The health benefits of Maca

Maca, botanical name Lepidium meyenii at high altitude in Andes mountains of Peru and is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng. Original Maca grows at extremely high altitudes of over 4,000. Although Maca can be cultivated in other climates and at lower altitudes, studies indicate that foreign maca root is no match for Peruvian maca root in terms of potency and nutrient content.

The role of zinc in the body

• Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in your body – after iron – and is present in every cell (1).
• Zinc is needed for the activity of over 300 enzymes that help metabolism, digestion, nerve function and many other processes.
• It is essential for the development and functioning of immune cells (2).
• It is also fundamental for skin health, DNA synthesis and protein production (3).
• The growth and development of the body is based on zinc due to its role in the growth and division of cells (4).
• Zinc is also needed for the senses of taste and smell. Because one of the crucial enzymes for proper taste and smell is dependent on this nutrient. A zinc deficiency can reduce your ability to taste or smell (5, 6).

Maca root contains a wide range of phytonutrients, such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides and glucosinolates. Glucosinolates, in particular, are extensively studied for their health benefits. These sulfur-containing compounds are broken down by your body into isothiocyanates and a form of indole-3-carbinol.

Isothiocyanates support the production of antioxidant enzymes. These molecules help protect your body by neutralizing free radicals, which can damage healthy cells if allowed to accumulate. An isothiocyanate known as sulforaphane can support optimal cardiovascular function by helping maintain healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. Indole-3-carbinol has been shown to support healthy hormone levels.

Besides glucosinolates, maca root also contains a large amount of macamides, which are considered to be its signature active components.

Macamides help to maintain mitochondrial function. Mitochondria cellular organelles that produce most of the energy the cells need for important biochemical reactions. It helps to maintain healthy energy levels. Macamides can also support healthy stamina and endurance. A macamide known as N-benzoyloleamide helps to reduce fatigue caused by exercise.

One of the major uses of maca is to support healthy sexual function. According to Complementary and Alternative Medicine maca’s ability to support healthy sexual function in males has been proven in many clinical trials. The researchers attributed maca’s reproductive health benefits to the unique combination of macamides, glucosinolates, alkaloids and other potent phytonutrients found in its root.

Besides being a natural stimulant, maca is also used as an adaptogen. Adaptogen herbs help to achieve a response to stress by supporting healthy hormone functions.

Maca has been used for centuries to enhance fertility and sex drive, and there’s research to back it up. Maca was proven to increase sexual desire in men and reduced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.

Maca activities in the brain can help to improve your mood naturally during menopause.

These are the main benefits of Maca:

• Helps to increase sexual desire, libido in men and women
• Improves reproductive function by improving semen production
• Improves stamina and endurance
• Supports immune function
• Supports cardiovascular function
• Supports healthy cognitive function
• Improves energy levels
• Supports healthy hormone levels
• Supports healthy mood balance during menopause

Provita Nutrition offers the product Super Strength Maca Concentrate. Besides 500 mg of a 4:1 maca concentrate, it also contains 200 mg of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) know to work in synergy with Maca to improve energy and stamina.