In this whole superfoods quest, I stumbled upon something called Maca Root.
This is the kind I am using. It's powder. You can get it in pill form too.
I put it in my superfoods protein shake. To see the other ingredients I use, you can find the link for it at the bottom of my page.
Maca Root was first harvested in Peru. yada yada....to learn more go here
Here's the good stuff you want to know!
Maca root is a true Adaptogen.
AdaptaWHAT?
Adaptogens are basically something that conform to whatever needs your body has and then nourish those stressors in the body specifically. So if you're sore from exercise, they help with that. If you are pmsing, they will help with that, if you are fatiqued, they will help with that. etc. Here is a scientific way of putting it....
By the way. I get all of the below info from this web page: http://macaroot.com/benefits/index.html
I'd go there and look around. It'll give you a ton more info
An adaptogen is a substance which raises the non-specific resistance in an organism.
Adaptogens enable the body to enhance its power of resistance and adapt to external conditions.
They work with the body's natural rhythms to help rebuild weak immune systems, re-mineralize poorly nourished bodies, and increase energy and endurance.
But even more exciting is that they are endocrine adaptogens. SO anyone with imbalanced hormone issues may see great benefits from this.
Read below:
Maca: The Endocrine Adaptogen!
The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce chemical "messengers" called hormones essential for normal bodily functions. A wide variety of physiological processes are carried out unconsciously by these "messengers". Once released they flow directly into the bloodstream and are transported to organs and tissues throughout the entire body.
Scientists and doctors are now finding maca to be one of the best natural ways to regulate and support endocrine health. This action regulates metabolism, energy levels, growth, sexual development and the sense of well being and attitude.
Thankfully, maca does not contain hormones itself. Instead it provides a unique set of nutrients that directly fuel the endocrine system and help the glands to produce vital hormones in precise dosages predetermined by one's own body.
Hypothalamus:
Peru's Dr. Chacon surmised that maca works through the hypothalamus pituitary axis... the needed link between the pituitary gland and the brain. The pituitary gland then makes hormones in answer to the body's needs. These are then circulated in the blood to a variety of the body's tissues, including other endocrines, such as the adrenal gland.
The Adrenal Glands:
The adrenal glands produce hormones that help control the heart rate, blood pressure, the way the body uses food, and other vital functions. ACTH hormone from the pituitary gland stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands:
The Thyroid gland controls the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients. The alkaloid extract of maca can activate calcitonine hormones, which regulate the metabolism of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in the blood. The hormone is secreted by the thyroid and the parathyroid. It acts in the intestines, bones, and kidneys to increase the (Ca2+) in the plasma. It also aids in wound healing through blood clotting. (Chacon)
Pancreas:
The pancreas gland secretes digestive enzymes which break down fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and acids.
Pituitary Gland:
Maca's alkaloids act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis causing gender appropriate responses in respective gonadal functions.
Thymus:
Maca contains vitamin C and trace elements of zinc, which aid the immune system function of the thymus gland. Part of maca's adaptogenic value may be its ability to enhance the thymus' cell mediated immunity.
Ovaries:
The ovaries lie on either side of the uterus and just below the opening to the fallopian tubes. In addition to producing eggs, or "ova", the ovaries produce female sex hormones called estrogen and progesterone.
Testes:
Maca has been shown to increase male libido and sperm production in studies.
Other Health Benefits:
In addition to its effect on the endocrine system, recent studies, articles, and reports show that maca effects the body and mind in a variety of other beneficial ways.
Increases stamina
Enhances fertility in people and animals
Enhances memory, learning, and mental ability
Good for healthy teeth and bones
Acts as a fungistatic and bacteriostatic
Acts as an anticarcinogen and antioxidant
Is non addictive
So why does maca make you feel so good?
As an adaptogen, maca works broadly to contribute to overall well being. It nourishes and calms the nerves with calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12 , and fatty acids, all of which work beneficially on the nervous system.
It stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion with calcium, vitamins B1 and B2, B12, and fatty acids. Its phosphorus is a primary building block in the cell fuels Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P).
At the same time it supports the adrenal glands so they don't have to rely on damaging corticol to fuel the body. Its sterols, calcium, and vitamin C help build muscle mass and its starches aid in physical endurance. Its alkaloids help the body assimiliate all these nutrients just where they are required.
In addition, recent studies of maca also show:
Its fiber as well as glucosinolate content show promise in helping combat some cancers.
Bio-available calcium, in conjunction with its alkaloids, make it an effective bond builder, thus reducing osteomalacia and rickets.
Some of its fatty acids function as fungicides and local antiseptics, which may aid in overall immunity enhancement.
Tannins bind and precipitate proteins, which improves the nutritional value of maca.
Saponins and terpenoids may aid as a sedative, expectorant, pain reliever, anti-tumoral, and analgesic.
Effects general and not localized to a specific organ.
Normalizing action irrespective of the pathological state.
Sounds Good to Me!
MORE PLEASE
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