Benefit from Maca

Maca, or most commonly known as Peruvian ginseng due to its geographical origins, is an herbal supplement most widely used to increase sexual stimulation and heighten stamina and endurance.  A South American cruciferous vegetable (belonging to the mustard family), it is believed to be the only plant that can grow in high altitudes.  Spaniards in the 16th century first discovered that Incas used maca for health reasons, and tried it out for themselves.  Today, maca is known to be a very powerful herb that can cure a lot of illnesses.

• Increased sexual desire.  The primary benefit of maca is believed to be its properties that increase sexual desire among men.  A study on mice indicated high and frequent sexual activity after being fed with high doses of maca.  It is also being touted by some scientists as nature's answer to Viagra, due to its benefits in the male erectile function and in increasing the  libido.  Furthermore, it is said to help overcome fertility in both men and women.
• Menopause.  Women over forty often experience severe and sudden changes in hormonal levels, often characterized by hot flashes (sudden profuse sweating and change in body temperature) and depression.  Maca is very effective in eliminating hot flashes and depression in menopausal women.  Doctors advise the use of this powerful herb over Hormonal Replacement Therapy because the latter tends to age the body and damage the natural hormone-producing glands of the body.
• Cancer.  While there is still no absolute cure to cancer, it is but wise that at this stage you begin to take measures in preventing it from happening in the first place.  Many supplemental drugs are said to prevent certain forms of cancer from occurring, and maca is just one of them.  Because it has fatty acids, it helps in improving your immune system, thereby protecting you from harmful cells that may degrade the body and lead to cancer eventually.
• Pain Reliever.  Maca is considered to be a true adoptogen, a substance that enables the body to be highly resistant to extreme external conditions.  Because of its protective properties, maca is said to be very effective in relieving pain and consequently acts as an expectorant, sedative and analgesic.
• Increased vitality and stamina.  Bodybuilders are encouraged to take maca because it has properties similar to that of anabolic steroids which help build muscle quickly and efficiently minus the toxic side effects.  It is also said that the maca root works best in increasing your stamina and can even possibly overcome chronic fatigue syndrome.

There is no definite recommended daily amount ideal for taking maca, so be sure to keep the dosage to a minimum per day, around three to four grams should suffice.  Unlike other medicinal herbs, it may take a while before you see the effects.  Still, nothing beats a healthy and well-balanced diet from which you can likewise gain these benefits.