Maca is a root vegetable related to the potato family and grows in the mountains of Peru. It is the highest altitude growing plant in the world and is packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, according to the HealthGuidance website. Maca root is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body's ability to cope with stress and restores vitality and balance overall, reports the FeelBetterThanEver website.
The information in this article is not intended to replace medical advice. Check with your health care provider before taking alternative supplements.
Maca Increases Energy
Since maca is an adaptogen, it supports and revitalizes the body's adrenal glands, resulting in greater endurance and fortitude, states the website AWayofBeing. Athletes and weight lifters use maca as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. Muscle-Health-Fitness advises that taking maca has a permanent and rejuvenating effect on the body, since it works to restore the adrenal glands and does not burn them out.
Maca Treats Sexual Dysfunction
One of the more widely known benefits of maca is its enhancement of sexual function. It is commonly known as an aphrodisiac. In a clinical trial published in the "Asian Journal Of Andrology," maca increased libido by 180 percent, as reported by AWayofBeing.org. Dr. Aguila Calderon, M.D., from Lima, Peru states that "Peruvian maca root is very useful in treating male impotence, erectile dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, and general fatigue."
Maca Balances Hormones
Although maca is often taken for sexual enhancement, women take it for perimenopausal symptoms more than for other reasons. Maca affects the endocrine system, containing many nutritive properties that enable the glands to supply new hormones, and is being used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, according to NaturalNews.com. The website HealthGuidance states that maca significantly decreases hot flashes, nourishes the glandular system and brings hormones into balance. Dr. Cynthia Watson, M.D., states: "I give my patients a choice; either natural hormones which are made to be bioidentical to human estrogen and progesterone or Peruvian maca root extract. The ones who have chosen to go with Peruvian maca root extract are doing phenomenally well."
Maca Improves Emotional Well-Being
Besides the physical health benefits of maca, HealthGuidance states that it works to help balance moods, treat PMS and promote a general feeling of well-being. Because it is full of nutrients and vitamins, providing long-lasting support, NaturalNews claims that it grants relief from stress and anxiety as well as producing mental clarity.
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