|
|
Legend has it that Inca warriors would consume maca before entering into battle. This would make them extremely strong. But after conquering a city, the Incan soldiers were forbidden from using maca to protect the conquered women from the warrior's powerful sexual impulses!
From as far back as 500 years ago, maca's reputation for enhancing strength, libido and fertility was well established in Peru. |
Maca Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon, is a turnip-like root that grows at a high elevation in the Peruvian Andes Mountains. Prized by the Incas and later by the Spaniards, maca is now emerging from obscurity and near-extinction to take its place among the most valuable herbs known to mankind. It contains large amounts of calcium and potassium, as well as iron, silica, and many trace minerals.
The probable origin of the genus Lepidium (maca) has been traced back to the Mediterranean, where the majority of related diploid species (two similar complements of chromosomes) are found. As a food staple, Lepidium meyenii was likely domesticated in San Blas, Junin, between 1300-2000 years ago, by the Incas, and primitive cultivars of maca have been found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 1600 B.C.
Native Peruvians traditionally have utilized maca since pre-Incan times for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. It is an important staple in the diets of these people, as it has the highest nutritional value of any food crop grown there. It is rich in sugars, protein, starches, and essential nutrients (especially iodine and iron). The tuber or root is consumed fresh or dried. The fresh roots are considered a treat and are baked or roasted in ashes (in the same manner as sweet potatoes). The dried roots are stored and, later, boiled in water or milk to make a porridge. They also are made into a popular sweet, fragrant, fermented drink called maca chicha. In Peru even maca jam, pudding, and sodas are popular. The tuberous roots have a tangy, sweet malty taste and an aroma similar to that of butterscotch.
The species L. meyenii was described by Gerhard Walpers in 1843. It has been suggested that the cultivated maca of today is not L. meyenii but a newer species L. peruvianum Chacon, based on various specimens collected since 1960 in the district of San Juan de la Jarpa, in Huancayo province.
While most maca sold in commerce today still refers to the L. meyenii name, economic botanists believe most is L. peruvianu. In 1994 less than 50 hectares (123.55 acres) were devoted to the cultivation of maca; by 1999 over 1200 hectares (2965.2 acres) were under production due to rising demand in the US and abroad.
Maca has been growing in world popularity over the last several years due to its energizing, fertility enhancement, hormonal balancing, aphrodisiac, and, especially, enhanced sexual performance properties. Other (anecdotal) herbal-medicine uses include increasing energy, stamina, and endurance in athletes, promoting mental clarity, male impotence, and helping with menstrual irregularities, female hormonal imbalances, menopause.
In Peruvian herbal medicine, maca is also reported to be used as an immunostimulant.
 |
The cultivation of maca is increasing in the highlands of the Andes to meet the growing demand worldwide; it is hoped that this demand will be sustained and not a trend of another passing fad. In this severely economically-depressed region, the market created for maca will offer new and important sources of income for the indigenous peoples of the Andes. |
FDA-Required Statement: Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
*Maca Live™ is not recommended for women on birth control.
We cannot guarantee that you will not get pregnant.
**If you are on Thyroid medication check with your doctor after being on maca for a few months. It has been know to stimulate the thyroid to work and you may need to lower your medication. It can be dangerous if you have too much thyroid medication in your system.
|
|
|