Maca is a root vegetable that was originally found in Peru. According to Maca Spirit, Peruvian farmers began to take notice that the livestock that grazed in areas where maca root was located were more likely to be stronger, healthier and more likely to copulate than their counterparts 1. The maca root is full of many minerals and health-promoting vitamins and is used by naturopathic practitioners to treat a variety of conditions.

General Health Benefits

Due to its many reported benefits, the maca root is considered to be a super food. It is often used to promotes reproductive and sexual health. According to the Raw Organic Maca website, it also increases energy levels and endurance 2. Maca root can also treat diseases ranging from depression to cancer. As an adaptogen, maca will enhance the body's natural ability to withstand stress and fight diseases by supporting the endocrine system. It regulates the hypothalamus gland's production of cortisol, which is also known as the stress hormone. Maca also tones the adrenal glands. Physical and mental stress send a trigger to the hypothalamus, telling it to increase the production of cortisol. Since the body is not made to withstand stress over extended periods of time, high levels of cortisol in the body are extremely harmful to your health.

Menopause Benefits

Maca root is often used in menopausal women as a replacement to hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. While HRT causes ovaries to atrophy and stimulates hormone production, maca root will simply balance these without damaging the body.

Infertility Benefits

Maca root supplements are used by many women to combat infertility. Although there are limited statistics available on the effectiveness of the maca root treatment, Australia's Good Medicine Magazine states that studies in rats have found that improved fertility occurs after eating maca.

Menstrual Benefits

Maca is considered an effective treatment for relieving menstrual symptoms. Many menstrual symptoms are directly related to the body of a woman being unable to fully absorb the minerals and vitamins that it needs. The maca root's hormone-balancing qualities and antioxidant properties are able to counteract these symptoms.

Sexual Benefits

The maca root has long been considered to be a prized potent aphrodisiac and effective sexual stimulant in the Peruvian Andes. Maca is believed to have the ability to increase a person's libido by up to 180 percent. It also aids in alleviating stress-related sexual dysfunction.