Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable originating in the Peruvian Andes. It grows on some of the most hostile agricultural lands in the world, where the soil is rich in volcanic minerals, exposed to freezing temperatures, fierce winds and intense sunlight. Maca is the only known plant that can grow and prosper at such great heights and in such terrible weather. For over two millennia, native Peruvians have used Maca root as food and medicine to promote fertility, resilience, energy, vitality and sexual virility. Native Peruvians consume Maca as part of their regular diet and have very low breast, uterine and prostate cancer rates.
How Maca works
Maca root is an adaptogenic plant which has been proven to improve fertility in men and women alike. Containing 31 minerals and 60 different phytonutrients, Maca is a nutritive food for the endocrine system, supporting the pituitary gland, the adrenal glands and the thyroid (all of these being involved in hormonal balance). Maca has the capacity to influence key hormones in women and men alike, although it contains no hormones itself.
The plant has been researched for its usefulness in view of increasing fertility since 1961 and it was proven to contain specific compounds called glucosinolates, which directly influence fertility in men and women. These alkaloids are responsible for Maca’s capacity to support hormonal balance.
The benefits of Maca
• Tonic for the endocrine system
One of the main effects of Maca is stimulating and feeding the hypothalamus, which regulates the pituitary gland (hypophysis) and acts as a tonic for the hormonal system. When the pituitary gland functions optimally, the entire endocrine system becomes balanced, as the pituitary gland controls the other glands’ hormone secretion.
• It supports hormonal balance
In women, Maca acts by controlling the oestrogen levels in the body. A too high or too low oestrogen level at the wrong time may prevent a woman from getting pregnant or taking the pregnancy to term. Excess oestrogen also determines a decline in progesterone levels. Maca may help increase progesterone levels, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
In men, oestrogen causes erectile dysfunction or lack of libido, low sperm count and poor seminal fluid production. Studies have shown that men who use Maca may experience increased libido and have healthier sperm.
• It supports the normal sexual function
In men who use Maca, studies record an increase in libido, higher sperm count and motility, lower anxiety and stress levels, lower blood pressure, normal iron levels in the body and an increase in adrenal androgens.
• An adaptogenic role
Maca also has adaptogenic properties, which means it helps boost the body, which is thus capable to withstand stress and illness better. It supports adrenal glands and balances the functions of the body. For a plant to be considered adaptogenic, it must be non-toxic or harmless to any organ of the body and it must be able to be consumed safely for longer periods of time. Maca is classified as an adaptogenic plant.
How to use Maca
When you buy Maca, make sure the product contains only Maca root, no leaves or stem. Maca is available as powder, capsules or tincture. It is also available in different concentrations.
Safety and side effects
Maca is a beneficial plant that has been used for thousands of years and consumed daily as a food and medicinal product by Peruvians. Based on its long history of administration as food, we can say Maca is safe. Toxicity studies have shown it has absolutely no toxic effect and no pharmacological side effect. Very few women have shown gastric disorders. Some women deal with slight vaginal bleeding or notice a change in their menstrual cycle when they begin to use Maca. This is normal and is a sign that the body begins to balance its hormonal system.
Use during pregnancy
As a safety measure, most manufacturers state their supplements should not be taken during pregnancy. No studies have been conducted on the use of Maca during pregnancy. Acute toxicity studies and cytotoxicity assessments have shown the lack of any proof of potential toxicity of the plant, but as no studies have been conducted on its use during pregnancy, we cannot state it is safe to use during this period.
As you can see from the list of beneficial effects that Maca may have on the body, this plant is a superfood for tonus and fertility. Maca may complement any fertility stimulating treatment and should be used daily to obtain good results.