Guide to Maca Root and Its Benefits

Maca Root is truly the "Super Food of the Andes." What makes maca so wonderful is the fact that it is an adaptogen, which helps your body to adapt to stresses that are placed upon it. Natives of the Andes mountains have been using maca roots adapting powers to be able to withstand living at extremely high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower.

Benefits of Maca Root

Due to maca root's effect on the Endocrine system it is able to regulate metabolism, energy levels, growth, sexual development and helps to develop a healthy sense of well being and attitude towards life.

Garry P. Gordon, MD, former president of the American College for Advancement in Medicine called Peruvian Maca Root to be "nature's answer to Viagra" due to its benefits on male erectile tissue response. It does this by normalizing hormones such as testosterone for men and progesterone and estrogen for women. This is why I was able to overcome infertility through the use of maca root (see my article called "How Maca Root Got Me Pregnant"). I also noticed while on maca root that my own libido shot through the roof, so I know it is great for improving sexual function and desire.

As far as women who are going through menopause, maca is especially wonderful for them. Gabriel Cousens, MD stated, "Whenever possible, I prefer to use maca therapy rather than hormone replacement therapy because HRT actually ages the body diminishing the hormone producing capability of the glands. Maca has proved to be very effective with menopausal patients in eliminating hot flashes and depression and in increasing energy levels."