Maca root is a cruciferous root vegetable normally sold in health food stores in powder form. Maca root can improve your stamina, fertility and eliminate erectile dysfunction, according to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." However, clinical scientific evidence does not generally support these claims. The root originally came from South America and the indigenous population of Peru has used the root for medicinal purposes for many generations. The root is high in iodine and is toxic to some individuals so be sure to consult your doctor.
Dangers of Maca
Maca root has high levels of iodine that can become dangerous if you have any conditions that iodine affects. Excessive iodine can trigger autoimmune thyroid disease and hypothyroidism. This excess iodine can also block the thyroid's ability to make certain hormones. Additional side effects include cardiac problems, increased fatigue and allergies, according to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments." If you experience any adverse reaction to maca root, immediately discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Composition
The Maca root also contains glucosinolates, types of compounds that have both dangerous and beneficial qualities. In large quantities, gluscosinolates can cause goiters, according to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." However, gluscosinolates also have cancer-fighting properties. Maca also contains protein, calcium, magnesium and potassium. In addition, it contains other minerals such as iron, zinc and copper. It also has many amino acids and vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin and ascorbic acid. Therefore, Maca root offers proteins, essential minerals and vitamins.
Safety and Benefit
The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has not evaluated the safety or effectiveness of Maca root. Available scientific evidence at the time of publication did not support either the risks associated with Maca or its purported benefits. The studies were either conducted on animals and therefore not necessarily relevant to humans, or were small, limited studies that did not have a large enough sample size to draw definitive scientific conclusions.
Purported Uses
Several South American cultures use maca root as a dietary supplement. Additionally, according to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," maca root may offer benefits to women during menopause and potentially serve as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. Further, maca root is also an herbal supplement used to treat impotence, osteoporosis, menstrual problems and lethargy.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction) - Lifestyle Changes
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Disclamer
- Drugs: Complete Maca Information
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
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