What I like about Maca is that it’s a food not just another supplement. It’s been around for centuries in South America and used by men and women for a wide variety of ailments. Maca acts on the body as an endocrine balancing agent which means it helps regulate hormones, whilst balancing thyroid and adrenal functions. If estrogen production is too high then progesterone can become too low. This is when Maca may be helpful. It has been shown to increase progesterone while controlling estrogen and can be helpful for women with short Luteal phases.
Men too can benefit from Maca, by its abilities to increase healthy sperm production and improve libido.
Studies also show that Maca may help:
- decrease anxiety and stress
- increase energy levels
- assist iron levels
- lower high blood pressure and raise low blood pressure
- increase mental clarity
- helps the body utilize glucose for energy (less likely to store it as fat)
We recommend 1,500-3,000mg daily. Please note that it’s important to have a break for a few weeks after about 3 months of taking Maca. This is to ensure the body remains responsive to its phytonutrients.
Like with many herbs and supplements we do not recommend continuing to consume it through pregnancy. Although people have been known to take it with no toxic affect on mother and baby, there is just not enough evidence to be certain.
On a final note, please know that Maca comes in a variety of colors from golden to red, purple and even black. The darker shades contain higher amounts of iodine which could wreak havoc with your thyroid. In some cases this could be beneficial, but mostly not. So, stick with the golden color and remember that more is not always better! Now go find some of this super…food!
Be sure to check out our blog re Magnesium.
