Andean Maca (Cert Org)

Energy and Stamina

Read the PDF product profile for Maca and Una de Gato (another Peruvian herb)

Native Peruvians of the high Andean plateaus have used maca for well over 10,000 years. Growing at elevations of 12,500 - 14,000 feet above sea level, it is a cruciferous root vegetable that was traditionally known for its power of increasing energy and stamina and sexual potency. The Incas even came to restrict its use to royalty. The conquering Spaniards learned about maca and brought back tons of it to Spain. Over time, however, knowledge of maca had almost died out beyond the remote Andes, that is, until today. Maca, only just recently, has been rediscovered for its nutritional and medicinal value.

Maca’s reputation for energy and libido enhancement is biochemically based on its ability to stimulate hormonal activity. In contrast to medical therapies that introduce hormones from the outside into the body, as in hormone replacement therapy, maca acts naturally to increase the body’s own hormone production. This applies both to men and women. It can act as a general aphrodisiac, it increases male libido and reverses the symptoms of andropause— the gradual decline in male potency—, and also aids in correcting female hormonal imbalances of PMS and symptoms commonly experienced with menopause. Maca, because it is rich in natural hormone precursors, is able to help regulate the hormonal secretions of the hypothalamus, adrenal glands, pituitary, and pancreas. Many studies have been done that confirm what the traditional Peruvian healers of the Andes had always known about maca.

Maca’s properties of enhancing physical energy and endurance also make it a mood elevator and anti-depressant, and so is useful for combating chronic fatigue syndrome. It stimulates the central nervous system, therefore is able to increase mental clarity; it also promotes sound sleep. Its nutritional benefits include building muscle tissue and strengthening bones, hair, skin, and nails. It’s strongly adaptogenic nature improves the overall vitality and balance of the body.

The rich nutritional profile of maca includes amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, and E, as well as many minerals, including significant calcium, magnesium, potassium, and also iron, silica, zinc, iodine, manganese, and copper. Beneficial sugars (glyconutrients) in Maca help regulate metabolism and supports the immune system.

Maca is truly a powerful revitalizing and rejuvenating natural supplement with a pleasant, sweet flavor, today often used in nutritional drinks, smoothies, and as a dessert ingredient.