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Maca Frequently Asked Questions

by Larry Burton, WholeHealthPub

How Much MACA LIVETM Do I Need?

One to two full teaspoons of powder daily. Maca is a food and does not have restrictions to size of dose nor are there any known negative side effects.

These are suggestions that have shown to be most effective. Two teaspoons-once in the morning and again in the afternoon to start. It is interesting that the beneficial effects of Maca accumulate with use. Very often the amount of MACA required to eliminate hot flashes, increase energy or maintain a healthy state of balance decreases over time. For example, a woman using a beginning amount of 2 teaspoons twice a day to eliminate hot flashes may find that after 1-2 weeks she only needs 1 teaspoon once to twice a day to achieve the same results.

Men respond best when taken intentionally over a one - two week span, and can notice a greater sexual stimulation and interest as well as the above listed benefits. Men are encouraged to add zinc to their diet. Men's bodies tend to convert progesterone it make into estrogen, zinc prevents this.

How do I take MACA LIVETM Powder?

The powder form may be mixed in water, or almost any other beverage. MACA LIVE mixed in protein drinks is an excellent tasting drink. It is ideal with apple sauce and yogurt. It mixes easily with any beverage and has a delicious taste of it's own. The powder is excellent in protein drinks and ideal just before athletic activity. A favorite is mixed in a protein drink and adding a banana or other fruit. A special treat is to mix your favorite nut butters and raw honey: 2 parts nut butter to one part honey and one part maca. Get creative, just don't heat over 110 degrees or refrigerate unless you are using the Gelatinized maca.

Maca is a food and may be taken with or without a meal. Those using MACA find that the most convenient time to take it is in the morning when they wake up. We suggest taking either all at once or in divided amounts. Because Maca does have an energizing effect, we suggest taking it before 8: 00 pm. in order to avoid disturbing your sleep.

Body builders and athletes perform much better when taking MACA one hour before exercising. Increased stamina and energy has been noted frequently. Allowing MACA to build in the body improves the overall effects. Being consistent and taking MACA daily for several weeks amazes people. Energy and stamina improve dramatically with continued use. Read the How To Use Maca section for more information and ideas.

What About Side Effects?

There are no known side effects with Maca. Occasionally a woman may develop breast tenderness – this is simply a signal to reduce the amount of MACA being used. It is also not advisable to take Maca late at night, as this may create energy, and keep you from getting a restful nights sleep. Men report increased stimulation if taken late at night.

What Other Changes Can I Expect While Using MACA LIVETM?

Men and women report increased energy levels, increased ability to function under stress, and increased libido. Women report a decrease in the problems associated with PMS, menopause and peri-menopause. Men report increased libido function and stamina . A man's sexual appetite & potency increases with continued use as does a women's. Women experiencing irregular menses associated with peri-menopause usually experience changes in their periods such as fewer cramps, a gradual decrease in bleeding and fatigue. These effects accumulate with prolonged use of MACA.

How Effective Is It As An Aphrodisiac?

Maca's ability to act as an aphrodisiac is becoming more well known world wide. Many South Americans compare Maca with Viagra® even giving it the nick name Spanish - Viagra® Maca of course is not Viagra® , but it does nurture the hormonal system establishing a healthy hormonal balance naturally. Recent studies have indicated that the reason for the libido enhancing effect of Maca is due to isocyanothides and fatty acids.

Many people including doctors in the United States are now once again rethinking medicine and considering a return to plant-based drugs in concert with pharmaceuticals. Much discussion is heard in the shadows of hospital halls about the wonderful effects herbs generally have on the human body as opposed to the side effects commonly found in pharmaceutical drugs.

Research shows that Maca increases sperm count and semen volume, and may improve both erectile and ovarian function. Dr. Chacon, discovered the four alkaloids present in Maca that are responsible for its reputed positive effects on these hormonal issues. Those who have added Maca claim a significant increase in libido, enhanced sexual function and desire.

Since the release of the drug Viagra®, supplement companies have marketed herbs specifically for libido and sexual function, but these products have lacked clinical validation. The specific species of (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon), has clinical and medical research behind it and has been tested for more than 40 years. The medical journal Urology, that first published the Viagra® study, also published, in the April, 2000 issue, a study confirming the sex-enhancing effects of Maca . This is very significant, for a major medical journal to publish findings on a sex-enhancing herb.

Men and women throughout the world take Maca on a regular basis to enhance their sexual desire and performance as well as to increase their energy levels.

For more information is included in the Sexual Enhancer section.

What About Using MACA For Fertility?

MACA has been used for centuries in South America for fertility. In the United States men and women who have had difficulty conceiving are beginning to report pregnancies after using maca. We recommend both partners (male/female) to be using Maca Live while working on conception. Women usually stop taking maca when pregnancy is discovered and resume Maca Live if they are breast-feeding to increase milk production.

It is important to remember that maca is NOT a hormone. MACA LIVE is a food that nourishes the hormonal system to maintain optimal balance and health. And works through the Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland to help balance the Endocrine Glands.

MACA was originally studied by Dr. Chacon because of it's ability to ward off malnutrition in the poorer regions of Peru. Maca is especially high in calcium and magnesium and has proven to be successful in promoting healthy bone formation.

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