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Maca Facts

Mar 3, 2011 | By Nicole Wolf

Maca is available at some health food stores. It's generally available in powder, capsule, liquid or tablet form, although you may find it in root form as well. Native to South America, this relative of the mustard plant is also known as Peruvian ginger. It has many uses -- both scientifically confirmed and unproven.

Culinary Use

In use for thousands of years as food, Maca has high nutritional value and is revered by those living in the Andes region of South America for its medicinal properties. You may eat maca root, which has a scent similar to butterscotch, raw or cooked, although many people dry the root for storage. The maca root often gets incorporated into gelatins and jams, and some people brew the maca root into a sweet drink known as maca chichi. You may also shred the root to make a type of cereal similar to porridge.

Prostate Cancer Protection

Maca may offer benefits for your prostate. Research published in the January 2005 issue of the journal "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology" indicates that red maca -- maca root comes in red, yellow and black -- decreases prostate size in animal studies. Scientists theorize that this function may lend itself to a lesser risk of developing prostate cancer, although human studies are needed to confirm findings.

Fertility and Sexual Benefits

Historically, maca root has been used for its alleged fertility and sexual health benefits, and modern herbalists may prescribe it for these reasons. Scientific research is mixed about its effectiveness, however. Evidence in the January 2003 edition of "The Journal of Endocrinology" notes that taking maca -- male study participants took 1500mg or 3000mg over 12 weeks -- does not influence levels of reproductive hormones in the body. Other evidence suggests that maca does increase sexual desire. The medical journal "Androlgia" published a study in December 2002 that correlates the consumption of 1,500mg or 3,000mg by men over four to 12 weeks with improved sexual interest.

Taking Maca

Drugs.com recommends taking maca with food and ingesting 450mg in capsule form three times daily. If you have a thyroid condition, discuss adding it to your diet with your physician. The glucosinolates in this root may result in goiter if you take high levels of maca. Do not take maca if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. No research identifies its safety for fetuses and babies.

References

Article reviewed by Anton Alden Last updated on: Mar 3, 2011

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