Make Your Own Maca-phrodisiac Smoothie!

By Rebecca Leffler @ http://www.mindbodygreen.com

Directions

Blend until smooth.

How to Lose Weight with Maca Root

by Jenny Travens @ http://www.beinghealthylifestyle.com

Maca root is widely grown in Peru and has been an old-aged food for the Peruvians. It is typically made as a concoction in cookies, cakes, hot porridge, chips and blender drinks. It is scientifically referred to as Lepidium Meyenii, a plant which produces a radish-like root.

Maca root is packed full of essential nutrients needed by the body thus making it a superfood. Many claims of the health benefits of maca root, ranging from boosting immune system to increasing endurance. It is also widely known to improve adrenal gland function, boost fertility and increase libido. According to a Doctor Hugo Malaspina, M.D., a cardiologist practicing a complementary medicine in Lima, Peru, that he has been recommending maca to his patients for 10 years, after he discovered a good result of a group of sexually older men who were taking maca.

This superfood is rich in beneficial nutrients such as vitamin B2, B6, and B12, fiber, iron, niacin, calcium, iodine, manganese, potassium, zinc and amino acids.

Maca root brings significant effects in men and women. Many men who have consumed maca root have gained muscles making it popular in body builders and professional athletes for stamina. Furthermore, maca helps women to achieve a feminine shape and weight loss. It is also rumored to increase women’s booty size.

Aside from its aphrodisiac properties, maca root is also considered as thyroid stimulator by some experts. As stated in the book of “The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss” by Mary J. Shomon, that maca is an adaptogenic herb that can help with increasing energy in the body. This natural stimulant may speed up the metabolism, burning more calories and creating weight loss over time.

In addition to, Maca reduces blood sugar levels thus cutting down the desire for food. A book by Martha Schindler Connors, “The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies”, stated that maca can keep the blood glucose levels steady, which is important in eradicating food cravings.

A raw maca root can be consumed directly but you may find it difficult to purchase a raw maca root. However, a wide range of maca root powder is available in supermarkets and health stores. The powder supplement can be added to shakes, smoothies, or in your favorite pastries and desserts.

The benefit of maca is very impressive but it is highly recommended to consult a doctor or a healthcare professional before consuming a dose of maca. To ensure an utmost safety, pregnant women, lactating moms, and children should not take maca as it lacks evidence regarding its safety in these conditions.

About Jenny Travens: Jenny Travens is a chief editor and a wellness coach and fitness blogger for http://www.superfoodliving.com/categories. She loves to share her knowledge about the different ways of staying fit and healthy and helps people to conquer over health related issues and maintain their fitness regime.

Jenny would love to hear from you! You can simply send your concerns to travensjenny@gmail.com.

If you want to boost energy -- increase libido -- fight stress and reduce the risk for conditions such as diabetes or arthritis, then maca is for you.

In Peru, maca is a root vegetable that’s roasted or used in baking. Here in the US, this super food is available in supplement form and as a powder that you can blend into beverages or sprinkle on foods. Find out what maca can do for you...

The root of the maca (Lepidium meyenii) is shaped like a large radish. It is a cousin to other cruciferous plants, such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. In addition to its healthful fiber, complex carbohydrates and protein, maca provides numerous minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, iron, zinc, iodine and copper... vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E... nearly 20 amino acids, including linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid... as well as various plant sterols, which are natural cholesterol-lowering agents. All of these nutrients have been shown to promote health in a multitude of ways.

BOOST SEX DRIVE

Legend holds that in the era of the Incan empire, battle leaders provided maca to warriors to enhance their strength—then cut off the supply after the fighting ended to protect women from the warriors’ maca-heightened libidos.

Modern research has suggested that maca does indeed increase sex drive in men. One double-blind, randomized study published in the journal Andrologia examined the effect of maca on sexual desire in 57 men, ages 21 to 56. Participants took either placebos or 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca daily. After four, eight and 12 weeks, they reported on their sex drive levels. Placebo users experienced no change in libido, while the men taking either quantity of maca reported heightened sexual desire starting at eight weeks and continuing throughout the study.

How it works: Maca’s libido-enhancing powers are attributed primarily to its amino acids and sterols, among other properties. Blood tests indicated that maca did not affect the men’s levels of the hormones testosterone or estradiol (a form of estrogen present in women and men). This is just one of maca’s virtues—it does not change hormone regulation in men.

A small study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology yielded some interesting results, indicating that maca also improves male fertility. Nine men, ages 24 to 44, received either 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca per day. Compared with tests done at the outset of the study, semen analysis performed at the end of the four-month research period demonstrated that maca increased semen volume, sperm count and sperm motility at both dosage levels. Again, maca achieved these results by unknown mechanisms that were not related to increases in testosterone or other hormones.

SOOTHE MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

For women, maca has a long-standing reputation for soothing menopausal symptoms. A study published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science details research at five sites in Poland, focusing on 124 women, ages 49 to 58, in the early stages of menopause. During the study, the women took varied combinations of either a placebo or 2,000 mg of maca every day. Results: Compared with placebo users, those taking maca experienced significant reductions—84% on average—in the frequency and severity of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats.

Bonus: In a substudy of the trial, researchers found that the women taking maca had a notable increase in bone density.

How it works: Blood tests showed that maca reduced follicle-stimulating hormone, which normally increases during menopause and is thought to be one cause of troublesome symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Study authors speculate that maca stimulates the regulatory mechanism responsible for optimizing ovarian function and estrogen secretion, significantly increasing the level of estradiol in a woman’s body.

It appears, then, that maca offers a safe and effective way to reduce menopausal symptoms—and it is unlikely to increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke, as can non-bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

We don’t know this for certain, but the fact that breast cancer is not among the leading causes of death in Peruvian women, despite a diet rich in maca, supports the assumption. In addition, increases in estradiol as a result of taking maca supplements may be safer than adding a hormone to a woman’s system because maca appears to stimulate the body’s natural estrogen production.

FIGHT STRESS AND DISEASE

Any kind of stress—from work, personal problems, illness, injury, toxins, hormonal imbalances or any other source—can negatively affect how our bodies function. Maca is what holistic doctors call an adaptogen, a plant or herb that boosts the body’s ability to resist, deal with and recover from emotional and physical stress.

Practitioners of traditional medicine from China and India have known about and made use of adaptogens for centuries, though the term itself was not coined until the middle of the 20th century. Well-known adaptogens include the herbs ashwagandha, ginseng, rhodiola and licorice root, all of which I have prescribed to my patients with much success over the years.

How it works: To be classified as an adaptogen, a natural substance must meet specific criteria. It must be nontoxic... normalize levels of chemicals raised during periods of stress... and produce physical, chemical and/or biological responses that increase the body’s resistance to stress.

Although all adaptogenic plants contain antioxidants, researchers do not believe that antioxidants alone account for adaptogens’ normalizing powers. Rather, it is thought that a variety of phytochemicals helps balance the dozens of endocrine, digestive and neural hormones that operate throughout the body—including insulin (which regulates blood sugar levels) and dopamine (which enhances and stabilizes mood). Many adaptogens also stimulate immune system components, leading to better immune function.

MORE OF MACA’S SUPERPOWERS

In addition to its documented beneficial effects on the human reproductive system, laboratory tests and animal studies suggest that maca may reduce the risk for...

• Arthritis—by promoting cartilage growth.
• Blood toxicity—by improving liver function.
• Diabetes—by allowing for better control over blood sugar levels and body weight.
• Digestive health—by combating ulcers.
• Fatigue—by increasing energy and endurance.
• Heart disease—by lowering levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of blood fat).
• Infertility—by stimulating production of estrogen and other hormones in women and boosting sperm count in men.
• Memory and mood—by enhancing certain brain chemicals.
• Osteoporosis—by increasing bone density.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—by regulating hormone levels.
• Prostate problems—by reducing prostate enlargement.

THE SAFEST WAY TO START

Maca generally appears to be safe, given its long history of use by Peruvians... but there are a few guidelines to bear in mind. Women who take estrogen to ease menopausal symptoms should talk to their doctors about using maca. They may be able to wean off hormone therapy or at least lower the estrogen dosage under a doctor’s supervision.

Breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen or other estrogen blockers and women who have had breast cancer must not use maca, because it raises estrogen levels. Women in a family with a strong history of breast cancer should discuss maca use with their doctors first. People who take thyroid medication should be monitored by their doctors because maca may increase thyroid activity. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take maca, as a general precaution.

Since its long-term effects have not been scientifically studied, I recommend taking a break from maca now and then in order to give the body’s cell receptors a break from any hormone stimulation. People who want to try maca to see if it is a "super food" for them should take supplements for three months (six months for women with severe menopausal symptoms), then stop using maca for one or two weeks. They may then continue this regimen as needed for symptom relief.

8 Best Superfoods To Boost Your Mood & Energy Levels

By Pauline Hanuise

Discovering superfoods has changed my life and was one of my first steps towards my recovery from eating disorders, and becoming healthier and happier. Now, I have them every day and that's helping me to stay healthy and have great energy. 

But what are superfoods, exactly?

Superfoods are basically foods that are much richer in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, electrolytes and phytonutrients, but also much poorer in calories than any other usual foods. They nourish your body on a very deep level. 

Here are my 8 favorite superfoods to boost you mood and energy levels:

1. Maca powder

Maca is a root that comes from Peru. You will mainly find it as powder because it doesn’t grow in all climates So, it is dried and powdered to be exported in the rest of the world. 

Maca is amazing for balancing hormones and is beneficial to both women (relief of PMS symptoms and menopause) and men (enhanced fertility). Maca is also a great adaptogen that helps decrease stress levels, enhance strength, stamina and libido as well as providing great energy and endurance. It works with the rhythms and needs of your own body.

Maca is rich is calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, vit B1, B2, C, E and iron. It contains lots of trace minerals like zink and selenium and is great for menstrual imbalances, lack of libido, infertility, menopausal symptoms and stress but also for conditions such as anemia, fatigue, depression, poor memory, tuberculosis and malnutrition.

2. Pure, raw organic cacao

YES, chocolate is a superfood! But I am not talking about the sugary, packaged chocolate bars you find at the supermarket. I'm talking about the real, original, raw, pure cacao. You can use the beans, which are quite bitter or you can find it in powder in any health food store to make amazing desserts like my wonderful Love Chocolate Pie or Sour Cherry Fudge.

Pure, raw, organic cacao is just amazing and to be honest, I am enjoying it every single day in healthy, sugar free desserts or smoothies. Because what's bad about chocolate? It's actually sugar, dairy and other additives that have been added to packaged chocolate you buy in supermarkets.

Cacao itself is great for your health and is nature's number-one weight loss and high energy food, according to David Wolfe, the cacao master (watch his TEDx talk about chocolate here). 

Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vit-C, phosphorus and more. It's also rich in tryptophan, which is a powerful mood-enhancer, crucial in the production of serotonin, which diminishes anxiety and has the same impact as love in our brain. That's why chocolate is often associated with love and Valentin's day.

Add more raw, pure and organic cacao into your diet and start feeling amazing effects.

3. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a complete protein rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and manganese. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fiber. So adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to your breakfast (cereals, smoothies, juices, etc.) is a great way to increase your fiber intake. 

But chia seeds are also very rich in vitamin C, Omega 3 and 6 and antioxidants. They absorb lots of water (about 10 times their weight). When you soak chia seeds, they will absorb lots of liquid and create a gelatine-like substance, which will clean your digestive and immune systems by moving all the toxins and impurities to the bowels.

Soaking chia seeds in coconut water or mashed fresh fruit for breakfast is great and chia puddings are also delicious and great for your health.

4. Coconut (water, flesh/meat, oil and butter)

This is one of my favorite foods and drinks ever. The water inside the young coconut is an isotonic drink full of electrolytes and can even be used in blood transfusions. It is rich in potassium, is ideal for proper rehydration and has strong antiviral properties.

It also contains kinetin, which keeps the coconut young despite the fact that it's under the sun all day long. Kinetin has the exact same effect on our body and keeps you young. 

(Amazing isn't it?) 

Coconut meat is high in protein and fiber and is a great saturated fat (essential to our body). It's been proven that the saturated fat in coconut oil supports the immune system, thyroid gland, nervous system and skin.

Coconut oil and butter are also a very healthy saturated fat and are perfect for cooking as it's the only oil/butter that stays stable when you heat it (even olive oil is not perfectly stable when you heat it). Thus, using coconut oil for cooking is much safer and healthier than any other oils.

Personally, I only use coconut oil for cooking. I still use olive, hemp and flax oil, which are all amazing oils, but only for dressings. I also use coconut oil on my skin, as moisturiser as coconut oil is actually a top beauty product... and at a very cheap price!

5. Spirulina

Spirulina is a Blue-Green Algae, which thrives in alkaline lakes. It contains over 65% of complete protein (300% more than fish, meat or poultry, with 0 cholesterol). Spirulina is also very rich in chlorophyl, iron (about 58 times more than spinach), antioxydants, beta-carotene and essential fatty acid Omega 3 and 6.

Spirulina really helped me to have more strength and energy to recover from bulimia. It also fixed my anemia and I was able to get rid of my unnatural iron supplements.

Today, I am taking 3 to 6 grams of spirulina every morning. You can choose to use powder - which is the most powerful way as it's directly absorbable by your body - and add it to your juices and smoothies. If you don't juice or blend every day, you can use tablets (I personally find that the taste is too strong to mix spirulina powder with water only). You can change your dosage regarding your levels of energy, activity and your diet.

Spirulina is also great for people who have digestive issues as it helps improving the absorption of nutrients by your body.

As you can see, I love spirulina and I really recommend you to give it a try. I am pretty sure you will notice great improvements in your energy in just a few days ;)

6. Goji berries

Goji berries are a berry-fruit found in Asia and America. They are usually dried before being exported elsewhere in the world.

Gojis are probably one of the most nutritious berry-fruit found on the planet. They are a complete source of protein and amino acids, contain lots of trace mineral as well as vit B1, B2, B6, E and C. They are extremely rich in antioxidant, which protects you from the ageing process and free radical. They are also well-known to improve vision, boost libido, sexual function and immune system. Sounds great, right? 

You can consume them in many different ways. Add them to your smoothies, breakfast, salads or use them in your trail mix or in your awesome chocolate desserts ;)

7. Hempseeds and oil

Hempseeds and oil are one of the rare complete source of protein (33% to 37% of its weight) and are packed with life-force energy and enzymes. They are rich in Omega-3, 6 and 9 which are all very important for brain functions and considered a quality beautifying oil. 

Hempseeds and oil are great to boost your immune system and bring balance in your essential fatty acids, thus are also decreasing inflammation. They deliver a balanced array of amino acids and are rich in minerals such as phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, sodium, silicon, copper and many others. 

Use the oil in in your dressings and sprinkle the seeds on your cereals, fruits, smoothies or salads, they are delicious!

8. Flaxseeds and oil

Flaxseeds (or linseeds) and their oil are one of the richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our health as our body doesn't produce them on its own. The problem in our societies is that the big majority of people consume too much Omega-6 fatty acids and not enough Omega-3. However, the balance between both is absolutely vital to be healthy. Flax seeds and oil is one of the rare food that contains Omega-6 and 3 (EFAs - essential fatty acids) in perfect balance for the human body. 

EFTAs are vital for brain function, energy production, oxygen transfer and strengthen immunity. Omega-3 fatty acids help to fight and prevent inflammation and many degenerative conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, etc .

They are many other superfoods great to try and add to your diet such as acai, bee products (bee pollen, royal jelly, honey and propolis), marine phytoplankton, aloe vera, wheatgrass or any seaweed, but here are the ones I am using the most to boost my mood and enrgy levels!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

Published January 3, 2013 at 1:31 PM

About Pauline Hanuise

Pauline Hanuise is a certified and passionate Holistic Health Coach. Having recovered from 15 years of struggles with eating disorders, she is now dedicated to help people to make peace with food and get the best life ever. She is the creator of the health and wellness website www.paulinehanuise.com and the Facebook community Respect Yourself, where she gives tips and advice about health, wellness and happiness. You can also find her on Twitter, @Pauline_Hanuise.

What's The Best Food for Natural Bodybuilding? Bet It's Not What You Think

By Mark A Ament

Bodybuilding The Natural Way

Looking at some of the best natural bodybuilding supplements on the market thre are two ingredients common to most of them. The first is hemp seeds or hemp seed powder shows up in many of them because of it's incredibly high percentage of protein - 24% by weight. And second is Maca powder, which natural bodybuilder rave about. Looking further into the nutritional details of Maca, I discovered that there's a very good reason for that.

Why Natural Bodybuilders Love Maca Powder From Peru

I uncovered 7 major reasons why people interested in building their bodies naturally use and recommend Maca Powder.

1. Maca raises energy in a balanced way - Let's face it, if you want to build your body, you've got to exercise and move and to do that you need energy. One of the properties of Maca is that it boosts energy, but it does so in a balanced way, unlike caffeine, carbohydrates or sugar. This gives you increased endurance and muscular stamina which allows you to work out longer and more intensely. Interestingly, a boost in energy is one of the reasons people indigenous to the Peruvian Andes have traditionally used Maca. At high elevations where oxygen is scarce, Maca supports faster muscle recovery.
   
2. Maca is a good source of quality protein - Maca powder contains 4 grams of protein per tablespoon. There is some debate among natural bodybuilders as to how much protein a person should have daily, but the average recommended is about 1.5 grams per 1 KG of body weight. If you weigh 60 KG, for example, you would take 90 grams of protein or so. That figure is based on animal proteins, which are harder for the body to assimilate. Vegetarian bodybuilders need to consume less protein because the body breaks down plant proteins easier. Maca, although not nearly has high as hemp seeds in quantity, is indeed a high quality source of vegan based protein. If you take just 2 tablespoons per day, you already get 8 grams of protein in addition to Maca's other benefits.
3. Maca is anabolic - The word "anabolic" itself means "building up muscle," and that's something Maca helps to do. Several of the natural bodybuilders I researched attest to this fact. Jeff Anderson of naturalbodybuildingtips.com says: "My day always starts with a protein shake. This typically consists of a vegetarian protein source like rice, pea or hemp protein, or some combination of the three. Blend 30-40 grams of protein in 8oz of organic coconut milk and 8-12 oz water. I also add a banana, some mixed frozen berries, a Tbsp of cacao nibs, and 2 Tbsp maca powder to naturally increase my testosterone to build more muscle."
4. Maca balances hormones for both men and women - Maca works as an adaptogen, which means that it adapts to the needs of a specific body based on health condition and gender. Both men and women can benefit from taking Maca for increased athletic performance and bodybuilding because it stimulates the production of balanced levels of appropriate hormones: testosterone for men and estrogen for women. That makes Maca unique among all supplements for muscle building.
5. Maca reduces the size of the prostate - Studies have shown that Red Maca in particular reduces the size of the prostate gland. This is important of course for older men. But it's also important for any males who have ever tried steroids of any kind. Steroids enlarge the prostate, which can lead to some life threatening consequences. Taking Red Maca appears to remedy the situation.
6. Maca is suitable for vegan and raw food vegan bodybuilders - There are some amazingly accomplished natural bodybuilders who've created their strength exclusively through raw food vegan foods. Quality Maca, like ours is always vegan (unless in gelatin capsules) and raw (not treated with heat) except for Gelatinized Maca.

Does Maca Really Work as A Supplement For Muscle Gain?

Although Maca has been used for over 3000 years stretching all the way back to Incan warriors who took it in training and preparation for battle, it only became known outside of Peru in the 1980s. Since then natural bodybuilders and athletes have used it in their training. Here are few examples:

• Stephen Alrin (a.k.a Thor Bazler), author of "Raw Power - The Power of Raw Foods, Upwerfoos and Building Strenght and Muscle Naturally" has used Maca for years and includes it in all his natural raw food bodybuilding supplements.
• Mike Adams, the Health Ranger of http://www.naturalnews.com says this about Maca: "Many bodybuilders use instead of artificial steroids have long been on the natural power of Maca tuber. Maca naturally stimulate the body's own production of testosterone and it gives visible results in strength and endurance sport."
• Peter Ragnar, who has performed various world class feats of strength as a 100% raw vegan, told us that he has gotten great gains in strength using Maca and hemp seed powder.
• Finally, Bijan Anjomi, who captured the title of "Mr. Universe - Natural Division" three times - in the years 1993 and 1994 at ages 51 and 52 - - and finally in 2003 at age 60, did so as a vegan and taking Maca.

Maca is now also making it's way into the mainstream. Here's what Dr. Oz said about it on Oprah Winfrey's website:

"In the heights of the mountains, Peruvian tribesmen get energy by sucking on maca (Lepidium meyenii) plants. This turnip-or radish-shaped vegetable from the mustard family has been used as food and medicine, to promote endurance and improve energy, vitality, sexual virility and even fertility. The data on its increased energy effects seem strong, but the reported side effect is insomnia. It can be obtained in a powder at many stores (Whole Foods, etc.) or from reputable dealers on the Internet. A single teaspoon (that's the dose in the studies) can be added to blender drinks, pancakes and other food products. The teaspoon keeps you going all day long."

How Much Maca To Take For Natural Bodybuilding

Most bodybuilders and athletes I know and talk to take between 1 and 3 tablespoons of Maca per day. At those levels one kilo (2.2 lbs.) of Maca powder will last 45-60 days.

Finally if this article has you curious, I invite you to check out the best selection of Maca Products and Maca information anywhere. Red, Black, Cream, Gelatinized Maca and more from The Maca Team. http://www.raworganicmaca.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_A_Ament

The Wonderful World Of Maca

A Humble Peruvian Root

Have you tried maca powder yet? I have been adding a small amount to my smoothies and really like it. I definitely notice an increase in energy that lasts the whole day when I add it to a morning smoothie. Maca is a root vegetable related to the common radish and has been a staple in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years. Maca grows at an elevation of 11,000 – 14,000 feet making it the highest altitude grown food in the world. Because of the extreme growing conditions in a harsh, cold climate, maca has developed wonderful character and has properties making it an amazing super-food with many benefits. Dried maca powder contains more than 10% protein, nearly 20 amino acids and 7 essential amino acids.

Benefits of Maca

• Improves memory
• Increases oxygen in the blood
• Improves the function of neurotransmitters
• Increases libido
• Increases energy
• Nourishes the glandular system
• Promotes mental clarity
• Balances hormones
• Relieves menopause symptoms
• Promotes deeper sleep
• Balances moods
• Slows the aging process
• Helps adapt to stress
• Increases fertility

I not only like all the benefits of adding maca to my diet but I also love the taste! It has kind of a malty, strong taste so you don’t need much. It is particularly tasty with raw cacao in treats and smoothies. It’s somewhat expensive but my bag lasted a long time. The first bag I bought from Whole Foods and then I bought it in a box online which I found to be cheaper. Give maca a try and reap the wonderful benefits!

Food For Thought

Leanne’s new Power Smoothie!

By: Leanne Ely

One of my very favorite things are smoothies and I’m a regular drinker of them; daily as a matter of fact.

I get asked quite a bit how to make a good one, what kind of blender to use and what kind of fiber to use.

I’ve actually made 3 videos making smoothies (yes, they’re all different) and it I’m already planning on making another. Yes, smoothies are that important!

I consider smoothies to be the perfect breakfast (or any other meal) in a glass. You’ve got your protein (whey, pea/rice blend or hemp), you’ve got your healthy fat (coconut milk), you’ve got your fiber (chia and Medi-bulk) and you have your power berries (phytonutriently rich, plus a bonus of extra fiber). Put that those ingredients altogether and you have a beautifully balanced and healthy meal. In a glass. To go even!

I’ve started adding a new power smoothie in the afternoon and I’m telling you, I feel great. It’s hardcore and not for the faint of heart. It’s entirely green and no, I didn’t blend up Kermit the Frog.

I did whip up some hemp, frozen and dried greens, fiber and coconut water though! Gives me an extra kick in the afternoon and it’s a hugely better choice than the coffee I was drinking before.

Here’s a recipe if you dare to go there!

6 ounces chilled coconut water
3 ounces frozen organic greens (organic spinach is easy)
1 scoop Mighty Maca Greens
1 scoop chia seeds

Put everything in a blender and give it a whir. Pour, drink and then congratulate yourself. That wasn’t easy!

Check out Leanne’s new Smoothie Kit and get a FREE smoothie ebook with 13 recipes!

The Magic of Maca

By Fadzo Chanakira

Health Benefits of Maca Root Powder

By Jaya Patel

Maca Root for Male Sexual Enhancement

By Janos Magyar

Maca: The Superfood, The Facts

About Dr. Jesse Chappus

Maca For Fertility, How It Works and How To Use It - Posted by Nutrients And Health

Posted by Nutrients And Health

Maca Reduces Psychological Symptoms of Menopause

by Shari Henson, HerbClip™ Online

Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) relieves symptoms of menopause, many women choose not to use it because of its undesirable side effects or adverse risks. Instead, they turn to alternative treatments. One alternative therapy, say the authors, is maca (Lepidium meyenii), which is marketed for its reported benefits in relieving menopausal symptoms but has little published scientific data to support its efficacy. The mechanisms by which maca may affect the male or female reproductive system are not clear. The possibility of maca estrogenic effects is based on its content of the poorly-absorbed phytoestrogen ß-sitosterol.(1) Alkaloids, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates are also potential active constituents.2 The authors conducted a study to examine the in vitro estrogenic and androgenic activity of maca and its effects on the hormonal profile and symptoms in postmenopausal women.

This study, designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, was approved by the Human Research Committee of Victoria University in Victoria, Australia. Recruited by community advertisement, 16 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50 to 60 years who were experiencing menopausal symptoms participated in this study. All women reported being amenorrheic for 12 months or more and were experiencing fatigue, lack of energy, difficulty in sleeping, and hot flashes of moderate severity. No HRT had been used for at least 6 months, and no other supplements were being used for menopausal symptoms. Fourteen of the 16 women completed the trial. Mean age of the women was 53.5 (± 10.8) years, and body mass index was 27.1 ± 1.8 kg/m.(2)

Seven women began the placebo treatment, and 7 began the maca treatment. Each woman received maca or placebo for 6 weeks, in random order. For the next 6 weeks, the women changed treatment groups, with the entire study lasting 12 weeks.

Maca was obtained in powder form (Maca Power®, Incan Food, Murwillumbah, NSW, Australia) and given to the women in pre-weighed 3.5-g amounts in plastic sachets. A placebo powder made with refined white rice flour of matching color and consistency was also provided. The women were asked to consume one 3.5-g dose of maca or placebo per day in their breakfast cereal, in a soup, or in a milkshake.

At baseline and at weeks 6 and 12, venous blood samples were collected to measure serum estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Also at those times, the women completed the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) to determine whether there had been any change in the severity of their menopausal symptoms. Statistical significance was determined by a P value <0.05. All data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation.

The authors report that aqueous and methanolic maca extracts were tested for androgenic and estrogenic activity using a yeast-based hormone-dependent reporter assay and that “no physiologically significant estrogenic or androgenic activity was present in the Maca preparation used in the study.” The authors report that serum hormone levels of estradiol, FSH, LH, and SHBG did not change significantly.

The GCS showed, however, that the maca treatment was associated with a significant reduction in psychological symptom scores (30% reduction from baseline values, P < 0.05, and 27% less than after placebo, P < 0.05). Results for the anxiety subscale (one of the GSC subgroups) show a significant reduction after maca treatment compared with baseline (30.8% reduction, P < 0.05) and after treatment with placebo (27.3% decrease, P < 0.05). On the depression subscale, a similar significant reduction in scores occurred after maca compared with either baseline or after placebo (28.9 % and 26.8%, respectively, both P < 0.05). The authors also observed a significant decrease in the sexual dsyfunction subscale of the GCS, where scores after maca intake were 22.9% and 34.6%, respectively, below those reported at baseline and after placebo (both P < 0.05). No significant changes were seen in the somatic or vasomotor subscale scores.

The absence of hormonal effects fails to support the proposal that the action of maca is related to the phytoestrogenic activity of ß-sitosterol. These results, say the authors, are consistent with some studies and inconsistent with others. “Although the active ingredient remains uncertain, given the limited data available on Maca, it is likely that many variables are of importance,” such as the dose given, the type of commercial preparation used, the species or variety of Lepidium from which preparations are derived, and extract protocols and delivery mechanism. The authors discussed how the psychological symptoms may be reduced by maca, noting that flavonoids like kaempferol that inhibit monoamine oxidase may be responsible.

To summarize, maca was effective in this study in reducing psychological symptoms associated with menopause, including anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. However, it did not exert an estrogenic effect in these postmenopausal women, as indicated by the lack of change in plasma estradiol, FSH, LH, and SHBG concentrations. This is in contrast to a preparation of pre-gelatinized organic maca that had previously been shown to increase estradiol and decrease FSH levels while reducing symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats.(3,4)

References

1) Zheng BL, He K, Kim CH, et al. Effect of lipidic extract from Lepidium meyenii on sexual behavior in mice and rats. Urology. 2000;55:598-602.

2) Ruiz-Luna AC, Salazae S, Aspajo NJ, Rubio J, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) increases litter size in normal adult female mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2005;3:16-21.

3) Minigh J. The effects of maca in postmenopausal women. HerbClip. June 30, 2008. (No. 030283-355) Austin, TX: American Botanical Council. Review of Hormone-balancing effect of pre-gelatinized organic maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (II) physiological and symptomatic responses of early-postmenopausal women to standardized doses of maca in double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-centre clinical study by Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H, et al. Int J Biomed Sci. 2006;2(4):360-374.

4) Minigh J. The effects of maca in postmenopausal women (Part 2). HerbClip. July 15, 2008. (No. 030282-356) Austin, TX: American Botanical Council. Review of Hormone-balancing effect of pre-gelatinized organic maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (III) clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to maca in double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study by Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H, et al. Int J Biomed Sci. 2006;2(4):375-394.

Mighty Maca Smoothie - From MINDBODY360.com

I first heard of the superfood, Maca, while listening to raw foods guru David Wolfe. For those of you who have not heard of him, he is wild. Wildly enthusiastic that is. Raw foods is his religion and even though I’m a card carrying member of the “Need Some Cooked Food” crowd, his passion almost made me go raw! In his words, superfoods have the ” … ability to tremendously increase the vital force and energy of one’s body … boosting the immune system, elevating serotonin production, enhancing sexuality, cleansing, lowering inflammation, and alkalizing the body.” What’s not to like? His TOP SUPERFOODS and TONIC HERBS are: Cacao (Raw Chocolate), Goji Berries, Maca, Hemp Products in their RAW form, Spirulina and AFA Blue-Green Algae, Bee Products, Camu Berry, Sea Vegetables, and Medicinal Mushrooms.

I’ve been curious about Maca for awhile, as it’s known to specifically increase energy, boost libido, balance hormones, and has good protein and fiber. So I finally bought a nice little pouch of it and started test driving various smoothie concoctions. Now, Maca has a particular flavor. In large doses it’s just too overpowering for me. So after some trial and error, I stumbled upon a fantastic recipe that also includes Hemp powder, and Cacao powder. Triple play! The result? Energy. Really good energy. I just feel good. And, the taste is seriously delicious. Here’s the recipe:

10 oz. non-daily milk (I used Hemp Milk)

1 Scoop of Maca

1 TBSP Hemp Powder

1 TBSP Cacao Powder

1/2 TBSP Maple Syrup

1/2 tsp Vanilla

1 Banana — frozen in chunks

Dash of sea salt

Blast in a blender. Makes 1 serving.

Recipe from Living On The Vedge

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.

Select your trainer wisely

-Do not discredit a trainer due to his age or appearance.  Often times people flock to the one who displays a sexy outward appearance with zero regard to their level of expertise, commitment to clients, internal motivators, or EXPERIENCE.  Do your homework and carefully select your fitness coach.  You wouldn’t just hire the hottest brain surgeon so what makes your body any less valuable.

-Do not select the cheapest trainer (or the most expensive).  Again do your homework and select based on common sense and whether you will work well with this person.  Check certifications, past client reviews, and if they are truly invested in YOU or your wallet.

-Do they follow their own advice:  do they value others, do they commit themselves to higher goals, check their nutrition and respect for their own body.
 
Never skip breakfast.

o    When you skip breakfast, you may feel starved later and be tempted to reach for a quick fix — such as candy or doughnuts. The prolonged fasting that occurs when you skip breakfast can increase your body's insulin response, which in turn increases fat storage and weight gain. Set your body up for success not fatigue.

o   Breakfast is essential but some people do not have the stomach for it.  Do what you can and make a protein drink or drink Mighty Maca Greens (available in products section of website) mixed with some juice.  That’s what I drink if I have an early client or workout to fuel my morning until my appetite catches up with me.

Eat Fat to Lose Fat.

o    Healthy fats are essential to the body releasing its stored adipose tissue.

o    Low-Fat is one reason why this country is in such a mess health wise.

o    There are two ways to reduce fat storage in the body: 1. Is to starve it - which brings a lowering of the metabolism and fat-storage. 2. Is to feed the body in such a way that it thinks that food is plentiful and readily available.

o    If there is NO fat in the diet, our bodies re-program and begin fat storage. The key is to have enough fat, frequently enough, and keep the metabolism going.
 

Reduce SUGAR

o    One of the few things that has zero health benefit (actually poisons) and should be reduced is sugar. It does not occur readily in nature- our craving for it is learned and can be unlearned. Sugar is majority fructose, and the fructose molecule does not metabolize in the body very well. Most of it winds up in the liver - where its chemical formula means that it will mainly wind up as fat.  This process reduces leptin which is a signal in the body for satiety. Studies suggest that is it more addictive to the body than cocaine.  Since I have not grabbed a Hersey’s Kiss full of cocaine lately, I would not know.

o    When you are craving sweets, sprinkling cinnamon over yogurt, actually tricks the brain into thinking its eating sweets. When we crave sugary sweets, there is a chemical hormone that is sent from our brain making us actually crave the sweets. Cinnamon actually curbs that chemical hormone and makes you feel satisfied.
 
Open your mind to the wisdom of your elders and other ethnicities. 

People are in your life for many reasons and one is for you to get the opportunity to learn all you can from their experiences.
 

Keep a journal

o    Alongside of what you eat write out why you ate it.  Stress, anxiety, loneliness, disappointment, boredom and even excitement can fuel cravings for particular foods. You may crave food as a means of distraction from stressful situations -- or crave comfort foods you enjoyed as a child when you miss loved ones. If your emotions are closely linked to your eating habits, you may crave and reach for snack foods without even realizing the emotional influences at play.
 
Create a vision board

o    Quotations, pictures that inspire, achievements, colors that energize or relax you.
 

Surround yourself with people you respect and respect you
 
Reward yourself.  Not just because but when you deserve it. Massage, Bubble bath, special treat, etc.
 

BE REAL

o    Mentally: Set realistic goals.

o    Spiritually:  Don’t be something you are not.  Go search inside.  Don’t take some hand-me-down version of who people have told you you are.  Find the real YOU.

o    Physically:  Real workouts (walking is not a workout) test the limits of your body.  When you physically train, do not underestimate your capabilities.  Most people have a limit but they are nowhere close to reaching it.

§  Real recovery (you must rest and repair just as intensely and routinely as you workout.  Sitting down on the couch for 30min is not what I mean.)

§  Real food (MOST important rule of my nutrition:  the closer to the original the food is, the better. Processed garbage that has a list of 20+ ingredients that are man-made is not real to your body and will not be processed effectively).
 
Practice silence
 
Sleep and restore. 

Sleep is more impactful to health then both physical exercise and nutrition.
 

Be positive in mind and speech

o    Try daily to increase your positive self-talk as well as in conversations with others.  The effect is tremendous on all aspects of life.

o    Never say “I can’t”
 

Eat more veggies.  Replace the bread, rice, potatoes (aka sugar) with quality veggies. 

No time - take a scoop of Mighty Maca Greens (MMG)
 

Anytime-anywhere! 

Always have a bag with you (like a first aid kit) for a workout.  Clothes, tunes, shoes (if you wear them).
 
Don’t over-train 

More is not necessarily better and can be counterproductive.

Get off the pills

Exercise can reduce the need for many medications-once you start an exercise program, be sure to re-evaluate the need for your medication –maybe you don’t need those depression or high-blood pressure pills anymore. If fitness came in a bottle, everybody would have a great body!
 
BREATHE…

70% of detoxification is breathing
 
Go Barefoot 

No motion-controlling casts (AKA the shoe)

o    Why Barefoot?  Fitness shoe manufacturers have developed advanced technology to cushion and control the motion in our feet and ankles.  Our feet have become weak and stiff through this technology. We can no longer support ourselves in movement bc these shoes do not allow for articulation of joints.  We have lost flexibility, mobility, and balance.  Through disuse, our beautifully created bases have become imbalanced-many muscles atrophied and a few overdeveloped.

o    With the use of a minimalist shoe (I recommend Vibram), one can restore this lost balance and strength.  Reducing pain and injuries to the feet, ankles, and knees.

o    Be aware you should not go straight from a typical fitness shoe to a minimalist shoe without first strengthening the feet and ankles (you wouldn’t take your hands out of casts and do a handstand).  It would take long to repair and soon every fitness activity will be barefoot.

o    More supportive science –check out Dr. Daniel Lieberman (Harvard University)

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?"

http://www.natural-health-journals.com/

There are many benefits to taking Maca Herb Supplement and I will now explain some of them to you.

Maca Root is highly nutritious. It is rich in essential nutrients (especially iodine, iron, calcium, selenium and magnesium), essential fatty acids, fibre, sugars, protein, amino acids, vitamins and carbohydrates.

It is believed to act as an aphrodisiac and so helps with sexual performance. It boosts the libido in men and women. There has been chemical research that has found that within Maca root a chemical called p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate exists which has aphrodisiac properties.

Maca is known to help with sterility and other reproductive sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction, impotence and may increase seminal volume and sperm motility because it balances hormonal activity. The hormonal balancing qualities may also have something to do with balancing the adrenal gland hormones. It enhances sexual performance and endurance. Research claims that with women it increases libido, boosts sex drives and may enhance fertility because of its glucosinolate content.

According to clinical studies Maca helps with premenstrual problems and discomforts (PMS) plus menopausal symptoms by promoting healthy oestrogen and progesterone levels. Maca does not contain plant hormones. It has plant sterols which act as chemical triggers to help the body produce higher level of hormones normally found in the sex and age of the person taking it.

In 1997 a New York doctor, Viana Muller introduced Maca to medics practising Complementary Alternative Medicine at a conference on Anti-Ageing. Dr. Muller explained that Maca Root has been eaten by Peruvians for many years to regulate fertility, hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities. Also it helps with menopausal symptoms like loss of energy and libido, temporary depression, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis.

In athletes, Maca is eaten to boost endurance and increase energy and stamina. It can also help with chronic fatigue syndrome restoring lost vitality and vigour. Maca enhances memory and encourages mental alertness. A long time ago, Spanish chroniclers described Inca warriors who ate boiled Maca Root before going to battle. It would increase their strength and also preserved their energy stores. It is still seen as a beneficial fatigue and lethargy fighter. It helps with memory loss and other disorders which can be caused from not having enough energy.

Maca can reduce thyroidal symptoms. If someone has hypothyroidism which is an under-active thyroid, it is more than likely caused by an hormonal imbalance. This is because the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This in turn, slows down the body’s functions and can lead to lots of physical disorders. A leading cause of hypothyroidism is a deficiency of the chemical element iodine which is a major component of thyroid hormones. The high iodine content and hormone balancing properties within Maca can improve hypothyroidism.

The herb’s rich iron content means that is considered beneficial to people suffering with anaemia. The immune system can be boosted and strengthened by Maca because of its phytochemical contents and so helps the body fight off harmful or foreign substances that may try to damage it. Serious invasive infection can be combated by the glucosinolates found in Maca Root according to current studies.

During stressful situations or times that demand strenuous and demanding activities, Maca is thought to be an adaptogen or agent which balances and normalises bodily functions and systems helping the body to adapt and restore it to an overall sense of well being.

By Eirian Hallinan

Maca root powder is a root plant that is similar in appearance to the turnip but that is often used as a medicinal herb rather than a food. The plant grows in the Andes Mountains and some other regions in South America. The plant is typically found growing naturally in high altitudes and is harvested, dried and powered to be sold in capsules to people around the world.

The Benefits of Maca

Studies have shown that one of the main Maca root powder benefits is that the plant can work to balance hormones by directly working with the body’s endocrine system. The plant is most often used as a way to combat erectile dysfunction that is caused by hormone disruptions, but is also used for other conditions.

For example, a benefit of using Maca is that the plant can improve libido in men and can also improve the quality of sperm produced. While the plant hasn’t been studied extensively, it is most often used to treat sexual dysfunction related to the use of SSRI anti-depressants in both men and women. The powder also has been shown to reduce cholesterol and improve good cholesterol in humans.

Maca is a plant that is known for being very high in glucosinolates, and its regular consumption can exacerbate goiters if enough salt and iodine aren’t also present in the body. The regions where Maca grows naturally include Peru and other areas where iodized salt may not be as readily available as in other, less remote, areas of the world.

In general, Maca is just as safe to eat as any other natural growing plant. Maca root powder has actually been used as a base for flour in many dishes in regions where the plant naturally grows.

How Does Maca Work?

Maca root powder affects the body in several ways. When considering the hormones the plant works by providing the nutrients that the body needs to naturally produce hormones in the amount needed for proper sexual function. Maca has even been used to treat hormone related PMS successfully.

While Maca does effect the production and regulation of hormones it also contains many different nutrients that have a positive affect on the body. While the exact mechanism of Maca root has not been determined scientifically, studies do show some proof of the benefits.

http://www.macarootpowder.org

Maca Root: Properties and Benefits

by Vegalicious Elena


A couple of days ago I started the topic of Superfoods.  We discussed whether there is any truth to the claims and reviewed benefits of certain foods, claimed as superfoods.  Today I would like to give special attention to Maca Root Powder, since it is one of the foods I use nearly on a daily basis.

I came to finding maca root while I was researching ways to reverse hypothyroidism.  When I read about maca’s ability to help balance hormones without negatively affecting them I had to try it.  I knew there would be no harm–it is a plant; so I had nothing to lose and much to gain.  I ordered my first bag of maca through a local co-op [I have to tell you that I LOVE co-ops--the price of maca was about 50% less through the co-op than what I have to pay now].  I strongly believe that maca has been very helpful in my healing process and reversing hypothyroidism.  I could not pin point to tell you if it gives me an energy boost or works in another specific way, since I have a very nutrient rich diet and believe that all of the foods I consume work together in helping me heal, but I have no doubt that raw maca powder does it’s job too.

I am going to recap some of the material we covered earlier about maca and then get a bit deeper into its history and benefits.
Maca Root


Maca is endocrine adaptogen.  Maca does not contain hormones itself, instead it provides a unique set of nutrients that directly fuel the endocrine system and help the glands to produce vital hormones in precise dosages predetermined by one’s own body.

Adaptogen, by definition, is a substance which brings the body to a heightened state of resistance to disease through physiological health and brings balance .
Benefits

    Increases energy and endurance
    Increases stamina
    Alleviates chronic exhaustion (fatigue) syndrome
    Improves sexual function in men and women
    Enhances fertility in people and animals
    Helps to regulate menstrual cycles
    Reduces hormonal dysfunction during menopause and andropause
    Can regulate hormonal imbalances
    Aids in alleviating depression- gives a sense of well being
    Reduces anxiety and stress
    Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system;
    Speeds wound healing and reduces anemia
    Enhances memory, learning, and mental ability
    Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; gives skin a more youthful appearance
    Helps treat anemia, rickets, osteomalacia, and stomach cancer
    Good for healthy teeth and bones
    Acts as a fungistatic and bacteriostatic
    Acts as an anticarcinogen and antioxidant
    Is an alternative to anabolic steroids, helps to build muscle
    Libido enhancer

As an adaptogen, maca works broadly to contribute to overall well-being. It nourishes and calms the nerves with calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12, and fatty acids, all of which work eneficially on the nervous system.

It stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion with calcium, vitamins B1 and B2, B12, and fatty acids. Its phosphorus is a primary building block in the cell fuels Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P).

At the same time it supports the adrenal glands so they don’t have to rely on damaging cortisol to fuel the body. Its sterols, calcium, and vitamin C help build muscle mass and its starches aid in physical endurance. Its alkaloids help the body assimilate all these nutrients just where they are required.

In addition, recent studies of maca also show:

    Its fiber as well as glucosinolate content show promise in helping combat some cancers.
    Bio-available calcium, in conjunction with its alkaloids, make it an effective bond builder, thus reducing osteomalacia and rickets.
    Some of its fatty acids function as fungicides and local antiseptics, which may aid in overall immunity enhancement.
    Tannins bind and precipitate proteins, which improves the nutritional value of maca.
    Saponins and terpenoids may aid as a sedative, expectorant, pain reliever, anti-tumoral, and analgesic.
    Effects general and not localized to a specific organ.
    Normalizing action irrespective of the pathological state.

Background and History

Cultivated for thousands of years at elevations over 13,500-14,000 feet, maca had been an important food and medicinal supplement for villagers who inhabited the Peruvian highlands.   It has even been used as currency, and even in our modern times still is in some regions.

The Incas found maca so potent that the root was prescribed to warriors in preparation for battles to increase their strength and endurance.  It has been told that outside of war-time, however, warriors were banned from consuming maca due to its ability to increase the libido–a fact confirmed by modern science.  During peaceful times the consumption of maca  was restricted to be used only in the royal court.

When Spaniards conquered Incas, they became aware of maca’s value and collected tribute from the Incas in maca roots for export to Spain.  The Spanish royalty learned of maca’s benefits and used it as energy enhancer and for nutrition.  As the time went on, however, the knowledge of maca’s properties had been lost.  It was not until mid- 20th century that this potent plant was rediscovered and regained its place on the list of power plants.

Today maca root is consumed by people from all around the world, including professional athletes, those looking to increase their energy and libido, and by many who suffer from health ailements, one of which is hormone imbalance.


So, is Maca a superfood? As I have said it before, I do not believe that there is one food that we can survive on and live off of–our entire diet must work in harmony to improve our health.  Not everyone will have access to maca, and, although, no one plant is alike, all having different nutrient profiles, the nutrients found in maca can also be found in other plants.  Of course, they might not be all found in the same plant, but each plant has its own super powers.  So, if you have access to maca, like I do, I highly recommend it.  If you do not, do your best to find a combination of different plants to get the same nutrients you can add to your diet.

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.