Foods for male libido

One of the most important aspects of our health is our sexual health. When men, in particular, start exhibiting problems with their libido, they can then suffer not just from sexual dysfunction, but also from self-esteem issues and possibly a low sense of self-worth. Fortunately, there are natural foods that can help support and activate the male libido. Compiled below are the top 10 most powerful foods that do just that.

Sexual health should not be ignored. This aspect of one’s life is important and should be tended to when problems arise. Sexual healing can be achieved through natural foods such as the ones compiled in the list below.

PUMPKIN SEEDS

Pumpkin seeds, which can be eaten fresh from a pumpkin or purchased on their own, contain high levels of zinc. This is very important to produce more testosterone. Deficiency of this important hormone can lead to intimacy issues. Pumpkin seeds are also rich with omega-3 fatty acids. This component is essential for your overall sexual health. The tasty pumpkin seed also contains other libido vitamins, such as vitamins B, C, D, E and K, as well as other minerals like potassium, calcium, niacin and phosphorous. Do not overlook the power of this potent seed because this can help boost your arousal.(1)

WATERMELON

If you are searching for a sweet libido stimulator, then all you need is a slice of watermelon. Yes, it’s 92% water. However, this fruit is filled with essential nutrients that can boost the sexual performance of both men and women. Watermelon has “Viagra-like effects” that boost libido. It also has rich levels of a phytonutrient known as citrulline, which is converted by the body to arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that increases the nitric oxide levels in the body. This, together with its lycopene content, relaxes the blood vessels the way Viagra does. It amazingly supercharges your stamina and allows you to feel every ecstatic sensation better.(2)

GINSENG

Ginseng can also greatly improve sexual performance. A clinical study by the University of Hawaii supports this claim. Ginsenoside extracts trigger sexual health. There are many products and supplements which claim they contain real ginseng content. However, be careful because not all ginseng products can be trusted. Choose high quality ginseng supplements or just eat fresh ginseng. You can also simply drink ginseng tea. Some energy drinks may brag about their product’s ginseng power, but most of these products are just full of sugar which can do more harm than good. Again, choose your brand wisely to avoid fraudulent ginseng products which may only further damage your health. Pick the right product and see for yourself how ginseng helps you to maximize your libido.(3)

MACA

Maca is among the group of newly discovered superfoods which can effectively alleviate impotency. Maca has the power to boost sperm count as well as increase the testosterone production for men. It is also known as Peru’s organic Viagra. This natural root increases energy, stamina, strength, libido and fertility. This powerful combination intensifies sexual urge and helps couples enjoy their improved intimacy. Maca is now available in local food stores, so you should start checking out this effective aphrodisiac.(1)

BANANAS

Bananas have an enzyme called bromelain that is vital to enhance a man’s sexual performance. This enzyme is also in pineapple. Pineapples, by the way, are also a great source of vitamin B which can increase the energy levels of the body as well as increase the production of sex hormones. Bananas do not contain cholesterol, so it does not harm the blood flow that can indirectly impact erectile function. This gives men the libido boost they need to enjoy a lovely night.(1)

CELERY

Celery is another sexual stimulator that can give rise to a potent substance called androsterone, which is a relatively odorless aphrodisiac in male’s perspiration. It boosts the pheromone levels in men’s sweat which can make them more attractive to the women. Buy organic celery to get rid of toxic chemicals that might mess with your libido boost. Eat organic celery and get ready to raise your virility and masculinity. With organic celery, you are sure to give a boost to your sexual stimulation.(1)

AVOCADO

Avocado helps both men and women improve their libido. Avocados are full of folic acid which can drive the body’s sexual energy up. Avocados metabolize protein production effectively. Avocados are rich in vitamin B6, a known hormone regulator. These green fruits contain fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin E and B6 which can boost the hormone production in males. Your sexual responses will improve once these sexual stimulators are ingested.(2, 4)

OYSTERS

Oysters have long been considered a love drug. Oysters can boost the dopamine levels which can drive the libido up for men and women alike. Oysters are also very rich in zinc that activates the testosterone production and increases sperm count. Ideally, you should eat oysters raw; however, you should be aware of health risks from Vibrio vulnificusbacteria.(2)

ASPARAGUS

Asparagus has high levels of vitamin E which is a potent nutrient to fuel a good sex life. It is a legendary aphrodisiac that also is rich in folate and vitamin B6. Its folic acid content has the potential to stir up lust in both men and women. It also stimulates the production of histamine. If you lack histamine in your body, you are unlikely to reach an orgasmic state. Thus, histamine-rich asparagus is of utmost importance. It has the potential to more effectively boost orgasm and trigger sexual arousal. Even if you are not really fond of this food, now is the perfect time to become an avid fan.(2, 4)

BROCCOLI

Whether eaten raw or cooked, broccoli is a powerful vegetable that can help you whenever you want to supercharge your sexual fuel. Broccoli contains vitamin C which helps the body’s blood circulation flow toward vital organs. It also has indole-3-carbinol which decreases the estrogen levels in men. Broccoli surprisingly can do wonders to power up your sexual energy and stamina.(3)

A man’s libido can slow down if one is not getting the right nutrition that the body requires. Deficiencies in the necessary vitamins and minerals can lead to feelings of depression, fatigue and low energy levels that can block the way of passionate intimacy among couples. When sexual performance problems come up, it can put a real damper on a couple’s relationship. In some cases, sexual performance issues can even hurt the couple’s romantic relationship. If you want to keep your sexual energy high and if you want your bedroom to continually be put to use, you should take some time to consider perfecting your diet in a way that is geared towards an overall boost in your libido and in your sex life. The foods in our top 10 list are just some of the many libido-boosting items that can help you get rid of your erection problems. It would be ideal if you pair this up with maintaining a regular exercise, so you can see considerable difference in your overall sexual drive. For other libido-enhancing foods click here.(5)

Sources:

1. NaturalNews.com
2. OrganicAuthority.com
3. FitnessMagazine.com
4. DailyStar.co.uk5. NaturalNews.com

http://natural.news/2015-08-21-foods-for-male-libido.html


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The 8 Most Nutrient Dense Superfoods on Earth...

The nutritional properties of each of these nutritional powerhouses could fill an entire book. Every single one of them has been shown to single-handedly deliver powerful healthy aging benefits—but when combined, they produce a spectacular, synergistic boost to your overall health and well-being... like adding rocket-fuel to your car's gas tank!

Superfood #1: Chlorella - The World's Greatest Healthy Aging Food!

Chlorella is a single-celled, water-grown algae that contains more health-enhancing chlorophyll per gram than any other plant. It is extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and many other nutrients that are beneficial to your health.

Chlorella also has an abundance of nucleic acids, which have powerful rejuvenating properties that regulate the aging process, supports youthful looking and wrinkle-free skin, and helps you have a longer potential lifespan.

Dr. Benjamin S. Frank, author of The No-Aging Diet and Nucleic Acid Therapy in Aging and Degenerative Disease, offered his patients with foods rich in nucleic acids, and reported that such a diet helped his patient's look and feel 6 to 12 years younger than their chronological age, and their overall health dramatically improved. They also experienced a substantial fading of the look and feel of lines and wrinkles, and developed healthier, younger-looking skin after only 2 months.

The raw and organic chlorella in Mega-Nutrition Organic Superfood is "broken cell wall chlorella"—the most beneficial kind of chlorella. This means that the cellulose cell walls of chlorella have been pulverized or broken down, thereby making it bioavailable... or able to be easily absorbed and used by the body... giving it the power to deliver superior health benefits.

Superfood #2: Moringa - The "Miracle Tree" of Cell Rejuvenation and The Enemy of Abnormal Cell Growth

The moringa is a genus of trees indigenous to Southern India and Northern Africa, and now cultivated in Central and South America, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Philippines. The leaves of the species called moringa oleifera, have become recognized in recent years as being highly beneficial to human health.

Moringa leaves are a healthy aging powerhouse because they contain several thousand times more of the powerful nutrient zeatin than any other known plant. A study published in Rejuvenation Research shows the undeniable youth-preserving effects of zeatin are due to its ability to regulate cell division and growth, and delay cell aging. With the zeatin contained in moringa, new skin cells grow at a faster rate than old skin cells die. This results in a marked reduction of look and feel of wrinkles on the face and other parts of the body, and a more youthful skin appearance.

Moringa leaves also have 90 essential nutrients and 2 compounds that have been shown to regulate abnormal cell growth (or a retardation of their growth). This has earned moringa the reputation of being a plant that supports health. India's traditional natural Ayurvedic medicine currently uses moringa leaves to in the care of over 300 diseases.

A Bureau of Plant Industry report states that, gram per gram, moringa leaves contain: twice the protein content of 8 ounces of milk (and 4 times the calcium); the Vitamin C equivalent of 7 oranges; the potassium content of 3 bananas; 3 times the iron of spinach; and 4 times the Vitamin A of carrots.

Superfood #3: Maca - The Sacred Plant More Precious Than Gold!

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a hearty root vegetable that grows in the high Andean plateaus of Peru. It is full of essential nutrients drawn from the mineral rich soil of the high Andes and the ancient Inca worshipped it as a sacred plant.

Maca was so highly prized by the ancient Inca that Conquistadors often asked to be paid their tributes in maca rather than gold!

Maca has gained the reputation of being a super herb in recent years, but it has actually been traditionally used for over 2,000 years to address a variety of health conditions.

In 1960, Gloria Chacon de Popovici, Ph.D., a Peruvian biologist, isolated the 4 alkaloids responsible for maca's reputed positive support for hormonal issues such as hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss—and even male impotence. Maca's reputation for restoring physical strength and libido has been remarked upon by many South Americans.

Maca is not only a powerful libido enhancer, but it also...

• promotes reproductive health
• enhances fertility in both men and women
• alleviates minor discomforts symptoms of menopause and PMS
• supports normal bone retention during menopause
• boosts energy levels and aids in athletic performance
• helps strengthen the body's immune system

• promotes mental clarity
• increases the body's resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue
• has a high iron content
• helps maintain normal cholesterol levels

Superfood #4: Spirulina - The Most Nutrient-
Dense Food on the Planet!

Spirulina is a blue green algae, considered to be the most nutrient dense food on the planet.

Because spirulina's nutrient profile is more potent than that of any other food, plant, grain or herb, it is considered a superior whole food alternative to isolated vitamin supplements. In addition to its contribution to the body's nutritional needs, it has been shown to support beneficial outcomes when concerned about:

• cancer (abnormal cell growth)
• allergies
• high cholesterol
• anemia
• elevated blood sugar
• viral infections

• cardiovascular diseases (heart concerns)
• liver damage (problems)
• inflammatory conditions
• and immunodeficiency diseases (immune concerns).

Of course, no food, including spirulina, can treat any of these conditions, but good nutrition can offer support for good health and healing.

Spirulina is the best source of vegetable protein, containing about 65% protein — higher than any other natural food — far more than animal flesh (20%), eggs (12%), whole milk (3%), soybeans (35%), peanuts (25%) or grains (8 to 14%). It is considered a complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids, which are the amino acids the body cannot make, but must ingest.

Spirulina also contains extraordinary concentrations of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, such as beta carotene (10 times more concentrated than that of carrots), iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium, chromium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, essential trace minerals, and gamma-linolenic acid. It is also the most abundant source of Vitamin B-12, and is also rich in phytonutrients and functional nutrients that have a demonstrably positive effect on health.

Superfood #5: Cacao - The No. 1 Longevity Food

Cacao comes from raw cacao seeds, the product of a fruit grown on the cacao tree (theobroma cacao), which grow naturally in the shade of tropical rainforests in South America and the West Indies.

Cocoa, a component of chocolate, is derived from cacao, which many researchers dub as "one of nature's most fantastic superfoods." Here are just a few of cacao's far-reaching health benefits:

• Increases blood flow to the brain and enhances brain function
• Cacao is the No. 1 source of magnesium of any food. Magnesium balances brain chemistry... builds strong bones... helps regulate heartbeat and blood pressure... helps prevent constipation and even eases minor menstrual cramps.
• Cacao beans contain certain compounds that can trigger weight loss, make you feel good and improve your mood considerably.
• Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far—more than blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas.
• Serotonin - Cacao raises the level of serotonin in the brain; thus acts to regulate mood, help with PMS discomfort, and promote a sense of well-being.
• Endorphins - Cacao stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation similar to the "runner's high" a jogger feels after running several miles.
• Sulfur - Cacao is high in the beauty mineral sulfur. Sulfur builds strong nails and hair, promotes beautiful skin, detoxifies the liver, and supports healthy pancreas functioning.

The key to gaining the most benefit from the world's No. 1 longevity food is to choose cacao that is organic, raw, and cold-processed, such as the cacao contained in the Mega-Nutrition Organic Superfood blend.

Superfood #6: Wheatgrass - The Absolute Best Superfood for the Rejuvenation of Aging Cells

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant, triticum aestivum. Its leaves are juiced or dried into powder for human consumption.

In The Wheatgrass Book, Ann Wigmore suggests that consuming wheatgrass juice promotes a healthy aging process because it cleanses the blood, thereby helping to rejuvenate aging cells and helping to tighten loose and sagging skin.

The high chlorophyll content of wheatgrass, as well as the amino acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes it contains enable wheatgrass to provide a wide range of health benefits, as follows:

• Regulates normal cell growth: Studies show that wheatgrass juice has a powerful ability to regulate cell growth.
• Powerful detoxifier: Wheatgrass protects the liver and the blood, and neutralizes toxic substances like cadmium, nicotine, strontium, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride.
• Blood builder: The chlorophyll in wheatgrass is almost identical in chemical composition to hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in the blood.

Superfood #7: Camu-Camu - The Superfruit with
600 Times More Vitamin C Than Oranges!

Camu camu is a bush that grows in the black water rivers of the South American Amazon rainforest. Its purplish red berries are a rich source of antioxidants and powerful phytochemicals that support and enhance health.

Camu camu berries contain the highest amount of Vitamin C of any botanical source—30 to 60 times more than a fresh orange. But when they are dried and reduced to powder form (as they are in Mega-Nutrition Organic Superfood blend), they deliver 600 times more Vitamin C than oranges! This amount of Vitamin C provides extraordinary immune system support and enhances mental health.

The berries also contain beneficial phytochemicals, such as leucine, serine and valine, as well as significant levels of beta carotene, calcium, iron, potassium, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin and thiamine—all of which provide these nutritional and therapeutic benefits:

• Regulates soreness considerably
• Supports healthy respiratory function (helps keep your lungs healthy)
• Maintains healthy skin, hair and nails

• Helps support vibrant eyesight
• Strengthens tendons and ligaments
• Helps to keep organs such as the eyes, brain, heart, skin and liver in good working condition

Dr. James Duke, Ph.D., the retired chief botanist for 30 years with the USDA (and author of several books on botanical medicine, including The Green Pharmacy) conducted an extensive study of hundreds of botanicals. He concluded that camu camu is one of the most outstanding natural mood support nutrients, and ranked it the No. 1 Natural Remedy for many traditional ailments.

Superfood #8: Acai - The Most Antioxidant-
Rich Superfood in the World!

The acai berry (Euterpe Oleracea), the fruit of the Acai Palm tree which grows in the flood plains of the Amazon in Brazil, is a small, black-purple berry that is considered by many to be one of the world's most nutritious foods. That's because it's the most antioxidant-rich superfood in the world, with a phenomenally high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value.

These berries contain a high concentration of beneficial anthocyanins—up to 30 times more anthocyanins than red wine! Anthocyanins are a group of polyphenols high in antioxidant value, and this gives them the ability to support healthy aging.

Acai berries are rich in dietary fiber, monounsaturated (healthy) fats and phytosterols that help promote healthy digestive and cardiovascular systems—and contribute to weight loss. They also have an abundance of essential fatty acids and an almost perfect essential amino acid complex and proteins that are essential for proper muscle contraction and regeneration.

Acai berries have been shown to support a graceful aging process... strengthen the immune system... regulate normal cholesterol levels in the body... reduce soreness... improve circulation and cardiovascular function... detoxify the body... improve vision... and help you sleep better, naturally.

http://www.meganutritionorganicsuperfood.com/

8 Superfoods You Need In Your Diet Today

Maca Benefits for Various Health Conditions

Danica Collins

Maca Benefits: A Super Herb That’s Been Used to Heal a Variety of Health Conditions

The Peruvian herb, maca, is not only one of the best known natural aphrodisiacs, but is also highly beneficial to your health…

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a hearty root vegetable belonging to the radish family, grows in the high Andean plateaus of Peru. It has gained the reputation of being a super herb in recent years, and the benefits of maca have been used for over 2,000 years to heal a variety of health conditions.

It is best known for its ability to enhance fertility and libido. Even before the Spanish conquistadors colonized the Inca Empire in the 16th century, the Incas had already been using maca for a multitude of health reasons.

In 1960, Gloria Chacon de Popovici, Ph.D., a Peruvian biologist, isolated the 4 alkaloids responsible for maca’s reputed positive effect on hormonal issues such as hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss — and even male impotence.

Maca’s reputation for restoring physical strength and libido has caused many a South American to nickname it “Spanish Viagra.” [Note: Maca bears no resemblance to, nor does it have any association with, the trademarked drug after which it is nicknamed.]

Throughout its long history of therapeutic use, maca has been shown to provide the following health benefits:

• It is a powerful natural aphrodisiac and libido-enhancer that also promotes reproductive health. The journal Plant Science reported that when maca was used in a reproductive health study, it increased the sperm count in male test subjects in just 2 weeks!
• It alleviates the symptoms of menopause and PMS. Indian women use it to treat menopausal symptoms, and Peruvian women have used it for years to encourage fertility and treat pre- and post-menstrual problems. Maca’s calcium, silica and magnesium content helps prevent bone loss that may accompany menopause-induced osteoporosis.
• It boosts energy levels and aids in athletic performance.
• Maca contains glucosinolate and fibers that help prevent certain forms of cancer. Its fatty acid content helps strengthen the body’s immune system, thereby enabling to body to fight cancer.
• It promotes mental clarity. Researchers have given maca to students before tests to improve students’ test scores.
• Maca is an adaptogen. As such, it increases the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue.
• It is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients that support optimum health and longevity.
• Because of its high iron content, it has been shown to be beneficial for those who suffer from anemia.
• Maca contains terpenoids and saponins which give it the ability to relieve pain, act as expectorant, sedative and analgesic — and even lower cholesterol levels.

In Peru, maca is usually eaten like a potato, boiled and used in pudding, jams and drinks. Everywhere else, maca is more readily available at health food stores and from online retailers as a powder that can be conveniently added to food or drinks. Maca is also available in the form of capsules or liquid extract, both of which can be self-administered as dietary supplements.

http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/maca-benefits-for-health-conditions

MACA: The Super Food ...

MACA: The Super Food That Helps With Everything From Fatigue to Sex Drive

If you want to boost energy -- increase libido -- fight stress and reduce the risk for conditions such as diabetes or arthritis, then maca is for you.

In Peru, maca is a root vegetable that’s roasted or used in baking. Here in the US, this super food is available in supplement form and as a powder that you can blend into beverages or sprinkle on foods.

Find out what maca can do for you...

The root of the maca (Lepidium meyenii) is shaped like a large radish. It is a cousin to other cruciferous plants, such as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. In addition to its healthful fiber, complex carbohydrates and protein, maca provides numerous minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, iron, zinc, iodine and copper... vitamins B-1, B-2, C and E... nearly 20 amino acids, including linoleic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid... as well as various plant sterols, which are natural cholesterol-lowering agents. All of these nutrients have been shown to promote health in a multitude of ways.

BOOST SEX DRIVE

Legend holds that in the era of the Incan empire, battle leaders provided maca to warriors to enhance their strength—then cut off the supply after the fighting ended to protect women from the warriors’ maca-heightened libidos.

Modern research has suggested that maca does indeed increase sex drive in men. One double-blind, randomized study published in the journal Andrologia examined the effect of maca on sexual desire in 57 men, ages 21 to 56. Participants took either placebos or 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca daily. After four, eight and 12 weeks, they reported on their sex drive levels. Placebo users experienced no change in libido, while the men taking either quantity of maca reported heightened sexual desire starting at eight weeks and continuing throughout the study.

How it works: Maca’s libido-enhancing powers are attributed primarily to its amino acids and sterols, among other properties. Blood tests indicated that maca did not affect the men’s levels of the hormones testosterone or estradiol (a form of estrogen present in women and men). This is just one of maca’s virtues—it does not change hormone regulation in men.

A small study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology yielded some interesting results, indicating that maca also improves male fertility. Nine men, ages 24 to 44, received either 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca per day. Compared with tests done at the outset of the study, semen analysis performed at the end of the four-month research period demonstrated that maca increased semen volume, sperm count and sperm motility at both dosage levels. Again, maca achieved these results by unknown mechanisms that were not related to increases in testosterone or other hormones.

SOOTHE MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

For women, maca has a long-standing reputation for soothing menopausal symptoms. A study published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science details research at five sites in Poland, focusing on 124 women, ages 49 to 58, in the early stages of menopause. During the study, the women took varied combinations of either a placebo or 2,000 mg of maca every day. Results: Compared with placebo users, those taking maca experienced significant reductions—84% on average—in the frequency and severity of menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats.

Bonus: In a substudy of the trial, researchers found that the women taking maca had a notable increase in bone density.

How it works: Blood tests showed that maca reduced follicle-stimulating hormone, which normally increases during menopause and is thought to be one cause of troublesome symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Study authors speculate that maca stimulates the regulatory mechanism responsible for optimizing ovarian function and estrogen secretion, significantly increasing the level of estradiol in a woman’s body.

It appears, then, that maca offers a safe and effective way to reduce menopausal symptoms—and it is unlikely to increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer, heart disease and stroke, as can non-bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

We don’t know this for certain, but the fact that breast cancer is not among the leading causes of death in Peruvian women, despite a diet rich in maca, supports the assumption. In addition, increases in estradiol as a result of taking maca supplements may be safer than adding a hormone to a woman’s system because maca appears to stimulate the body’s natural estrogen production.

FIGHT STRESS AND DISEASE

Any kind of stress—from work, personal problems, illness, injury, toxins, hormonal imbalances or any other source—can negatively affect how our bodies function. Maca is what holistic doctors call an adaptogen, a plant or herb that boosts the body’s ability to resist, deal with and recover from emotional and physical stress.

Practitioners of traditional medicine from China and India have known about and made use of adaptogens for centuries, though the term itself was not coined until the middle of the 20th century. Well-known adaptogens include the herbs ashwagandha, ginseng, rhodiola and licorice root, all of which I have prescribed to my patients with much success over the years.

How it works: To be classified as an adaptogen, a natural substance must meet specific criteria. It must be nontoxic... normalize levels of chemicals raised during periods of stress... and produce physical, chemical and/or biological responses that increase the body’s resistance to stress.
Although all adaptogenic plants contain antioxidants, researchers do not believe that antioxidants alone account for adaptogens’ normalizing powers. Rather, it is thought that a variety of phytochemicals helps balance the dozens of endocrine, digestive and neural hormones that operate throughout the body—including insulin (which regulates blood sugar levels) and dopamine (which enhances and stabilizes mood). Many adaptogens also stimulate immune system components, leading to better immune function.

MORE OF MACA’S SUPERPOWERS

In addition to its documented beneficial effects on the human reproductive system, laboratory tests and animal studies suggest that maca may reduce the risk for...

• Arthritis—by promoting cartilage growth.
• Blood toxicity—by improving liver function.
• Diabetes—by allowing for better control over blood sugar levels and body weight.
• Digestive health—by combating ulcers.
• Fatigue—by increasing energy and endurance.
• Heart disease—by lowering levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of blood fat).
• Infertility—by stimulating production of estrogen and other hormones in women and boosting sperm count in men.
• Memory and mood—by enhancing certain brain chemicals.
• Osteoporosis—by increasing bone density.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—by regulating hormone levels.
• Prostate problems—by reducing prostate enlargement.

 

THE SAFEST WAY TO START

Maca generally appears to be safe, given its long history of use by Peruvians... but there are a few guidelines to bear in mind. Women who take estrogen to ease menopausal symptoms should talk to their doctors about using maca. They may be able to wean off hormone therapy or at least lower the estrogen dosage under a doctor’s supervision.

Breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen or other estrogen blockers and women who have had breast cancer must not use maca, because it raises estrogen levels. Women in a family with a strong history of breast cancer should discuss maca use with their doctors first. People who take thyroid medication should be monitored by their doctors because maca may increase thyroid activity. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take maca, as a general precaution.

Since its long-term effects have not been scientifically studied, I recommend taking a break from maca now and then in order to give the body’s cell receptors a break from any hormone stimulation. People who want to try maca to see if it is a "super food" for them should take supplements for three months (six months for women with severe menopausal symptoms), then stop using maca for one or two weeks. They may then continue this regimen as needed for symptom relief.

HOW TO GET YOUR MACA

Maca is available in supplement and powder form. The average dose of maca supplements is 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg daily—which you can take with or without food at any time of day.

Or you can get your maca by adding powder to your favorite foods and drinks. It has a slightly nutty flavor, so you may enjoy mixing it with almond milk. Other ways to incorporate maca into your diet...

• Sprinkle on cereal (hot or cold).
• Mix into your favorite smoothie or protein shake.
• Add to yogurt or applesauce, perhaps with a little cinnamon.
• Stir into tea—especially chai blends, as the flavors complement each other.
• Use in baking—substitute maca powder for one-quarter of the flour in any recipe (no more, or it might affect texture or consistency).

I recommend organically grown maca products from Natural Health International, or NHI (888-668-3661, www.NaturalHi.com, available online or through naturopathic doctors). The company sells a blend for women called Femenessence MacaPause (the same blend used in the study of Polish women, who experienced significant improvement in their menopausal symptoms) and another for men, Revolution Macalibrium, formulated to enhance energy and vitality in men as they age.
Cost: $35 to $38 for 120 capsules of 500 mg each. The powder costs about $17/pound and is available online from www.MacaWeb.com, www.SuperOrganicFoods.com and www.IHerb.com.
Be aware: Maca powder has a high fiber content and may initially cause gassiness. I suggest beginning with one teaspoon daily, then gradually increasing your intake by one teaspoon every five days until you find your comfort zone. The optimum dosage is three to six teaspoons daily.

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Mark A. Stengler, NMD, is a naturopathic medical doctor and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. Dr. Stengler is author of the Bottom Line Natural Healing newsletter, author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies (Bottom Line Books), founder and medical director of the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine in Encinitas, California, and adjunct associate clinical professor at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. www.DrStengler.com

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