Mighty Maca!

The Maca root has been used for roughly two thousand years for its nutritional and medicinal properties, to promote endurance and improve energy, vitality, sexual virility and fertility.

by Helena Hall
Nutritionist and Industry advisor


Problems conceiving and low libido often go hand in hand. Most couples are able to conceive within the first 12 months of trying, but if you are one of the 20% of couples who don’t conceive in that first year, it can be terribly frustrating and often results in a reduction in libido, as sex becomes a chore rather than something to enjoy.

“Maca is a Peruvian perennial plant that is predominantly at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains.”

Libido problems don’t just affect couples trying to conceive. Menopausal and postmenopausal women can experience decreased libido, fewer or less intense orgasms and vaginal dryness due to physiological changes as a result of the menapouse, depression or marital discord. In addition, half of all men over 50 have low or abnormally low levels of ‘free’ testosterone – testosterone that can be used by the body. If these levels fall below a critical threshold, men may develop symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, irritability, lack of assertiveness,decreased energy, problems with concentration and loss of short-term memory, as well as more specific things like loss of libido, problems with erection, premature ejaculation and loss of feeling during orgasm.

Hope from Peru

But now new research on a herb called Maca has come to light which has shown real results when dealing with these sexual health problems. Maca is a Peruvian perennial plant that is found predominantly at high altitudes in the Andes Mountains. The Maca herb root has been used for about two thousand years – since the time of the Incas – for its nutritional and medicinal properties to promote endurance and improve energy, vitality, sexual virility and fertility.

“Maca is an important nutrient in the diet of native Peruvian people as it has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown there.”

Maca is an important nutrient in the diet of native Peruvian people as it has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown there. It is rich in sugars, protein, starches and essential nutrients, like iodine and iron. Maca is now being used throughout the world to prevent anaemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, stomach cancer, sexual disorders and memory dysfunction. Dried Maca herb root is like a super multivitamin supplement. In addition to vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients, it also contains a high concentration of protein or amino acids. Amino acids in turn play a major role in many cellular functions in the body. They manufacture neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenalin that regulate mood and arousal. They also regulate and balance the endocrine system as well as boosting energy levels.Maca is thought to regulate hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen, helping to restore healthy functional status in men which results in a more active libido.

QUIZ
If you answer ‘yes’ to one or more of the questions listed you may benefit from taking Maca:
1. Have you been trying to conceive for more than 6 months?

2. Do you suffer from fatigue or stress, or are so busy that you don’t have much free time?

3. Are you depressed or often feeling low?

4. Do you have any sexual problems within your relationship?

5. Are you rarely in the mood for sex (less than once per month)?

Recent Research

Recent research (Oct, 2006) conducted by scientist Gustavo Gonzales of Peru’s Cayetano Heredia University showed that Maca increased sperm count as a result of enhanced spermatogenesis (development of sperm).

In addition, a three-month trial involving 12 men pointed to an increase in sex drive within just two weeks and an overall 180- 200% lift in libido. The research also found that taking Maca resulted in a doubling of sperm production.

Other research has demonstrated improved sperm motility. This could have significant value in the treatment of male infertility and reduced libido.

“Maca is though to regulate hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen, helping to restore healthy functional status in men.”

Maca may be able to help boost libido and healthy sperm but it isn’t thought to have any effect on erectile dysfunction. However L-Arginine is an important amino acid which can be taken alongside Maca to help prevent erectile dysfunction. It is converted by the body into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the substance in the body that encourages the spongy parts of the penis to fill with blood during an erection. L-Arginine is also involved in the production of sperm and is an extremely rich component of seminal fluid (accounting for up to 80% of it).

Toxicity studies conducted on Maca in the U.S. showed absolutely no toxicity or adverse pharmacologic effects. Although due to its effects on the endocrine system Maca is not recommended for women with breast, ovarian, uterine or other hormone-related cancers. It is not recommended for men with prostate or testicular cancer or with enlarged prostates or for anyone with high blood pressure or serious gall bladder or liver disease. The use of fertility drugs; ginseng, black cohosh, dong quai or liquorice root along with Maca is not recommended. Over time beneficial effects of Maca may subside, therefore taking a ‘holiday’ from taking Maca may help maintain its beneficial effects.

Maca has been used to enhance vitality among the indigenous cultures of the Andes for thousands of years. Maca is rich in nutrients and phyto-chemicals, which may help infertility, menopouse, rheumatism thought to work by regulating hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, and oestrogen. If you’d like a boost to your libido, a boost in your workout, or just something to make your day glide by more energetically, Maca may help