Classified as a superfood, or the best kind of food, Maca root has been known in traditional Peruvian medicine for thousands of years. Nowadays, it has gained fame primarily as an effective but natural remedy for potency and fertility. However, it also has many other valuable effects due to its many valuable nutrients. The fact that it is allegedly included in the food served to American astronauts may attest to its qualities.
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What is peppergrass, or Maca?
Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum is a unique plant found in areas of extremely difficult vegetation, namely the central massifs of the Peruvian Andes, rising to an altitude of 4000 metres.
Maca, otherwise known as peppergrass, Peruvian ginseng, pepper herb, has a unique ability to adapt to hostile conditions – rocky ground, large temperature differences, sudden gusts of wind.
Maca belongs to the cabbage family and the genus peppercorns. Its closest relatives are rapeseed, mustard, turnip and cabbage. It is a low-growing plant, reaching up to 20 cm in height, and its edible part is the root which comes in colors ranging from white, cream and yellow through red and purple to black. The unique properties of Maca have been used by the local people for many centuries. According to tradition, Maca root was consumed by warriors and shepherds to increase the body’s endurance needed to survive in extremely difficult conditions.
Maca root – composition
It is probably the unfavorable environment and the extraordinary endurance enforced by it that made Maca such an unusual plant. The root is characterized by an extremely rich content of valuable nutrients. Maca is abundant in amino acids, nutrients, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It contains approx. 60% ofcarbohydrates, approx. 10% of protein,and 3% of fatin almost ideal proportionsfor bodyneeds. What is more, apart from easily assimilable carbohydrates, it contains fibre which has a beneficial effect on digestion, completeprotein, consisting of essential amino acids, including endogenous ones, as well as unsaturated and saturated fatty acids.
In Peruvian ginseng, we can also find vitamins that play an essential role in life processes: thiamine, i.e. vitamin B1, riboflavin, i.e. vitamin B2, niacin, i.e. vitamin B3, ascorbic acid, i.e. vitamin C, as well as minerals, such as copper, zinc, manganese, iron, selenium, boron. Maca root also contains phytosterols, i.e. substances that form plant cell membranes and have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, as well as glucosinolates, which protect against pathogens, including those that cause cancer.
Maca root – properties
Although Maca root is associated mainly with effects on sexual desire and fertility, the range of its positive properties is much wider. First of all, it is a so-called adaptogen, which means that it normalizes the physiological functions of the body, as if adjusting to the type of problem or disorder present in the body. An adaptogen balances the endocrine, nervous, circulatory, and muscular systems, reduces physical, chemical, and biological stress on the body, allowing it to become more resistant to difficult conditions.
Maca not only supports the work of the endocrine system and other organs important for the functioning of the entire organism, but also slows downthe ageing processes ofthe organism, improves well-being bothphysically, as well as and mentally, has anenergising effect , strengthens the physical endurance of the organism, improves the work of the mind, memory and memory capacity. It also reducestherisk of cancer, alleviates symptoms PMS and ofmenopause.
Maca – support for active
A muscular
This kind of effect results from the properties of sterols present in the Maca root, whose action is similar totheaction of anabolicsteroids. Thus, using a supplement based on this natural plant ingredient will have a positive effect on strengthening thebody, increasing endurance, increasingmuscle mass and better muscleelasticity .
Maca root – effects on the nervous system
Similarly to ginseng, Maca root is an adaptogen, which means that it supports resistance ofthe organismto stresses and traumaticexperiences in a physiological way. It is excellent for chronic fatigue syndrome, exhaustion, anxiety, stress and depression.
It is also recommended for the elderly and people whose work involves intensive mental effort, asit influences improvement of cognitivefunctions, memory and concentration. Supplementation with Maca root contributes to increased energy and endurance, but also promotes rational judgment and increased resistance to stress.
Effects on libido and fertility
According to accounts, Maca root was also used by the Peruvian Indians as an effective remedy for erectile dysfunction, to enhance sexual performance and to improve fertility in both men and women. No wonder that in its dried form it is now one of the main ingredients of potency drugs. It is also considered a natural aphrodisiac.
Research has shown that the root of this plant increases sexual drive in men and facilitates erection, as well as improves spermproduction and spermviability , thus positively affecting fertility. This is due to the presence of high-value protein, which is a prerequisite for good sexual performance.
Maca also has a positive effect on ovulation in women, relieves menstrual disorders and menopause symptoms, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, common during menopause.
Maca root – opinions
Among comments posted on the net there are mostly positive opinions on about Maca, mainly in relation to potency in men. However, there are claims that the supplement plays the role of a placebo rather than genuinely helping. In addition, it is pointed out that consumption of Maca root may cause side effects in cases of prostate inflammation, thyroid disease and kidney problems.
Maca root – how to use
Maca root
If you are primarily concerned about potency problems or low libido, you may also want to consider other supplements that focus on these issues. Apart from root Maca they contain also other ingredientswhichareimportant for sexualperformance , a cumulation on one target makes more effective.
Among the recommended preparations are among the recommended preparations are among others: among others:
- Testolan – which compensates for the effects of testosterone deficiency, has a beneficial effect on potency and libido, while strengthening and increasing muscle mass volume.
- Eron Plus – which contributes to increased testosterone production, erectile power and overall improved physical condition.
- Femin Plus – aimed at women, stimulating sexual desire, increasing libido levels and promoting greater satisfaction with erotic life.