Peruvian Maca
Peruvian Maca is also known as Ayak Chichira, Ayuk Willku, Ginseng Andin, Ginseng Péruvien, Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum, Maca Maca, Maca Péruvien, Maino, Maka, Peruvian Ginseng and Peruvian Maca. Maca is a plant found in the central Peru and the high mountains of Andes. Maca is some of the most anciently cultivated plants. There are evidences that this plant was used as a vegetable and was cultivated as long as 3000 years ago. Maca is closely related to the radish and has an odor similar to the butterscotch. The root of this plant is used as a dietary supplement.
The Peruvian Maca is known as the Peruvian Gingseng
Historical Context Peru has always been known as a center for herbal food supplements and medicine. The people of Peru have been aware of the medical benefits of this plant extracts since very long and had been using it as a dietary supplement to maintain the levels of certain chemicals in the body. The greatest benefits that have been gained by using this plant’s product as dietary supplement are the increase in mental abilities and the increase in red blood cell count in body enabling efficient delivery of oxygen to all the parts of the brain.
Mode of Action The exact composition of the Maca root that is used as a supplement is still unknown. The known components of the root are some essential amino acids and fatty acids. Other things present in the root include some fat soluble vitamins and coenzymes. All these substances are the ones the body requires to function properly but are not prepared in the body. They must be taken from the outside. The root helps the body maintain the concentrations of these important chemicals in the body. This helps all the vital organ systems work perfectly. The effects are hence visible on the general health of the body, stamina and cognitive abilities.
Effects
As the supplement has a number of active agents, it has a number of effects on the body which include but are not limited to:
- It has been found to increase sexual abilities of both of the sexes for up to 4 hours after consuming it orally.
- Prevents the onset of male infertility by maintaining the fine balance of sexual hormones in the body
- It helps increase the cognitive and motor abilities of the brain
- It improves the health of the liver by aiding it in a number of its functions
- It has been found to enhance the sense of focus, concentration and peripheral vision
- It helps the body protect itself against the external harms by improving the white blood cells
Side Notes The supplement has been marked safe for all the normal adults other than the ones having known allergies to the substance. The recommended daily dosage can be up to 3 grams a day depending on the consumer. There has been no evidence of the supplement being safe or unsafe for pregnant and breast feeding moms. If such persons have to consume it, they may consult their doctor first.