Maca Root regulates hormones

An adaptogenic powerhouse

When you look at the science, Maca root is one of the most fascinating and versatile superfoods I’ve come across. Maca root (typically consumed in powder form) is an adaptogen, which means it helps regulate certain functions in the body – for instance hormones or blood pressure whether too high or too low. Maca root is a fantastic hormone regulator and has been shown in scientific studies to increase libido and alleviate sexual dysfunction and increase libido in both genders. In multiple studies involving mice, Maca has been shown to improve brain function and reduce prostate sizes. Post menopausal women taking maca for 6 weeks saw a reduction in both depression and anxiety. It’s an acquired taste (I love it now – too bitter at first) and great in smoothies.

Maca root is an incredible tool for athletes to increase endurance. No significant negative toxicology results from any study on Maca, however it’s a powerful substance so as always talk with your medical practitioner before adding it to your regimen. Maca should not be consumed by anyone taking thyroid medications.

Maca has been shown to increase motility and sperm count in rats whose sperm was artificially decreased by three different methods (pesticide exposure, lead poisoning, and high altitude). This suggests potential use in human males whose sperm counts are mediocre for a variety of reasons.

For a superfood chocolate recipe with maca in it, click here.

To purchase my favorite version of maca root, maca bliss, click here and receive 20% off  your entire order when you use promo code TONY. Most maca root powders in the store contain excess starch and fibers (as opposed to the active ingredient). This version has nothing but the good stuff to maximize the medicinal benefit.

Sources: CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics 2008 Fall;14(3):182-91. “A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.”; Food Chem Toxicology (2007) Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) improve scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.; Gonzales GF, et al. Red maca (Lepidium meyenii) reduced prostate size in rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. (2005); Gonzales GF, 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;180(1):87–95; Rubio J, Riqueros MI, Gasco M, Yucra S, Miranda S, Gonzales GF. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) reversed the lead acetate induced-Damage on reproductive function in male rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2006;44(7):1114–1122; Bustos-Obregón E, Yucra S, Gonzales GF. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) reduces spermatogenic damage induced by a single dose of malathion in mice. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2005;7(1):71–76.; Gonzales GF. Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012.