

Never heard about peanuts? It’s actually true for men.

Studies indicate that nuts, particularly peanuts may raise testosterone better than other foods. Almonds may do the same trick as well.

How about foods to spark sex drive for women? Basil, avocados and asparagus may increase female libido levels, boosting your sexual stamina.

How about a root that may increase both female and male libido levels? We are talking about Maca.

Maca root is originally from the Andes Mountains of Peru and is a vegetable related to radishes and turnips. The “weird looking” maca contains high levels of protein, fat and minerals and it’s eaten baked, dried or mixed with vegetables. Several Peruvian dishes will have maca root in their recipes.

Native people in the Andes of Peru have been eating maca for over 2000 years. The root is believed to increase sex drive and improve fertility, increasing semen volume and sperm counts.

Studies have proved that maca can really increase libido in both men and women. Some other studies have showed that maca root may maintain a healthy prostate and reduce stress levels as well.

If you are looking for a natural sex enhancer, take a look at maca root. It may be a safe and natural solution to improve your sex life.

Maca is a potent superfood with a 5,000+ year history yet has only been recently introduced to the Western world. Hailed as “Nature’s Viagra” and “Peruvian Ginseng” maca has a lot to offer both genders of all ages, as well as boasting a wide and impressive range of nutritional properties. Read on for more information about this wonder food and how you can bring its potency and multi-faceted health benefits into your diet.

What is maca?
Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) is a tuberous perennial plant that grows high in the Andean Mountains at altitudes of between 11,000 and 14,000 feet. Colour-wise it looks like a potato, but it is shaped like a large radish. It grows as a mat-like stem system. Its roots are the parts that are dried and stored and made into powder, which is how we buy it today.

Maca facts

• The maca plant is related to the radish.
• Maca is the only plant that can survive at this altitude because of the extreme weather conditions there – i.e. brutally hot temperatures by day and freezing cold temperatures by night.
• Maca is technically an herb but is eaten as a food.
• The root is approximately 8cm in diameter and of a pale white colour.
• Although it is perennial it is reproduced by seeds which require around 7-9 months for harvesting.

From http://www.wellsphere.com

by Barbara L. Minton

Maca increases sperm count, shrinks enlarged prostates, increases libido, aids in sexual functioning, and reduces anxiety according to recent research findings. But maca is more than a new darling in the research lab. It is an herb that has stood the test of time, with anecdotal information passed from generation to generation since pre-recorded history. Besides improving sexual health, maca is a true adaptogen and known to increase stamina, memory and outlook.

Modern science documents what Inca warriors once knew

Inca warriors knew maca could increase their stamina, and they ate the root before going into battle. Maca also increased their sexual health and virility. Legend has it that maca was kept from the warriors when they returned from battle to protect the women.

Today, scientists in Italy have documented the ability of maca to increase general and sexual well-being in patients with mild erectile dysfunction (ED). In a double-blind clinical trial using 50 men affected by mild ED, half received maca dry extract at 2,400 mg, and the other half received a placebo. Treatment effect and subjective well-being were measured before and after 12 weeks. Both the maca treated men and those receiving the placebo experienced a significant increase in their erectile function scores and on scores revealing improvement in psychological performance. However, the scores of the maca treated group were significantly higher than the placebo group. Only the maca treated patients experienced a significant improvement in physical and social performance compared with their baseline scores. (Andrologia, April)

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital studied maca for its effect on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) induced sexual dysfunction. They conducted a double-blind study comparing a low dose (1.5 g/day) to a high-dose (3.0 g/day) maca regimen in 20 depressed outpatients with SSRI induced sexual dysfunction. Patients receiving the higher dose showed a significant improvement on a sexual experience scale and sexual function questionnaire, while subjects on the lower dose did not. Libido improved significantly and was not differentiated by dose amount. Maca was well tolerated by both groups. (CNS Neuroscience, Fall, 2008)

These studies followed groundbreaking research done by scientists in Peru who in 2002 treated 56 healthy male subjects ages 21 to 56 years with maca. They sought to determine whether the effect of maca was the result of change in mood or in serum testosterone levels. The men received 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca, or a placebo. An improvement in sexual desire was observed by week 8 of treatment. Serum testosterone and estradiol levels were no different in men treated with maca than in those treated with placebo. However, measures of sexual desire increased by 42.2% in the group taking the higher dose. Analysis revealed that maca has an independent effect on sexual desire that is not the result of changes in mood or hormone levels. (Andrologia, December, 2002)

Maybe the best thing about maca is that it does not work like synthetic ED drugs that produce hormonal changes that may lead to unwanted side effects. Maca has been shown not to change testosterone levels. (Phytomedicine, August, 2007)

Among doctors using maca in their practice to treat the symptoms of ED, male impotence and menopause are Doctor Aquila Calderon, past dean of the National University of Federico Villareal Faculty of Human Medicine, and Dr. Gary Gordon, past president of the American College for Advancement in Medicine in Arizona.

Maca reduces psychological symptoms in women without raising hormone levels

Maca is also good for what ails women, but does not alter their hormone status. Researchers in Australia examined the estrogenic and androgenic activity of maca and its effect on the hormonal profiles and symptoms of postmenopausal women. Fourteen women were given 3.5 g/day of powered maca or a matching placebo for 6 weeks. Blood samples were assessed to determine steroid hormone levels. No differences were seen between baseline, maca treatment, and placebo treatment in serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or sex hormone-binding globulin. However, findings showed that maca significantly reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowered measures of sexual dysfunction. (Menopause, November-December, 2008)

Maca was shown effective at preventing hormone related bone loss. Scientist in China evaluated an extract of maca on induced postmenopausal osteoporosis in rats. Bone mineral density and histopathological parameters indicated maca was able to prevent bone loss resulting from estrogen deficiency. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, April 21, 2006)

Maca is both a food and an herb

The most active part of maca is its starchy, tuberous root, which is referred to as an herb, but maca is actually a food from the cruciferous vegetable family. In looks it resembles the radish, but in taste it is more like the potato. Like wheat and rice, maca contains protein, fats, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. It is rich in magnesium, selenium and calcium, and fatty acids.

Maca is grown at high elevation in the Andes, and the plant requires very cold climate and high altitudes to achieve maximum potency. Not all varieties of maca on the market have been grown under ideal conditions.

Maca is a classic adaptogen

Adaptogens are substances that raise the non-specific resistance in an organism. They enable it to adapt to external conditions and work with its own natural rhythms to help rebuild systems and restore homeostasis. The ancient Andes mountain dwellers knew about the adaptogenic properties of maca and its ability to keep the body on an even keel. Folk medicine tradition describes how maca helped highlanders thrive at altitudes of 14,000 to 18,000 feet above sea level where oxygen content in the blood is low.

Modern scientists and doctors have found maca to be one of the best natural ways to regulate and support the endocrine system. Through this action, energy levels, metabolism, growth, sexual development, and psychology are normalized.

In today's world, adaptogens such as maca take on a greater significance than in the past, because of constantly increasing levels of stress. Dr. Hans Seyle, Nobel prize winning author of several works on adaptation, was the first to demonstrate the existence of biological stress. He described how the human body adapts to stress, and the stages it passes through when the stress goes unmitigated. He pointed out that positive or negative, stress is still stress and it differs from all other physical responses.

The system whereby the body copes with stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA axis) system, was first described by Selye. He pointed to an "alarm state", a "resistance state", and an "exhaustion state", largely referring to glandular states. Later he developed the idea of two "reservoirs" of stress resistance, or what he referred to as "alternative" stress energy.

Maca works to effectively help the body adapt to the high levels of stress involved in modern living. This adaptive mechanism involves normalization of both men's and women's hormonal imbalances. Instead of supplying plant hormones such as phytoestrogens, maca acts on the HPA pathway that is the precursor of male and female hormones. It also has an effect on the adrenal glands. Maca does not necessarily stimulate, but acts in a regulatory fashion balancing and returning homeostasis.

Maca helps normalize learning and memory too. Researchers from China studied the effect of black maca on learning and memory in hormonally deprived rats. They found that experimental memory impairments induced by hormonal deprivation were reduced in rats given black maca, due in part to its antioxidant activities. (Evidenced Based Complementary Alternative Medicine, October 9, 2000)

Maca shows remarkable ability to reduce prostate enlargement

Maca has demonstrated its ability to affect the size of the prostate according to seasoned researchers of maca in Lima, Peru. Their study was designed to determine the effect of red maca in prostate enlargement induced with a testosterone hormone drug in adult mice. Mice were examined at intervals during treatment. Testosterone and estradiol were assessed on the last day of treatment. The researchers found that red maca reduced prostate weight at 21 days of treatment. Weights of the seminal vesicle, testis and epididymis were not affected by the treatment. (Andrologia, June, 2008)

Maca shown to increase sperm count

Meanwhile, another research group in Lima evaluated the effect of different fractions of black maca on sperm creation. Maca was given along with one of several solvents. The greatest increase in sperm creation occurred in the group given the ethyl acetate fraction from the black maca extract, suggesting that the compounds related to the beneficial effect on sperm production of black maca are presented in this fraction. What can be fractioned out with a solvent is there in the maca totality, so males eating maca may expect some of this beneficial result. (Fertility Sterility, May, 2008)

Using maca

The maca vegetable appears in health food stores occasionally. It has a sweet taste and can be eaten in a number of ways including raw, dried, baked or boiled. In Peru cookies, tarts and even mixed drinks are made with maca. Most consumers in the U.S. will have access to maca only as a supplement in the form of an extract, whole root herb, or as gelatinized root.

As a general rule, the gelatinized form has the highest level of bioavailability. Gelatinization does not refer to the presence of gelatin or that it is enclosed in a gelatin capsule. It is actually a process that removes the starch from the maca root and breaks down the chemical bonds that connect the starch to the protein and other components. With maca that is ungelatinized, the body must do the processing in the digestive tract, as preferred by people who shun excessive processing. A source of gelatinized maca root is the National University of Agriculture at La Molina, Peru.

There is red, yellow and black maca. Each seems to have a unique component for addressing sexual health. Black maca has been shown to be the most beneficial variety for reducing ED, for increasing sperm count and sperm motility, and for restoring learning and memory. Red maca is the variety most associated with reducing prostate size.

by Kim Evans

Find yourself depending on coffee for a boost in the morning? Why not try maca instead? Maca is a root from Peru; it's a tuber, like a potato, and offers an amazing energy boost for those with low energy. Maca however, unlike coffee, offers energy in a non-caffeinated way that supports the body.

Maca is a nutritionally dense super-food that contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, enzymes and all of the essential amino acids. Maca root is rich in B-vitamins, which are the energy vitamins, and maca is a vegetarian source of B-12. To boot, maca has high levels of bioavailable calcium and magnesium and is great for remineralization.

Maca root helps balance our hormones and due to an over abundance of environmental estrogens, most people's hormones are a bit out of whack. Maca stimulates and nourishes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands which are the "master glands" of the body. These glands actually regulate the other glands, so when in balance they can bring balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian and testicular glands.

Instead of providing hormones to the body, maca works as an adaptogen which means that it responds to different bodies' needs individually. If you're producing too much of a particular hormone, maca will regulate the production downward. However, if you're producing too little, it'll regulate the production upward.

Hormones regulate many things including mood, growth, sexual development, and tissue function. Hormones also play a role in many diseases, like cancer and depression.

Maca root has been shown to be beneficial for all sorts of hormonal problems including PMS, menopause, and hot flashes. Maca's also a fertility enhancer and is best known for improving libido and sexual function, especially in men. For this reason, it's earned the nickname "nature's Viagra."

Enjoy the Benefits of Maca as Food

Maca has a light, nutty flavor and some easy, delicious ways to consume maca powder as a food are to: Stir a teaspoon of maca in a bowl of vegetable and lentil soup before serving; sea salt and maca root are a wonderful soup flavoring. Add a teaspoon to any herbal tea. Pour maca powder over organic, non-microwaved popcorn and flavor with coconut oil and sea salt. If you're not watching your sugar intake, mix a bit of maca powder with enough grade B maple syrup or honey to produce a wet paste, and enjoy with a spoon. It's a delicious dessert-like treat, and it's great on bananas too. If you're one who "needs" a sweet fix, this is delicious and healthy way to do it.

It's recommended to start with a 1/2 teaspoon a day, and work up to a teaspoon or two a day over the course of a few weeks. If you're taking it daily, it's best to take a day off each week.

Maca is a food staple in Peru and there are no known effects of toxicity. However, occasionally some people experience adverse effects when they start taking maca, and these symptoms may actually be detoxification symptoms. This is because when a body more accustomed to consuming processed and cooked foods starts taking in such a nutritionally dense supplement, the body will absorb the superior nutrients it needs and "throw off" the old junk it doesn't need for elimination. If this happens, you might feel badly but it generally lasts just a few days. You may also want to consider doing colon and liver cleansing before or while taking maca to quickly remove some of the waste your body is trying to eliminate. Doing so will help with many adverse symptoms.

by Brett Brown

There are many plants and herbs that are able to affect libido in both men and women. However some of those plants, such as yohimbe, have negative side effects such as raising the heart rate and increasing blood pressure. Thanks to recent research done on a Peruvian plant, we now have a safe alternative for increasing libido and sexual function in men and women. During our rediscovery of this superfood, we find maca to be packed full of nutrition and a great alternative for libido enhancement.

History
Maca has been grown and cultivated in the Peruvian Andes of South America for nearly 2,600 years. Maca is grown for its root, and is a member of the cruciferous family of plants. Maca closely resembles a radish in shape, yet is slightly larger in size. Maca is grown in an altitude of 9,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level. This makes maca the highest altitude crop on earth.

Traditional Andean shamans used maca to increase fertility in both animals and humans. Shortly after the Spanish conquest, the Spanish noticed their livestock were doing poorly in the desolate highlands. Andean natives suggested that both the Spanish and their livestock consume maca. Apparently the results were remarkable since some of the first written Spanish records of the Andes were on the subject of maca.

Libido
Dr. Gloria Chacon de Popovici published her first study of maca's effect on animal fertility in 1961. Her research determined that maca increases fertility in rats, dogs, guinea pigs, rams, cows, and humans. She suggests that maca has been shown to act on the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, and the adrenals. She theorized that by activating these areas in our endocrine system maca is then able to increase libido, energy, and vitality. The activation of these systems allows us to produce higher levels of testosterone, progesterone, and DHEA. In turn this is also beneficial for the balancing of hormones in both men and women.

While Dr. Chacon was doing her research and feeding maca powder to rats, she discovered that male rats had increased sperm counts and motility rates, and the female rats showed multiple egg follicle maturation. The effects were shown within seventy-two hours upon feeding the rats maca. The effects on humans are similar. This research indicates that maca is a superfood capable of increasing fertility and can be extremely useful for those trying to conceive a child. Maca has also been shown to help women produce more breast milk after pregnancy.

Maca is also an adaptogen. Adaptogens help our bodies to adapt to stress. It is well known that the stresses of life have a serious effect on libido in both men and women.

Nutritional Profile
Maca powder is approximately 10 percent protein. The protein in maca contains twenty amino acids and seven of the eight essential amino acids. Although not a complete protein, maca is an excellent source of hormone precursors and amino acids.

Maca has a lipid content of about 2.2 percent which includes linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. Maca is also a good source of sterols. Sterols have been shown to have immune enhancing properties.

Maca is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, sodium, and iron. Maca is also a great source of the trace minerals zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, bismuth, manganese, silicon, and tin.

Maca also contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Maca is truly a power packed superfood that is beneficial for both libido and nutrition. In order to achieve best results, consume between 2 to 6 tablespoons of maca powder daily.

by William Rudolph

People who suffer from the debilitating pain of migraine headaches need relief. Could the solution be found in a radish-like root vegetable that grows in an extreme climate where few other plants can survive? Might something the Incas consumed regularly 2,000 years ago be a modern day panacea for migraine sufferers?

Migraines Defined

The word migraine derives from the Greek word hemikrania meaning "half a skull". The disorder was so named because migraines are typically unilateral (affecting one half of the head). Migraines are severe, vascular headaches often accompanied by symptoms such as persistent pain in the temple or behind the ear, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sounds and light. Some migraines are preceded by an aura, which is a type of unusual visual or auditory sensory experience. For some, a migraine will last only a couple of hours. For others, the intense pain and discomfort can last up to 72 hours.

Triggers & Causes

Some of the usual suspects such as stress, lack of exercise, allergies, irregular sleep patterns, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol (particularly red wine) are implicated as possible causes of migraines headaches. Migraines involve excessive dilation or contraction of the brain's blood vessels. Nicotine is known to constrict blood vessels and red wine can contain sulfites which will cause a reaction in some people. Other potential stressors on blood vessels can be elevated estrogen levels or progesterone levels that are too low.

The Hormonal Connection

Modern-day exposure to chemicals and pollution, along with the standard American diet and its accompanying toxic load, can wreak havoc on the endocrine system, leaving individuals with wild fluctuations and deficiencies in hormone levels. It is interesting to note that women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Low progesterone levels are often the reason for these terrible headaches in women over the age of 35. Also, when excessive estrogenic burdens (xenoestrogens from plastics, for example) are placed on the body, the endocrine system's homeostasis can be disrupted. This may indicate a relationship between migraines and fluctuating hormone levels.

Maca's Role

Maca is a superfood that grows at 14,000 feet elevation in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is both adaptogenic and restorative in that it helps the body to adapt to stress and can help to recalibrate the body's hormones. Maca has an incredible nutritional profile of potent phytonutrients that include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber, and fatty acids. This amazing plant can nutritionally fuel the endocrine system so that it is able to produce hormones regularly. Maca does not actually increase levels of any hormones but encourages the body to produce them on its own. This is accomplished through maca's targeted nourishment of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands (master glands of the body). These glands in turn regulate other glands, bringing balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian, and testicular glands. This can move the body toward a more optimal balance of estrogen and progesterone levels potentially reducing the severity and occurrence of migraine headaches.

Maca is easily enjoyed in its powdered form mixed in a smoothie, yogurt, or cereal.

by Heidi Fagley

Maca has been cultivated and grown high in the Andean Mountains of Peru for thousands of years. Only recently, the many health benefits of maca have been brought to the awareness of the developing world. Also called "Peruvian Ginseng," this hardy root grows where no other cultivated crop can survive. With small leaves that hover close to the ground, this plant flourishes at altitudes between 9,000 to 14,000 feet in the extreme climate of freezing cold winds and strong sunlight.

Lepidium meyenii, maca's formal name, is a member of the cruciferous family; its radish-like tuberous roots have numerous health benefits. An annual plant, maca has been used medicinally for centuries in South America and is a known adaptogen. This simply means that it is a nutritive substance that raises the body's state of resistance to disease while remaining nontoxic to the recipient. Adaptogens increase immunity by improving the overall ability of the entire body to take on challenging and stressful situations.

The root is dried and has an amazing shelf life of about seven years. The powder made from the crushed root contains nearly 20 amino acids and seven essential amino acids and is about 60 percent carbohydrates, and a healthy 8.5 percent of one serving (about one Tablespoon) is fiber. In comparison to the potato, another root crop, maca contains five times more protein and about four times the fiber.

Maca is powerfully abundant in amino acids, phytonutrients, healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. This superfood (foods that are nutrient-dense and offer tremendous dietary and healing potential) has the ability to increase energy and stamina, oxygenate the blood, support neurotransmitter production, and enhance libido.

Scientists and doctors are now finding maca to be one of the most optimal and natural ways to balance and support endocrine health by aiding in the regulation of healthy hormone production with its adaptogenic qualities.

While maca contains no hormones itself, it provides a rare set of nutrients that nourish the endocrine system and supports the adrenal glands and the thyroid to produce vital hormones in the proper dosages determined by the bodily needs of each individual. This unique blend of nutrients found in the powdered maca root can also contribute to regulating metabolism and to increasing energy levels, sexual development, and the sense of well-being and attitude.

Its ability to positively increase one's mindset comes from the fact that maca works directly on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. In addition, it has the beneficial power of rejuvenating exhausted adrenal glands, which helps the body in its ability to handle stressful situations.

This medicinal root can provide relief from symptoms of menopause and andropause and can slow down the aging process by enhancing hormonal system function that supports ideal levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and the human growth hormone.

Each hypocotyl root contains over 55 naturally occurring, beneficial phyto-chemicals that have a superb ability to elevate mood and energy - sometimes upon consumption. Maca can be added to your favorite foods if a slightly malted or graham-like flavor is desired. A wonderful emulsifier, maca blends and combines fats with starches and sugars to create a well-balanced flavor.

Maca root can be found in many health food stores and reputable online stores. Select organic brands researched for quality. As with any superfood, consume cautiously until your body has a chance to increase tolerance. It can be used over a long period of time with no side effects. Sometimes a break from using superfoods can actually enhance their effectiveness, so it is recommended to take a week off every month of consistent daily consumption.