Maca Mania

Here is the best article I've found on everything Maca. It was written by Allen Glonek who is the Director of Wellness Now, Ltd. in New Zealand.

This article gives some of the author's clinical experience using this Peruvian plant as well as his own personal experience using the supplement.

He also gives some excellent tips on what to look for in choosing a supplement.

And just to let you know, in sourcing the Maca we blend with our honey, we follow a very similar standard!

About a year ago, numerous patients were visiting my office singing the praises of a miraculous herbal remedy known as “maca.” I’ve learned a great deal from patients over the years and decided to pay attention to the growing number of reports praising this increasingly popular plant. Until that time, I had only heard of it as an obscure tonic.

Was this just another fast-fading fad? The major benefit reported by these people was energy enhancement but several women were also making claims of relief from menopausal hot flashes, insomnia and depression. Men too were boasting of better sexual performance and just about everyone was raving about being able to deal with stress better since they began taking maca supplements.

What really drew my attention to this plant was the story of one of my patients, a 49-year-old woman who had been on hormone replacement (HRT) for over five years. She had heard of the studies that linked breast cancer, stroke and heart disease with the use of HRT and wanted to stop using the estrogen and progesterone combination immediately.

She tried soy products, black cohosh, ginseng, evening primrose oil, progesterone cream and numerous other natural remedies to relieve her hot flashes and insomnia but nothing was totally effective until she tried maca. She was able to stop the HRT and get complete menopausal symptom relief with maca in a matter of days. She initially thought that the effects were just placebo but going on and off the supplement proved that the effects of were very real. Incidentally, she was also able to go off her antidepressants because her depression and sleep had improved so dramatically.

Scientific studies of maca use in humans are few and far between as most of the research to date has been conducted with animals. Although several double-blind placebo controlled studies are currently underway, human data is still mostly anecdotal and open to debate. What is proven about maca is that it is very safe to use in virtually any amount. In fact, native Peruvians have been feasting on it for centuries.

On an anecdotal note, I recently made it to the finals of a provincial senior tennis tournament event. (Not bad for someone who only plays twice a week!) One day I played two matches, each over two hours long and I credit my energy, performance and endurance to taking maca in high doses before each match.

What is maca and why is it suddenly so popular in North America?

Maca is a unique perennial that grows at altitudes of 14,500 feet in the Andean mountains of Peru. It has one of the highest frost tolerances of any cultivated plant and grows where no other plant can survive. One would expect such a hardy plant to have therapeutic properties and it certainly doesn't disappoint.

Maca is rich in numerous medicinal compounds including alkaloids, amino acids, beta-ecdysone, calcium, carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, phosphorus, potassium, protein, saponins, sitosterol, stigmasterol, tannins, vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, E and zinc.

From a strictly nutritional point of view, the contents of this plant, at worst, would supply individuals with much more than the bare minimum daily requirements of numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids. The following beneficial effects of maca have been reported for both men and women:

• aphrodisiac effects

• enhanced libido, improved potency and relief from erectile dysfunction

• increased energy and well-being

• increased stamina and endurance

• relieved depression

• reduced stress

• relieved hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms

• balanced adrenal and gonadal hormones

• relieved PMS

• increased DHEA levels

• increased seminal volume, sperm count, mobility and formation of sperm

• better athletic performance

• increased testosterone levels

• enhanced fertility

I recommend buying maca from reputable companies that have knowledge and expertise with the plant. Here are some points to consider when shopping for maca:

• Look for brands that use only pure, authentic maca, traditionally grown in the high Andean mountains of Peru.

• Only buy pure maca root, not the stem, leaves, etc., as some unscrupulous producers will use the entire plant even though only the root has medicinal properties. Beware of companies that combine maca root powder with rice flour, maltodextrin or other fillers.

• Look for maca that is grown organically and processed following organic standards. Certified organic maca is best.

• Choose gelatinized maca for enhanced potency and absorption. Gelatinization is an extrusion process that removes the starch from the root, making it more concentrated and easier to digest. Gelatinized maca was the actual form of maca used in the human clinical studies. Plus, if buying maca in powder form, the gelatinized form tastes much better and mixes easier into food and beverages.

• Because Peru is a third world country, look for companies that employ fair trade practices with local farmers and that support traditional farming and sustainable harvesting to ensure the long term health of maca and its environment.

Typical dosage for most adults is 1,500 mg of gelatinized maca twice daily in capsule or powder form. However, one can safely take six or more times this amount for enhanced athletic performance amongst other active lifestyle purposes. If you are in your 40s, 50s, 60s or beyond, maca is a supplement well worth trying.