Wednesday, April 3, 2013

What is maca good for

Quiz.

What's grown in Peru, considered a root, and I've tried it in four different forms?

If you answered coffee, you're wrong. Coffee's not a root and I've tried it in 180 forms.

It's maca!

Maca is, yes, a Peruvian root. It tastes a little bit like coffee (or burnt chocolate, or dark caramel) and comes in many forms. It's main benefit is to balance out-of-whack hormone levels.

Although one big study came out that found it had no effect on hormone levels (boo!) the other 149 done recently have shown great things.

I'll outline one incredible result from taking maca with a real life case that I witnessed. That result is: increased fertility.

I was the newest employee at a health food store and a couple came in complaining that they couldn't get pregnant. And they'd been trying for 10 years. Another employee was the first to help them and explained the benefits of maca root while I listened in intently.

My co-worker told both the husband and wife to take liquid maca concentrate daily and to keep trying. And to let her know what happens.

I kid you not they came back less than a year later with a newborn in their hands and I pretty much had tears in my eyes. Everyone else did too.

Maca can lead to better sperm production, sperm motility, and semen volume. That's a recipe for a babe if you ask me!

Fertility isn't the only aspect of hormone health that you should be worried about. Acne, cramping, moodiness... they can all be associated with hormone imbalance.

And, it has other benefits too (don't worry!) It can also increase energy. I've felt this first hand.

The Vega website (one company who produces a maca supplement) says it can:
  • Promote vitality
  • Metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein
  • Develop and maintain strong bones and teeth
  • Form red blood cells and support their proper function
  • Contribute to a feeling of overall well-being
  • Maintain good health
  • Provide antioxidant support
After looking at that list - and not being overly afraid of its aphrodisiac reputation - I gave it a shot. In powdered form, liquid form, concentrate (phew! strong!) and this new "coffee" kind. The coffee one is a powdered maca granule that can be percolated to make a mug of hot, dark coffee-like liquid that is actually liquid maca. Because it gives energy some people can totally switch from coffee to maca-coffee.

So if you're in the market to balance any hormonal strangeness (menopause, anyone?) maybe you could throw a spoon of powdered maca into your morning smoothie. Just make sure you've got a crib and change table ready ;)

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