Maca

(Lepidium meyenii)

Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Lepidium
Species: meyenii
Synonyms: Lepidium peruvianum, L Weddell, L. affine, L. gelidum
Common names: Maca, Peruvian ginseng, maka, mace, maca-maca, Maino, Ayako chichira, ayuk willku, pepperweed
Phyto elements: alkaloids, Amino Acids, Beta-ecdysone, Carbohydrates, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, Phosphorus, Protien, Saponins, Stigmasterol, sitosterol, tannins, Zinc, Vit B1, Vit B2, Vit B12, Vit C , Vit E
Part used: Root

PROPERTY 'AND ACTIONS

Main actions:
nutritional
increases energy
balances the body system

Other actions:
increases fertility
Assay standards:
Root.
Powder: 1 tablespoon;
Capsules: 5 g twice a day.


Maca is a resilient perennial plant that is cultivated in the Andes, at an altitude between 2400 m mei 4400 It has one of the highest frost tolerances among native species. The part that is used is the tuberous root, of a color ranging from white to yellow. Unlike other tuberous plants, is propagated through seeds. Although perennial, it grows as an annual plant.
The area where maca is a region inhospitable subjected to intense sunlight, violent winds and temperatures below freezing, making it one of the worst regions for crops. However, maca has evolved over the centuries in these conditions. Maca began to be cultivated by the Incas more than 2000 years ago, primitive cultivation of maca have been found in archaeological sites dating back to 1600 BC

The high nutritional value of the dry maca root is close to that of cereals such as maize, rice and wheat. The composition of maca is given by 60-75% carbohydrate, 10-14% protein, 8.5% fiber and 2.2% lipids. The protein content exists mainly in the form of polypeptides and amino acids. It also contains about 250 mg calcium, 2 g potassium and 15 mg of iron per 100 mg of dried root, as well as a significant amount of fatty acids. In more maca contains sterols, vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, tannins and saponins.


Nutritional profile of dried root of maca
(Average dose 10 g)
Components for 10 g Protein 1-1.4 g
Carbohydrates 6-7.5 g
Fats (lipids) 220 mg
Fiber 850 mg
Ash 490 mg
Sterols 5-10 mg
Calories 32.5
Vitamins per 10 g B2 39 mcg
B6 114 mcg
C 28.6 mg
Niacin 565 mcg
Amino acids per 10 g Alanine 63.1 mg
Arginine 99.4 mg
Aspartic acid, 91.7 mg
Acid glutamine 156.5 mg
Glycine 68.3 mg
Histidine 41.9 mg
HO-Proline 26.0 mg
Isoleucine 47.4 mg
Leucine 91.0 mg
Lysine 54.5 mg
Methionine 28.0 mg
Phenylalanine 55.3 mg
Proline 0.5 mg
Sarcosine 0.7 mg
Serine 50.4 mg
Threonine 33.1 mg
Tryptophan 4.9 mg
Tyrosine 30.6 mg
Valine 79.3 mg
Minerals per 10 g Calcium 25 mg
Copper 0.6 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
Iodine 52 mcg
Manganese 80 mcg
Potassium 205 mg
1.9 mg sodium
Zinc 380 mcg
Fats / lipids for 10g Linoleic 72 mcg
Palmitic 52 mcg
Oleic 24.5 mcg

The properties of potenziante fertility were reported in 1961. The trade of maca for sexual function was fed from that research. But the majority of research on maca were carried out by two of the largest distributors of products containing maca and therefore are considered not too objective in the scientific community.

An initial study showed that the effects of maca on sexual function was published in 2000 and in 2001 it was documented the beneficial effect in the production of sperm, as well as an improvement in sexual performance. None of these studies, however, has indicated a possible mechanism of action or has linked these effects to the chemical constituents or components of the maca root.

It may be that the beneficial effects of maca on sexual function and fertility can be explained simply by its high concentration of protein and vital nutrients. The dried root of maca contains about 10% protein, much of which derived from amino acids that are required in the diet of each steer for many cellular functions of the body, including sexual function and fertility. The amino acids are required in the construction of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. These substances transmit signals to the nervous system and play a leading role in the processes of sexual arousal and sexual performance. The key amino acids required by neurotransmitters are phenylalanine, tyrosine and histidine. Arginine seems instead to support the generation of nitric oxide, which are considered to combat male impotence (although not clinically proven). It's been clinically proven that arginine plays an important role in male fertility through the action of increasing sperm production and motility.
The amino acid histidine is present in the maca root in large quantities, and this plays an important role in sexual function during ejaculation and orgasm. The body uses histidine to produce histamine which is responsible Premature. In men suffering from premature ejaculation has been often noted an increase in regard to histamine action in these cases can help the amino acid methionine, which gives the formation of histamine d istadina.
This same mechanism explains the side-effect of drugs antiistamina, namely the anorgasmia. The men and women who have difficulty reaching orgasm can be helped by an integration of histidine, responsible also for a vasodilator effect that makes the blood flow to sexual organs.

Other benefits that have been attributed to maca, affect hormonal balance, strengthening the endocrine and thyroid function, and strengthening the immune system. However, in a test of 2003 in men who had taken an extract of maca has not revealed any change in hormone levels.

Maca is a product of value to the indigenous of the Andes. As the region grows very few products, maca is often traded with communities that are located at lower altitudes in exchange for rice, wheat, vegetables and beans. Furthermore, the dried roots can be stored for more than 7 years. The native of Peru used maca since pre-Incan times for both nutritional purposes to doctors. It's an important ingredient in the diet of these peoples, as has the greater nutritional value than any other food that grows in the region. And 'rich in sugars, proteins, starches and essential nutrients. The tuber or root is consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are cooked or roasted in the ashes, while the dried roots are stored and then boiled in water or milk. Or are prepared in a sweet, fermented drink called maca chicha. In Peru are also popular maca jam, pudding and a soda.

The plant is also called Peruvian ginseng (although maca does not belong to the same family of ginseng). For centuries it has been used to enhance fertility in both men and animals.

Today, herbal medicine in Peru, maca is used as an immunostimulant, for anemia, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, stomach cancer, sterility (and other reproductive failures) and to enhance memory. Maca is growing in popularity in other parts of the world, due to the campaigns of some U.S. companies will advertise ch energizing effects, fertility enhancement, hormonal balancing, aphrodisiac and enhancing sexual performance. Other uses (anecdotal) of maca in the U.S. are to increase energy, stamina and endurance in athletes, promoting mental, treat impotence and help in cases of menstrual irregularities, female hormonal imbalances, menopause and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Of dried maca root is sold in powder or capsules as a food supplement and advertised as able to increase stamina and fertility.

But, although maca is a rich source of natural nutrients, consumers should not expect any miracle cure from maca, not much different from the multi vitamin supplements.
Moreover, the benefits that are attributed to maca are not yet all been clinically tested.



MACA

Primary method of preparation: eaten fresh / dried or capsules

Key actions (in order):
tonic (tones, balances, strengthens all bodily functions), nutritive, potenziante fertility, supporting the endocrine function, anti-fatigue

Main uses:
as a natural source of nutrients (amino acids, minerals, etc.).
to support the endocrine function
to reduce fertility problems (both male and female)
to support erectile function
as aphrodisiac

Properties / actions documented by research:
aphrodisiac, potenziante fertility, increases the number / motility of sperm

Other properties / actions documented by traditional
hormonal, immunostimulant, stimulant, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens all bodily functions

Traditional preparation:
In the Andes, as the food you eat 500g of maca root fresh / dried daily. In herbal medicine, we use 5-20g in tablets / capsules / powder of dried root of maca a day. The powder of dried root can also be mixed with fruit juice, water or milk shake (2 tablespoons of the poor are about 5.5 g). to extract the standard you should follow the instructions on the product label.

Contraindications:
High doses can cause intestinal gas

Interaction with drugs: None reported

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