During the Incan empire, maca was cultivated for use as both a nutritious food, and for its enhancement of energy and sexual function. Maca has been used for thousands of years to relieve menopausal symptoms and increase energy, libido, stamina, and mental clarity. Traditional consumers of maca have a saying: “Maca is Life, Maca is Health”.

Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) is a plant that grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes where the soil is very rich in minerals. Maca has been consumed for thousands of years by the indigineous population of the Peruvian highlands. The Incan warriors consumed maca before battle for increased stamina. Studies show that consumption of maca can increase libido in both men and women. It is no wonder it is often known as “Peruvian Gingseng” and “Peruvian Viagra”.

The Spaniards discovered Maca during their conquest of South America. The high altitudes were playing havoc with the fertility of their animals. At the suggestion of the locals, the Spaniards fed maca to their livestock. The results were dramatic; in fact the Spaniards began collecting taxes in maca as well as gold. Maca was shipped back to Spain where it was well known for its potency increasing qualities.

Maca should be regarded as a food rather than a medicine. Maca works as an adaptogen, acting through the hypothalamus and pituitary, balancing hormone production according to the specific needs of the individual. Through optimizing the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary master glands it also balances and optimizes the functioning of the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas.

Maca only grows in mineral rich soils making maca an important dietary source of many minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and silica with traces of many other minerals. The 250 mg of calcium per 100g of maca makes maca a very rich source of this vital nutrient. Maca is used in Peru to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Maca also contains over 55 naturally occurring, beneficial phyto-chemicals. The vitamins B1, B2 and C are found in maca in significant quantities.

“Nine years after Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham took an exploratory trek to the Peruvian highlands, a treasured traditional super-food called Maca has entered the U.S. consumer mass market. Today, Wal-Mart has placed Medicine Hunter Maca Stimulant(R) on the shelves of 3480 stores, coast-to-coast.” PR Newswire, May 14, 2007.

“This product opens a new chapter in healthful rapid action energy stimulation,” explains ethnobotanist Kilham, who is Explorer in Residence at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “Maca is one of the greatest super-foods of all time”.

Maca has no known side effects; the Peruvians have eaten maca for five thousand years. Maca is eaten as a staple food, so you can eat as much as needed. Start with 1 teaspoon a day. Maca is a great addition to your smoothie.

References:

Kilham, Chris. Maca: secret of the Incas. Better Nutrition, Sept, 1999.

Peruvian Maca. Healthy & Natural Journal. December 1, 2000

Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2001 Dec;3(4):301-3.

Gonzales GF. (2004) Of Maca and Men: Peru. In: Sharing Innovative Experiences Vol. 9: Development of Pharmaceutical Products from Medicinal Plants in the Developing World. UNDP/TCDC, TWNSO and TWAS: Trieste, Italy. 2004.

Gonzales, G. F., Gasco, M., Córdova, A., Chung, A., Rubio, J., Villegas, L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m). Journal of Endocrinology, 2004 (Vol. 180) (No. 1) 87-95

Wright, Tim. Move over Viagra: an overview of the latest on sexual function nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals World, June 1, 2002