The herb Lepidium Meyenii commonly known as Maca is one of the many supplemental food substances that I have a bit of a history with.
Long before the current popularity of this cruciferous little gem from high in the Andes became highly sought after, I was fortunate enough to hear about it's potential benefits.
I'd be hard pressed to remember when or the circumstances surrounding my introduction and interest first peaked regarding Maca Root, except for it most certainly was, related to my pursuit of natural sports performance enhancers.
During these many years of being a fitness advocate and weight training enthusiast, I've always steered clear of synthetic drug use in order to gain additional muscle mass and strength. Yet, upon learning more and more about herbal remedies, along with successful self-experimentation, I became very open to discovering and using Natures strength boosters.
Maca is a non-hormonal adaptogenic herb, which exhibits hormone regulating properties in both men and women. For women, it has been used to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as 'hot flashes' and 'night sweats'.
Use of this herb, has also been associated with an enhanced libido, fertility, energy and stamina. Though there are enough studies within the scientific community granting evidence of such merit, the mechanism of action remains somewhat of a mystery.
It may be interesting to note that there are a number of different varieties, indicated by color within the maca family of botanicals. The primary color range of the roots are, yellow, red, purple and black.
Recent recommendations flooding the internet, suggest that men will benefit more from the black maca root, whereas women might do better with the red variety.
Though there may exist some basis of fact regarding the above, I personally, have not found any well documented research arriving at such a conclusion. (Though it may be out there - somewhere)
Nutritionally, one study that I came across, reached a conclusion that all varieties contained similar nutritional values. Particularly high (by volume) in protein, vitamin C, copper and iron.
One ounce (28 grams) of dry maca powder contains on average, 4 grams of protein, which is fairly high considering there are about 6 grams of protein in an ounce of lean, ground beef.
Yet, few people, if any are interested in using maca for protein supplementation. The average serving of beef, is about 4 ounces; I know of no one who consumes that much powdered maca in a single serving. Most people use one to three teaspoonful in smoothies, cereals, soup etc.
With all the excitement around using maca as a potential sexual and sport performance aid, little is mentioned about the proven cancer fighting properties of this herb.
As with cabbage, kale and other cruciferous vegetables, the glucosinolates (sulfur glucosides) within, exhibit strong anti-tumor activity.
Epidemiological studies suggest that brassica vegetables are protective against cancers of the lungs and alimentary tract. Cruciferous vegetables are the dietary source of glucosinolates, a large group of sulfur-containing glucosides.
These highly reactive compounds are potent inducers of Phase II enzymes in vitro. Isothiocyanates also inhibit mitosis and stimulate apoptosis in human tumor cells, in vitro and in vivo.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11887749/
Although there is not much difference nutritionally between maca root varieties, yet when it comes to measurement of the cancer fighting, phytochemical glucosinulate - the red variety contains the highest amount, followed by black, purple, then yellow respectively.
Getting back to my personal experience with using powdered maca root as a supplement for enhanced exercise performance, I hesitate saying that I'm certain it works for me in that way. One reason is, that I use other substances like Bee Pollen and Creatine on a regular basis as well; two supplements which definitely aid with energy and stamina at the gym...
Also, I've never suffered from erectile dysfunction or low libido, which is a malady some men seek maca for, with varying degree of success. Yet, I have noticed at least a slight boost in that department, as I have with other root vegetables and herbs; such as certain yams (The red skinned, white variety - especially)
At my age (71) I probably shouldn't be waking up with "morning wood" on a regular basis, but I do with certain dietary products and supplements, especially. It happens more often when I add maca to my diet after a few days. If it's from increased testosterone levels... I don't really know.
The best way to test a new addition to your health and fitness regimen, is to NOT try too many new things at the same time. If you try two or three different herbs, for instance, and there is a positive affect; how do you know which substance has caused it?
Also... if you experience a negative or lack of results, one of the multiple things you've newly added, may be cancelling out another.
Be patient. Try maca by itself at first and give it some time to work. Remember - some natural remedies may not grant overnight success, but very beneficial in the long run.
Another factor which comes into play, is quality of the herb you manage to acquire. Not all products are grown, harvested, handled, stored and processed in the most ideal fashion; so, you may be better served to try a few different suppliers before poo-pooing something that didn't seem to work.
In any case... I hope you found this article interesting and helpful; I enjoyed writing it. It's always a pleasure for me to pass along any knowledge I may have gained over the years - or simply, personal experiences of which may help another.
Till next time, my friends... enjoy your life - it might be the only one you have.
Ciao