Wednesday, November 2, 2011

All about Maca Powder

Maca Powder, certified organic, from Peru
Maca root has been used by native Indians in Peru as a vital ingredient to health for thousands of years. Maca's use goes 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 Castille 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, Walpers. after German Botanist Gerhard Walpers.

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. Root color varies from creamy yellow or light pink to dark purple or black.

Chemically Maca root contains significant amounts of amino acids, carbohydrates, and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E. Peruvian Maca also includes a number of glycosides.

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, and 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.

Maca Powder is a Certified Organically grown and processed product, non-irradiated, and chemical-free. The Maca root is dried at a low temperature, ensuring maximum preservation of nutrients. The result is the optimal light-colored and non-oxidized sweet taste of a high quality product.

Known Modern Applications:

Traditionally, Maca has been used for a variety purposes, which can differ for men and women. For example, women have found it helps relieve the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Women tend to notice a dramatic decline in hot flashes and night sweats. Men have used it to enhance fertility and sexual function. Users of Maca root tend to derive a variety of benefits in accordance with their individual needs. However, both men and women have found that it significantly boosts libido and sex drive, increases energy, stamina and the feeling of general well-being. In fact, recently Maca has been used as an excellent alternative to anabolic steroids among athletes seeking muscle hypertrophy. 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.

How Can Maca Benefit You?:

  • 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? No Problem - Symptom Free Menopause:
  • Benefits of Maca Powder: 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
Menopause doesn't have to be unbearable - implementing Maca Powder into a sensible diet & lifestyle regime can produce positive effects.

How does Maca Root aid in the relief?

First and foremost it balances the hormonal system. It works on the pituitary gland, which regulates all hormone production in the body. Hot flashes are diminished; sleep is normalized while stress levels are reduced when incorporating Maca Powder 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.

Maca root is a superfood naturally high in vitamins and minerals the body needs for nourishment. Its adaptogenic qualities make it a multi-faceted herb useful for a wide variety of conditions that women of all ages can benefit from.

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. Ginseng is another (perhaps more familiar) adaptogen, that has been used in Asia for thousands of years for strength and vitality and it's reputed aphrodisiac effects. Maca root falls into this same category, yet it is relatively new to North America although it's been used in Peru for thousands of years.

How do I take Maca Powder?

Maca Powder is a 100% Certified Organic Powder that can be added to a breakfast fruit smoothie - blend fresh fruit, 1 tsp. of Maca powder with soy/rice milk or yogurt. It is naturally sweet flavored and blends in well. OR sprinkle it on top of your cereal or mix in with muesli. If you prefer capsules, Maca Powder can be put into vegi-caps, non gelatin capsules that are easy to take - wherever you are, great for people on the go with busy schedules.

How soon will I see results?

Each individual is different, some women experience decreased hot flashes within days of taking Peruvian Maca root while others may take weeks to fine tune the hormonal system - it depends on the condition of your body. But be patient! The results are worth it.

Maca Root Active Ingredients:
  • Alkaloids
  • Trypterphene
  • Phenolic compounds
  • Flavonoids and/or coimarins
  • Tannins
  • Glycosides
  • Saponins
  • Free amino acids
  • Secondary aliphatic amines
  • Tertiary amines
  • 2 groups of novel compounds -- the macamides, and the macaenes (these agents are believed to be directly responsible for maca's sex-boosting powers)
  • Maca Root Powder Nutrition - 10+% protein, 60% carbohydrates and fatty acids.

1. HOW MUCH MACA ROOT POWDER SHOULD I TAKE? Maca root is a food and therefore should not be used in extremely 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 vegetarian capsules take 2 to 6 - 500mg Capsules per day or as directed by your health practitioner.

2. HOW DO I STORE MACA ROOT POWDER? It is best store Maca Root Powder in dark dry cupboard. Some people store it in the refrigerator but this is not necessary but some feel it keeps the powder fresh and the consistency lighter.

3. IS MACA ROOT SAFE? Yes. There are no reports that Maca has any level of toxicity.

4. ARE THERE ANY WARNINGS DISSEMINATED ABOUT MACA ROOT USAGE? No, there are none.

5. ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE AWARE OF WITH MACA ROOT USAGE? Given the high potassium content in Maca, it is not recommended for people with renal insufficiencies.