The Incredible Benefits of Maca Root

Lepidium meyenii and Peruvian ginseng are two other names of maca. It is basically a perennial plant that is native to the Andes mountains in Bolivia and Peru. The tree grows in some of the harshest regions of the world. The tree is characterized by its taproot that has number of health benefits. It is widely used as a root vegetable and a medicinal herb.

The maca root is known for its adaptogenic properties. An adaptogen is nothing but a natural herb that increases the body's stamina towards stress, anxiety, trauma, and fatigue.

Thus, consuming the root supplements, helps to boost the immune system and increases the resistance power towards physical and mental problems. Some of the properties of this root are said to alleviate pain caused due to arthritis.

The flesh of these roots possess several nutrients, like, iron, potassium, calcium, fiber, iodine, magnesium, proteins, and natural sugars. It also contains vitamins, like, B1, B12, and fatty acids. All these nutrients nourish and calm the nerves, thereby, enhancing the working system of the nervous system.

They also stimulate appetite and aid digestion. The iron present in the root promotes oxygen transport, which keeps you fresh and energetic. All these excellent nutritional properties make maca root a "superfood".

Menstruation causes a lot of discomfort to a lot of women. There is a severe back and abdominal pain accompanied by cramping. Some women experience irregularity in their menstrual cycle and also in the menses.

Also, most women go through PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) wherein they experience mood swings, fatigue, decreased sexual desire, headaches, aching muscles and joints, etc.

Maca supplement improves the connection between the pituitary gland and the brain, which restores the natural production and balance in the hormones.

Menopause is the permanent cessation of the menses in women and is accompanied by various symptoms. Irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, etc., are some of the menopausal symptoms.

Many of these symptoms can be reduced to some extent by having maca root in supplement or its natural form. It has been observed that the root helps to relieve the premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal symptoms.

Irregularities in the menstrual cycle may lead to infertility in women or it may affect the ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

To correct these irregularities and imbalance in the hormones, medical treatment is recommended, wherein, artificial hormones are introduced in the body from outside. It is known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). These hormones regulate your menstrual cycle by altering the body's natural rhythm.

On the contrary, maca supplement, instead of introducing the hormones from outside, supports the hormone producing glands and aids natural hormonal balance.

• Use of maca supplements has proved to solve infertility problems in men.
• It directly affects the sperm count and also increases the semen volume.
• It also benefits men, who face low sexual drive. Maca helps to alleviate depression, thereby, helping to increase the libido levels.

• It increases blood flow and helps in treating the problems of impotency and erectile dysfunction.
• Consumption of maca supplements, helps to increase male sex hormone levels, like testosterone and progesterone, preventing hormonal imbalance.

The root possesses the qualities, like, increasing the energy levels and strengthening endurance. Right from beginners to professional athletes, everyone prefers this natural supplement to enhance their fitness level.

The best thing about this natural root is that, it is tolerated by most people, and hence, may rarely produce any adverse effects. It is a food, not a drug, so it is considered to be safe for all. The powder form is considered more effective and its recommended dosage is 1500 to 3000 mg daily, which is divided into three smaller doses per day.

On the other hand, recommended dosage for maca capsules is 500 to 1000 mg/day. It may also be used in cookies, smoothies, homemade soft drinks, yogurt, cereal, herbal teas, etc.

Being a dietary supplement, this root does not need FDA approval to prove its safety. However, do not exceed the recommended amount of dosage and limit it to the period of three months. This is because, it may cause an upset stomach and disturbance in sleeping pattern.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.