It’s time to take a look at one of those precious plants that just a short time ago, most people in North America hadn’t heard of. Fast forward to today, and Maca route is becoming a very popular “superfood” and herb. Maca root, also known in science land as Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium Peruvianum, has been prized for generations as an energy enhancer and mood stabilizer. It’s a nutritionally and powerfully complex with life-giving (and beauty-enchancing) ingredients like phytonutrients, amino acids, vitamins and fatty acids. Plus, there’s an abundance of trace minerals and phytohormones.
The Vitality of Maca
So, what does it do? Maca root has the capability to regulate, support, and balance the hormonal systems of both men and women. Hello promising anti-acne herb! And since it’s boosting the hormones, it may also help with fertility, digestion, energy levels, and all things sexual. Peruvian Maca root is an adaptogen (I love that word), sharing many similarities with ginseng. Adaptogens are, by definition, substances that raise your body’s resistance to diseases through physiological health and emotional health improvements. That means it can be a big help for people fighting the symptoms of chronic fatigue. It’s believed to do this by helping the adrenal and pituitary glands. In short, it makes you feel good, body and soul.
How To Use Maca
Traditionally, Maca has also been used to treat PMS and menopause. It’s rumored to really cut down on all those hot flashes and nighttime sweats. It’s been used recently as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids for athletes who are trying to achieve muscle hypertrophy. Both men and women have used it to increase their libido, fertility, and stamina. Rawr!
You can expect to hear more about Maca root in the coming years as Maca root is becoming more popular in the skin care and toiletry industry. Recently, it was shown that Maca root nourishes and softens the skin. Laboratory studies have shown that Maca root stimulates proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro, resulting in younger looking skin.
Maca may increase collagen synthesis, improving the integrity of the skin’s structural matrix. The results are amazing! Skin becomes firmer, smoother, and younger-looking! Adhesion has become an important key in hair care as well. Maca-infused products help maintain hair thickness and fight hair loss. It encourages hair growth and maintenance by promoting keratinocyte synthesis and protecting the hair bulb.
Here’s a quick list of the potential benefits of Maca root for you:
• balances mood
• strengthens the skin
• increases energy
• increases libido and fertility
• better sleep
• helps your body adapt to stress
• increases memory and brain power
• anti-aging properties
• anti-acne properties
• increases endurance and stamina
• reduces symptoms of PMS and menopause
• helps to reduce aches and pains
• strengthens hair and reduces hair loss
Maca-infused hair and skin products may become a future skin care trend. Remember that you read about Maca root here first. In fact, I bet you’re going to hear a lot about Maca in the future as it’s potential is more fully explored.
Who Should Not Use Maca
Maca root can be quite energy enhancing for some people so take it first thing in the morning or in the early afternoon. Don’t over do the dosage (a teaspoon/5 grams is a good place to start), take it slow and gradually increase as you go. If you have thyroid disease this is probably not the best thing for you. Maca root is high in iodine and glucosinolate, which is not ideal for your condition, so check with your physician first. If you have breast cancer or PCOS check with your herbalist before using Maca in your diet.
Have you tried Maca root yet? Share your favourite uses for Maca in the comments below!
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