Harvested high in the Andes, Lepidium meyenii or Maca is an herb native to Peru and Bolivia. Traditionally, it grows at an altitude of approximately 4000 - 4500 m. Almost the entire crop grown in Peru is organic, as there are very few pests at such heights. Used as a root crop, Maka belongs to the family Brassicaceae and it is like radishes and turnips. It contains proteins, fats, fibers, minerals and glucosinolates, compounds with a strong odor, responsible for the sharp scent and taste of the species of this family. Benefits: Supports healthy libido Increases strength and endurance Improves sexual function Improves mood and increases overall energy The nutritional value of Maca root is high, like cereals such as wheat and rice. Its typical nutritional profile includes 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber and 2.2% fat. Moreover, it is rich in essential minerals, especially selenium, calcium, magnesium and iron, and also include fatty acids such as linoleic, palmitic and oleic, 19 amino acids, and polysaccharides. The profile of this plant provides optimum levels of nutrients used by the body’s endocrine system, which is a tool for regulating metabolism, growth, development, puberty, the functioning of tissues and plays a role in setting the mood. In addition to strength, endurance and overall stimulating energy properties of Maca, preliminary results in small-scale clinical studies in healthy men showed that the extract of it can increase libido and improve semen quality, including increased volume sperm count and increasing motility. This is achieved without increased levels of testosterone and other hormones. These normalizing hormone effects are probably due to the unique nutritional profile of Maca.
