How to Use Maca Root for Health

How to Use Maca Root for Health



Maca root has been used for centuries by people in Peru as a food and for health. Some of maca root's reported benefits include increased energy and stamina, increased libido, improved mental function and reduction of peri-menopausal and menopausal hormone imbalance symptoms.









1


Select a reputable health food or nutritional supplement provider. Many companies are now importing maca root from Peru and processing it for resale in the United States. Not all companies comply with food safety standards or have proper information about the sources of the produce.





2


Discuss the daily starting dosage with the supplier that you have chosen. The Discovery Health Channel recommends 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams of powder daily to achieve beneficial effects. For maca extract, the daily dose ranges from 1,800 to 2,250 milligrams.





3


Start taking the maca root in the recommended form daily and continue for two weeks. Mix dried maca root with juice or water or take as capsules. The root tastes somewhat like graham crackers or butterscotch.





4


Record any unexpected side effects that you should discuss with a health practitioner. Some women have reported breast tenderness at maximum doses. Complementary medicine practitioners suggest that this signals a need to reduce daily dosage.





5


Increase your daily dosage at the end of two weeks, gradually until you reach the recommended maximum.





6


Vary your method of maca intake by switching from capsules filled with ground powder, preparing beverages with maca root and adding the root to baked foods, as the Peruvians do.








Tips & Warnings










Maca root contains a significant amount of many vitamins and minerals found in over the counter vitamin supplements, including iron and B12.








In recent years, scientific studies have isolated important compounds in maca root that could explain its beneficial effects on your body.








To
date
, no studies have shown any toxicity from build up of maca root's chemical compounds in the body; however, consult a physician before and during diet supplementation.








If you are considering maca root as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, be sure to check if any additional supplements will be needed to achieve the same level of protection, particularly for bone loss.



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