Maca is a plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes at altitudes of 3500 m. It is therefore the highest cultivated plant intended for consumption. Its root resembles a radish and it has been a source of energy, vitality, fertility and endurance for thousands of years. The closest “family” of this unusual plant are mustard, rapeseed, cabbage and turnip.
It has many terms: maca, pepper herb, pepper grass, maino or maca. It has been cultivated in the Andes for centuries, and it is here that the local people have found the source of their daily food. The Incas even used it as a stimulant fertility.
What’s in a maca? Composition
Modern research confirms the unique properties of this plant. Maca is a real wealth of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, nutrients. In it we will find:
- 10,2% protein – it is an easily digestible vegetable protein.
- 59% carbohydrates – these are high-quality carbohydrates. Maca also contains many alkaloids and other important nutrients that, when combined with each other, give you energy.
- 8,5% fiber – a key element for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Fiber facilitates slimming and improves intestinal peristalsis. The lignin and cellulose contained in this plant effectively stimulate intestinal function.
Perfect for fertility
In addition to being a source of long-lasting energy, maca also has an excellent effect on fertility. This is due to the presence of almost all essential amino acids: m. aspartic acid, serine, alanine, leucine, etc.
It has been reported that maca root increases potency in men and improves erection. At the same time, it does not affect the level of sex hormones in the blood, but it improves sperm production and sperm motility. No wonder that the dried root of this plant is an ingredient in many fertility supplements.
To sum up, maca owes its capabilities to its high protein content. It helps in maintaining sexual activity by providing the body with essential amino acids, especially arginine. It is the main component of seminal fluid protein – it constitutes as much as 80%. Arginine is responsible, among others, for for increasing the number and motility of sperm, it can also fight the problem of infertility and increases the blood supply to the female and male sexual organs.
Of course, it is difficult to call this plant an aphrodisiac, because research does not clearly show it, but its consumption will certainly improve the quality of sex life – if only because of the overall effect on improving health.
What else is maca root worth using?
- Relieving the symptoms of menopause»>menopause and menstruation – it is used to treat hormonal disorders, irregular menstruation, prevent hot flashes, loss of energy and vaginal dryness.
- Muscle mass – thanks to the presence of sterols, it increases muscle mass.
- Prevention of osteoporosis»>osteoporosis – causes a significant increase in bone mass.