The Positive Effects Of Maca
Sunday, January 11th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Maca is a wholefood supplement that is grown in the mountainous in Peru. This Cruciferous vegetable grows at an altitude of 15,000 feet above sea level which makes it one of the few plants that can grow in the highest elevations in the world, where oxygen levels are very low.
Maca has been in use in Peru for at least 5000 years, though it went through many periods where its’ use was limited by those in power.. Maca was originally believed to be popular amongst certain tribes living in the Andes in early B.C. When the Incas took over the region, they discovered this herb (maca is actually classed as an herb), as the people they conquered sent it to them as a tribute. And when the Spanish conquered the Incas, the Incas gave it to the Spanish. And the Spanish sent it on over to Europe.
Maca slid into obscurity, even in Peru, until it was rediscovered not so long ago. Barring very little cultivation of this herb, Maca was almost extinct. But the rediscovery of Maca’s medicinal qualities has spearheaded a thriving local industry, as well as giving Maca a renaissance in both its home country and worldwide.
Using Maca
The use of Maca Root, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is longstanding amongst the Peruvians, and without any known side effects. Maca Root is used in Peru as both a food source and for medicine. It’s worthwhile noting that when the Peruvians use Maca according to their traditions, they actually dry it out first then rehydrate when needed. Historically, it was cooked in earthen pits or boiled, mashed, and rolled into balls. It was not consumed raw, and given that scientists now know that Cruciferous vegetables, of which Maca is a part, have substances in them which can be toxic,substances which are destroyed or inactivated with various cooking methods, maybe the ancients knew more than we give them credit for.
Positive side effects to Maca Root include the following:
* Improved sex drive
* Fertility support
* better energy and endurance
* Improvement of PMS and menopause symptoms
Maca has in fact been very successfully used by many women suffering all types of pre-menstrual symptoms. Whilst it is not the only PMS remedy first-hand reports show that it is one of the most effective.
Maca’s ability to regulate hormones means it actually benefits many female (and male) hormone health issues. Women have described trying many supplements, including natural progesterone, to no avail, then taking Maca for a few months and discovering things like their uterine fibroids had dissolved. And one woman who was concerned about the link between breast cancer and HRT, finished with HRT altogether when she discovered this menopause herb. And unlike the other natural menopause supplements she had tried, within a few days of taking Maca she had complete relief of symptoms.
While there are many positive benefits with using Maca Root, there are some potential problems which should be considered. Such issues might include the following:
* There has been no significant testing for interactions between Maca Root and pharmaceutical medications for birth control or heart medications
* Maca Root should not be given to children as it increases energy and children have plenty of it
* When taken with caffeine tMaca causes nervousness and hyperactivity
As long as normal precautions are taken, the effects of it are more positive than problematic.
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags
Possible Related Posts
Creatine Advantage – Are Those Impressive Creatine Effects for Real?How Do You Determine The Best Fish Oil?Banish My Eczema Review-Natural Treatments For Eczema
