Maca Powder ( Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is a root vegetable grown in Peru. It is a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids. It is unique in that it contains essential plant nutrients called sterols. It is thought to be particularly beneficial for those leading an active lifestyle or wanting to bring balance into their day.  

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) belongs to the brassica (mustard) family. It is a hardy perennial plant that is widely dispersed on high plateaus (attitudes between 4000-4500m above the sea level) throughout the mountainous ranges of Peru.

Nutritional properties: 

Maca contains 59% of carbohydrates (polysaccharides), 11% protein (19 amino acids), 8.5% dietary fibre and 2.2% of fats. The nutritional values of maca are very similar to those in other carbohydrates such as grains. However, maca is richer in essential minerals, in particular selenium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Additionally, maca contains other bioactive ingredients such as uridine, malic acid, glucosinolates, maca alkaloid and other maca nutrients. The methanol extract from maca tuber has shown to have an effect on the central nerve system. The most important components contained in maca are the sterols, as they are believed to be responsible for the fertility enhancing properties of maca.

Fertility enhancing properties:  

Maca is traditionally thought to be beneficial for promoting a healthy libido. As we know, human’s hormone levels, stress, mood and other many factors will affect libido. One study established that an intake of 1500mg of maca daily for 8 weeks can significantly increase males’ libido independently of whether subjects have depression or anxiety and without causing a change in their hormone (testosterone or estrogen) levels. It is proposed that this action may provide some relief to those suffering prostate problems.  

The potential role of maca for improving prostate health is becoming clearer. Maca contains abundant plant sterols including campesterols (27.3%), ergosterol (13.6%), brassicasterol (9.1%) ergostadienol (4.5%) and sitosterol (45.5 %) the latter having phytoestrogen activity¹¹. These sterols make maca a powerful treatment aid that may help to control the growth of prostatic cells. Another well-known compound within maca is glucosinolates. The role of glucosinolates in prostate cancer protection is well demonstrated by many studies. Maca appears to have a gentle and gradual reversing action on the underlying circulatory problem in penile arteries. This means it improves function over time without any health risks associated with fast acting prescription erectile dysfunction drugs.

Moreover, maca was shown to improve human fertility by increasing male’s semen volume, sperm counts and sperm motility, therefore the overall conception rates. It also increased fetal growth and reduced miscarriage rates. All of these benefits occurred without any meddling with sex hormone levels.              

Anti-diabetic properties:   

In some Moroccan regions, maca decoction is a traditional tool for managing diabetes. Research demonstrated administration of maca extract could significantly reduce or normalize the blood glucose and improve the glucose tolerance in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. This effect was demonstrated to be without modification of the plasma hormone (insulin) levels in the body. The glucose lowering effect of maca was very similar to the antidiabetic drug, Rosiglitazone. This antidiabetic function may be explained by the compound, imidazole alkaloids, contained in maca. Imidazole alkaloids are well proved to be an effective compound in blood glucose reduction.  

Anti-lipidaemia properties:  

Atherogenesis is the process of plaque formation made up of fatty materials. These plaques line the arteries, gradually narrowing and constricting the artery. This increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications. Maca has anti-atherogenesis actions, this was demonstrated in a previous lifestyle program for fighting heart disease. The study showed two weeks of dietary supplementation with maca could significantly decrease the plasma cholesterol and improve the overall lipoprotein profile (significant decrease in VLDL and LDL cholesterol: often referred to as “bad cholesterol”) in the plasma and liver.  

Antioxidant properties:      

Studies have shown maca has the capacity to scavenge free radicals and protect cells against oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione (GSH) are enzymes or substances that help prevent the body from being damaged by oxidation. Administration of maca can significantly increase these substance levels in the body which thereby increase antioxidant activity.  

Anti-stress properties: 

Maca is thought to be a natural option for helping the body to regulate imbalances caused by stress. As we know, stress can come from everywhere- work pressure, family crisis, injuries, surgery, illness, menopause. These stressors additionally challenge the body to maintain optimal homeostasis which can lead to health problems with advancing age. Maca has demonstated the ability to reduce or eliminate stress-induced ulcers, reduce elevated corticosterone levels, promote the reduction of glucose and the counter the increase in the weight of adrenal glands produced by stress. It has also been shown to help regulate the free fatty acids in plasma produced by stress. All of these actions help the body to bring about a state of balance and inner strength thereby promoting natural healing to take place.  

Other properties   

The list of studied actions attributed to maca are far-reaching. Maca was also found to improve learning possibly due to its content of phytoestrogens and the known flavonoid, quercetin, as it has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Quercetin has a protective effect on cognitive performance (learning and memory). Furthermore, the anthocyanins content in the maca also has a postive effect on enhancing memory, problem-solving skills and equilibrium/balance in the elderly^.

Cautions:  

Avoid if pregnant or lactating, due to possible hormonal effects and lack of studies. There have been reports of increased breast tenderness in women at high dosages. If this occurs, please decrease your dosage. Please seek advice from a health professional if you are pregnant taking any medication, suffer from a serious health condition or are under 12 years of age.  

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