Juicing For Health - Maca Root Health Benefits
Maca Root Health Benefits
Maca has always been one of my favorite adaptogenic herbs when i was suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and hormonal imbalances. So i thought id do a little article on the benefits of this magical Peruvian root.
Maca or also known as Lepidium meyenii is a herbaceous plant native to Peru. It is the root which is used as a food and as a medicinal herb. Maca is probably one of the most known and commonly used superfoods worldwide alongside the likes of goji berries and wheatgrass.
Maca is most commonly recommended to those suffering from hormonal problems such as PMS(premenstrual syndrome), menopause, estrogen dominance and other hormonal disorders. It is also often used by those with low adrenal gland function(adrenal fatigue) or chronic fatigue syndrome due to its adaptogenic properties.
Maca Health Benefits
- Adaptogenic Properties
- Balance Hormones
- Increase Energy
- Increase Libido/Sex Drive
- Rich Source Of Nutrients
- Miscellaneous Benefits
Maca root is considered an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogen herbs help increase the bodies resistance to stress whether the stress is a physical or emotional ailment it doesnt matter. Adaptogens helps normalize body functions one in particular is to restore proper adrenal gland and endocrine function.
One of the best benefits to using maca is its ability to balance hormones naturally. This makes maca great for a variety of hormonal disorders such as PMS(pre-menstrual syndrome), menopause, andropause and various other conditions which involve unbalanced hormones.
Maca does not stimulate production or directly work on any particular hormone, its hormone balancing effects come from its adaptogenic properties which aid the adrenal glands and support the endocrine system.
Much like other adaptogenic herbs, maca provides a non central nervous stimulating and adrenal gland friendly way to naturally increase energy. Adaptogenic herbs support the adrenal glands and dont cause burn out like various other CNS stimulants such as caffeine. Maca has also been shown to increase stamina and endurance.
Another of macas most prized benefits is its ability to increase libido and boost sex drive. Studies have shown maca can heighten libido and sexual desire and may even alleviate SSRI induced erectile dysfunction. If that wasnt enough maca has shown in studies to boost fertility by increasing sperm quality, volume, motility and production.
Maca is a source source of nutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids, sterols, vitamins, minerals such as selenium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Maca is also rich in over 60 health boosting phyto-chemicals/compounds which are where alot of its benefits stem from also.
Maca has also shown various other benefits such as having fungistatic, bacteriostatic, anticarcinogen, antioxidant properties.
There are so many different ways to incorporate maca root into your diet. The easiest and best way is to take it stand alone i.e off the spoon or in a little water or juice preferably 20-30 minutes before meals so food doesnt interfere with the absorption of any of the beneficial amino acids and compounds maca contains.
Other ways you can take maca is by adding it to your smoothie which seems to be a popular choice for many. You can also add it to other raw food recipes and baked goods. Maca has quite a nice sweet malty taste so it is quite palatable for those who dont like horrible tasting herbs and superfoods.
There is quite alot of confusion in the raw food world in that many believe maca is a stimulant. Maca does not stimulate the CNS(Central Nervous System) and thus isnt a stimulant in the way caffeine is. Infact it is not a stimulant in anyway as it doesnt even stimulate production of hormones etc, its benefits on hormonal balanace, increased sex drive and energy and thought to come from its nutrient and various compounds it contains. Not only that but maca is adrenal gland friendly and a non central nervous stimulating way of increasing your energy naturally much like other adaptogenic herbs.
Maca Root Side Effects
Maca root is generally free of any serious side effects and is tolerated well by most when used in the correct dosages. Half to 1 Teaspoon up to 3 times daily more than suffices to get the benefits from maca. It is little wonder some have problems with maca when there using tablespoons upon tablespoons in there smoothies at one time. Much like other foods and herbs there will be a small percentage of individuals who may be allergic or are sensitive to maca.
Purchasing Maca Root
If you wish to purchase the best quality maca then please visit Organic Maca Powder.
Recommended Herbal Retailers
Indigo Herbs are a good retailer of herbal powders and superfood products, if you wish to purchase these please use the link below as it helps keep our site running. Thanks.
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