MACA BENEFITS

MACA BENEFITS

WHAT IS MACA? WHAT IS ITS MAJOR BENEFITS? Maca is a tuberous root grown high in the
Andes Mountainsof central Peru. It has been used for centuries by indigenous Peruvians as a food
source and based upon traditional Peruvian folk belief, for increasing stamina and energy. Because
of this traditional use, maca has been called Peruvian ginseng. Historical records note that Native
Peruvians have used Maca since ancient times for its purported use as an aid to fertility and virility.

WHAT DOES MACA CONTAIN?Maca is known to contain various nutrients, including amino acids
and minerals. Maca also contains sterols and fatty acids, such as linolenic, palmitic, and oleic acid.
The biologically active molecule, benzyl isothiocyanate, is also found in maca.

STUDIES ABOUT MACA
A 12-week double blind placebo-controlled, randomized study demonstrated the effect of 1,500 mg
or 3,000 mg of Maca on men aged 21-56 years. An improvement in sexual desire was observed
with Maca since 8 weeks of treatment. However, serum testosterone and oestradiol levels were
not different in men treated with Maca and in those treated with placebo. [1]

In another study, sixty male sexually experienced rats (20 group) were daily treated for 15 days
with Maca 15 mg kg(-1), Maca 75 mg kg(-1) or saline 0.5 ml kg(-1). An activity cage test was
carried out to evaluate if Maca-induced locomotion changes could indirectly improve rat sexual
performances. It was observed that both lower and higher Maca doses acutely decreased 1st
mount , 1st intromission and intercopulatory interval in a significant way. [2]

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MACA FOR WOMEN?
Some manufacturers also claim that maca can improve menopause symptoms and hot flashes,
hormone replacement therapy, hormone balancing, fertility, sexual stimulation, fatigue, cramps,
irregular menses and other.PMS associated problems....etc. However, the scientific evidence is very
limited for these claims.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF MACA?
Maca appears to be safe. However, overdose may lead to breast tenderness and restless.

WHAT DOES MACA SUPPLEMENT CONTAIN?
Maca, Now Foods, 500 mg, 100 Capsules [Serving Size 1 Capsule] 1 capsule contains 500 mg of
Maca (Lepidium meyenill) (root).
Maca, Source Naturals, 60 Tablets [Serving size: 3 Tablets ] 1 serving contains 45 mg of calcium
and 750 mg of Maca Root Extract (Lepidium mayanii) Standardized to 0.6% macamides and
macaenes Yielding 4.5 mg macamides and macaenes.
Maca Root 525 mg, Nature's Way, 100 Caps [Serving Size: 1 Capsule]Each serving contains 525
mg of Maca (root).

NOTE THE PRODUCTS LISTED HERE ARE FOR REFERENCE ONLY. I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THEIR SAFETY AND
EFFECTIVENESS. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING ANY SUPPLEMENTS. ALL RIGHT RESERVED 2008
ZHION. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER THE ARTICLE TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER TYPES OF
PUBLICATIONS.

[1] Gonzales GF et al, Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent
relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002
Dec;34(6):367-72. [2] Lepidium meyenii Walp. improves sexual behaviour in male rats
independently from its action on spontaneous locomotor activity.J Cicero AF et al, Ethnopharmacol.
2001 May;75(2-3):225-9.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MACA? SOME MANUFACTURERS CLAIM THAT MACA CAN INCREASE
ENERGY AND STAMINA, IMPROVE FERTILITY, ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION, HORMONE BALANCING AND
TESTOSTERONE LEVELS.