Maca, also known as Lepidium Meyenii, is used both as a food and for medicinal purposes. It is a root plant that has been used to increase energy, stamina, and sexual function for ages. It is normally ingested in pill form, as a liquid extract, or as powdered maca root. The powdered version can be added to things like juice, shakes, or smoothies. This is perfect for those people who may be on a raw food diet or a diet such as the Paleo Diet.
Found mainly in Peru, the Maca root is generally known around the world for its ability to help with the improvement of sexual drive. It is almost looked upon in a sacred manner by the Incan culture for the benefits it offers. The Incan people believe that it has a superb ability to increase energy and provide mental clarity. The Peruvians have been using it for over 2,000 years!
It is important to note that studies show that this extract DOES, in fact, boost libido, but it does not work as a testosterone booster — serum testosterone levels remain the same in all double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies we’ve seen that use Maca. [Sources 1,2]
Maca – How it Works
This special root is a fantastic adaptogen because it allows the body to quickly and easily adapt to and manage whatever stress factors in which it is exposed. There are four alkaloids found in Maca that are known to improve the body’s endocrine system. Additionally, Maca is a whole food that is packed with nutritional value. It contains valuable vitamins, plant sterols, essential minerals, amino acids, and healthy fats. This alone makes it a valuable food for athletes, fitness experts, body builders, or anyone who may want to lower stress and increase energy. Maca can be used in conjunction with a Testosterone Booster to see a large increase in sexual performance.
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Although there are few clinical studies that confirm the health benefits of Maca, it has been used for generations to increase energy and stamina. It is widely known as a functional aphrodisiac and an all natural way to help sexual performance and fertility. People that use Maca regularly have said that it helps fix fatigue, infertility, menopause symptoms, and sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Some say it helps to aid in the treatment of cancer, but there is very little evidence to support this claim.
Various types of Maca include yellow maca, black maca, and red maca. To date black maca appears to have the highest effect in regards to helping with the improvement of sexual function and sperm count. The next most effect version is yellow maca, followed closely by red maca.
There have been several studies that linked Maca with the suppression and alleviation of anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women. The study resulted in an overall decrease in anxiety and depression, as well as an overall increase in the sexual function of these women.
Maca Dosage
Typical dosage levels range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg up to three times per day. How much you need to see the minimal effective dose will largely be determined by your body’s chemical makeup. You can visit a doctor for their opinion, or simply start at the smallest dose and work your way up until you reach your desired results.
What’s great is that this can be stacked with our preferred testosterone booster, Cellucor P6 Extreme, so that you can get the adaptogenic effects of maca as well as the boost in testosterone and strength from the P6.
Maca Side Effects
There have not been any serious side effects associated with the moderate usage of Maca. A full clinical trial that would determine the range of side effects associated with the supplement has yet to be completed. However, there have been side effects associated with the usage of Maca at high dosage amounts. It has the ability to interfere with thyroid disease medication and may irritate an existing thyroid issue. The consumption of Maca may cause the speed of goiter growth to increase. Other side effects at high doses include insomnia, hot flashes in women, rashes, or hives. It is important to note that there is no evidence that suggest any of these side effects would appear in users when taken as recommended.
If you are looking for increased energy, stamina, sexual performance, decreased anxiety, and decreased depression, then it may benefit you greatly to start taking a Maca supplement. It is an all natural whole food packed with nutrition that is perfect for anyone who may be on a raw diet or a diet like the Paleo diet. Body builders and fitness enthusiasts will find that Maca will give them the drive they need to meet their goals. Give Maca a try today and you won’t ever go back!
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12472620
[2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17289361