My morning shake consists of several different ingredients; a rice protein powder from the company I work for which helps to reduce inflammation, supports the liver and gallbladder during detoxification, and provides healthy vitamins and minerals, a scoop of protein powder, a scoop of powdered greens, a piece of fruit (usually a banana or blueberries), kale or swiss chard, maca root powder, ice and water; yum! The new additions to my shake have been the protein powder and the maca root. Both of these items have been added to help support me during intense workouts. They give my muscles fuel to burn so that I am not burning my muscles instead.
One website claims that by consuming Maca, "you may be able to train harder, recover faster, and even lift heavier weights."
Maca root as I have recently learned is a pretty incredible plant. The maca plant can be found in Peru, and has been nicknamed the “Peruvian ginseng.” Although it is not related to ginseng, the maca root has been noted to increase strength, energy, stamina, libido, and sexual function.
So what is Maca exactly?
The true name of the plant is, Lepidium Meyenii, and it produces a radish-like root. Back during the height of the Incan empire, word has it that the Incan warriors would consume maca before fighting in battle, helping to increase their strength and stamina.
The maca plant has seemed to have grown in popularity in the last few years as people have started learning about its sex boosting properties as well. Arizona physician Gary Gordon, M.D., and former president of the American College for Advancement in Medicine, is a maca supporter. "We all hear rumors about various products like maca. But using this Peruvian root myself, I personally experienced a significant improvement in erectile tissue response. I call it nature's answer to Viagra.”
What properties of the Maca plant can be contributed to these special sex-enhancing effects? Well the plant contains proteins, carbohydrates, and various fatty acids, but the unique ingredients lie in two compounds; the macamides and the macaenes. These two compounds are said to be directly responsible for the sex-boosting properties.
According to Discovery Health:
"To test this idea, researchers conducted a series of controlled animal experiments, the results of which were published in the April 2000 issue of the medical journal Urology. Rodents fed MacaPure extract, which contains a concentration of macamides and macaenes, demonstrated greatly increased energy and stamina. The animals also exhibited a striking increase in sexual activity as compared with non-maca-fed animals, or those fed lesser amounts of macamides and macaenes. So how does this translate to humans? Individuals who consume maca also get sexual results. Men and women with low libido feel a boost in sexual desire, and men with erectile problems notice marked improvement in sexual function."
Maca is also an adaptogen, meaning that it provides lots of broad spectrum support without any negative side effects. In studies thus far no toxicity has been shown or any adverse pharmacologic effects. The Peruvians on average take around 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams of maca a day. Feel free to take more or less depending on how you feel.
According to the Maca website here are some additional benefits:
- Increases energy and endurance
- Increases stamina
- Improves sexual function in men and women
- Enhances fertility in people and animals
- Reduces hormonal dysfunction during menopause & andropause
- Can regulate hormonal imbalances
- Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; Speeds wound healing and reduces anemia
- Enhances memory, learning, and mental ability
- Has a beneficial action on the circulatory system; gives skin a more youthful appearance
- Good for healthy teeth and bones
- Supports the adrenal glands
- Acts as a fungistatic and bacteriostatic
- Acts as an anticarcinogen and antioxidant
- Is an alternative to anabolic steroids, helps to build muscle
- Is non addictive
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