The Story of Maca

Maca Root, also known as Peruvian Ginseng, is a plant that has been consumed as a traditional remedy in Peru for thousands of years up till now. It is primarily grown in the high Andes mountains of Peru and is known for its medicinal and nutritional properties.

Long, long ago…..

The powerful ancient Inca civilization, who lived in the Andes mountains of Peru, revered maca as a sacred root and believed it to have potent aphrodisiac, libido-enhancing and fertility-enhancing benefits. Maca root was also used to boost energy, improve stamina, and enhance mental clarity. The Incan soldiers were even said to carry maca root with them into battles to build their strength and stamina, especially during long marches.

In the 16th century, the Spanish colonizers discovered maca root during their conquest of the Inca empire and were impressed with its many health benefits. They observed that the indigenous people of Peru were consuming maca for various ailments, including improving stamina, boosting energy, enhancing mental clarity, and increasing fertility. And the Peruvians, including their livestock, had no issues reproducing in the harsh environment of the Andes where oxygen was scarce, and temperatures were extremely cold. The Spanish were particularly interested in maca’s aphrodisiac properties, as they believed it could help with sexual dysfunction. They also appreciated maca’s ability to help with altitude sickness, which was a common problem for Europeans traveling to high elevations in the Andes. Overall, the Spanish saw maca as a valuable medicinal plant and they introduced it to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity as a natural remedy for various ailments.

Fast forward to today….

Some modern-day studies have found that maca can help to improve semen quality, increase sperm count, and improve motility in men, whereas in women, maca has been shown to help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women.

Today, maca root is widely consumed as a dietary supplement and has become increasingly popular in the health and wellness community as a natural hormonal-balancing, energy-boosting and stamina-enhancing remedy.

Yet more benefits from this super-root…

Is Maca Root right for you?

Maca Root contains a wide variety of nutrients, including amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense superfood. It has good levels of iron and iodine that can help with thyroid functions and keep your metabolism on track. It also has adaptogenic properties, which means Maca helps the body adapt to stress, reduces anxiety, improves mood and promotes overall well-being. An ideal superfood for both physical and mental health.

Studies show that maca is generally safe and that its use is not associated with adverse side effects. Please remember to follow the recommended serving sizes as stated on the label, do not consume excessively and do not consume Maca at night (it can keep you awake!). For beginners, start with one-third teaspoon to test your body’s response, before increasing the serving size gradually. Maca is suitable for both men and women, as well as children (in lesser amounts – half the serving sizes of adults). It is also suitable for diabetics, and those with hypertension or high cholesterol conditions.

If you have a sensitive digestive system, we recommend the Activated Maca Powder (instead of Raw Maca), where the Maca Root has been pre-cooked (gelatinized) to break the starch bonds in the root, facilitating easier digestion and faster action. We also recommend Activated Maca Powder for those with hypothyroidism. From our research, Maca seems to have helped people with conditions of under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) i.e., their thyroid numbers improved over time. However, not everyone will respond to Maca the same way. Some may experience instant improvements, while others need a longer time. It is best to avoid Maca if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Please note that it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or a competent doctor before taking any supplements, including maca, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition.