Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) is a cruciferous, radish-like plant that has been cultivated in the Andes mountain range in Peru for thousands of years. It is grown about 9,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest altitude crop on earth.
Maca is known as a food that helps support healthy energy levels but it is more popular nowadays due to the aphrodisiac properties found in its roots. It is often referred to as an herb but it is actually a vegetable. Incan warriors consume Maca before marching into battle to boost their energy but they were forbidden to consume any more of it after the fighting to protect women from their increased libidos. The Incan workers who constructed the Macchu Picchu were also believed to have regularly been given Maca.
One of the first written accounts by the Spaniards of the Andes was about Maca. Andean shamans believed that Maca can increase fertility in both animals and humans. Shortly after the Spanish conquest of Peru, the Spaniards noticed that their livestock were in poor health because of the desolate highlands. The Andean natives suggested the consumption of Maca to the Spaniards and for their animals, which apparently, produced remarkable results.
Maca is an ideal aphrodisiac and is often used as an ingredient in male enhancement supplements because it is a rich source of minerals, enzymes, and all the essential amino acids which are crucial for libido. Maca is also an adaptogen – a substance that helps you adapt to stress, which decreases libido in both men and women.
A number of studies have documented the aphrodisiac properties of Maca. These include:
- A study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology which showed that Maca improves sex drive. Maca was given to 9 volunteers daily for two weeks. The participants had an almost 200% increase in libido and doubled their sperm production.
- In Italy, a double-blind clinical trial revealed that Maca can help address erectile dysfunction (ED).
- A study conducted in Lima, Peru, demonstrated Maca’s ability to support prostate health.
There are three types of Maca: black, red, and yellow. Each type appears to have unique components for addressing sexual health issues. Black Maca has been shown to be the most beneficial variety for reducing ED and boosting sperm count and sperm motility. The Red variety is most associated with reducing prostate size.
Maca is an important component of a male enhancement supplement. Consult credible male enhancement product reviews to find out which male enhancers contain Maca.
