Maca root grows high in the Andes.
The small root vegetable maca grows high in the Peruvian Andes. Touted as a superfood by many, it is a safe adaptogenic substance, meaning that it acts as an overall tonic for the system.
Identification
Maca is a member of the turnip and radish family, one of only two crops that grow in the highest altitudes of Peru. It is used for both food and medicine, and Inca warriors consumed it before battle, according to the New York Times.
Benefits
Peruvians have been consuming maca for centuries to address many issues, including low stamina and male sexual dysfunction. The New York Times reports that peer-reviewed research published in the journal "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology" confirms that maca increases stamina and improves sperm count and quality.
Safety
The NYU Langone Medical Center says maca caused no adverse effects in the two human trials on record but notes that comprehensive tests for safety have yet to occur. The Herb Companion says maca is simply a vegetable and carries little risk when consumed like one. But using large doses of maca as a concentrated nutritional supplement warrants a check-in with your doctor.
Drug Interaction
The Herb Companion says maca does not seem to interfere with other drugs or supplements in a person's system.
Hormone Production
Research studies consistently indicate that maca does not increase hormone production (see References 2 and 3). Rather, its nutrient-dense effects on the endocrine system allow the body to make better use of hormones already present.
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