Diet Supplements

Maca Root Powder For Sexual Enhancement

February 3, 2010
By Steve Maszlagi

What is Maca? Maca is a plant which is cultivated in the Junin Plateau in the Central Highlands of Peru at an altitude above 12,000 feet. It is principally grown by the Quechua Indians that are native to that area. Maca produces a root similar to a radish or a turnip. The root of Maca is usually dried and stored, and will easily keep for several years without losing its potency.

The people of Peru have traditionally used the dried root of the Maca plant to increase mental alertness, physical endurance and stamina. However the most popular use has been to increase sexual desire in men and women, as well as an aid to men with erectile dysfunction. It is also reputed to increase fertility. Healthy men who take Maca have also been shown to have increased semen volume, sperm counts and improvements in sperm motility.

Maca is currently gaining in popularity for precisely these properties and is contained in many sexual supplements. These types of supplements are selling well as people discover for themselves the power of Maca to boost libido, sexual function and overall energy. The amount of Maca being cultivated in Peru is therefore increasing each year to meet the newly created demand from the West.

Maca contains approximately 10 percent protein, 60 percent carbohydrate and assorted fatty acids. But the components responsible for Maca’s libido boosting properties are the macamides and the macaenes. Additionally, Maca root powder has a high concentration of zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron. These minerals are thought to contribute to the effects of Maca.

According to some sources Maca is a general tonic for people that may be lacking in energy possibly due to a nutritional deficiency. The action of Maca in boosting their energy is the same reason that their sexual desire and potency is also increased – because of an increase in general well being and energy. After all, Maca is a highly nutritious food source and so will have an overall beneficial effect on health and energy, as well as boosting the immune system.

Maca has also been used for medicinal purposes. In addition to its libido-enhancing properties it has been used to treat such conditions as arthritis, bronchitis and stomach cancer. It is also helpful to women suffering from PMT and menopause. For those looking to start a family Maca has been known to increase the chances of getting pregnant. According to some it is also useful as a mental stimulant taken prior to an exam.

Maca’s benefits have been attributed to its effect on the endocrine system. However studies have shown that it does not noticeably boost any specific hormone levels. It has been theorised therefore that Maca improves the utilisation by the body of existing hormones by increasing the effectiveness of hormone receptors.

When purchasing a Maca powder or capsule product it is important to know that there are major variances in quality. There is a huge amount of inferior grade Maca which has been grown at lower altitudes by entrepreneurs trying to cash in on the current popularity of Maca.

Lepidium Meyenii is the overall botanical name of the Maca group. The high quality product is known as Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon. This is the only one to contain 4 essential alkaloids of the traditional medicinal plant, missing in the common Meyenii plant of lower altitudes.

When trying Maca, ensure that you take sufficient quantities to get the results you desire. You can’t really overdo it with Maca. It is an herb and not a drug. Don’t expect results overnight but if you are willing to take it over a few months you will definitely notice a difference in your general energy level as well as in the bedroom.

Read our review on Virility EX at Herbal Product Review.

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