What Is Pure Nutrition Maca?
Pure Nutrition Maca is a single-ingredient supplement featuring pure maca (Lepidium meyenii) powder to support prostate health, sexual well-being (libido), cognitive function and a variety of other biological processes.
'Maca' is the common term used to refer to Lepidium meyenii, which is a plant closely related to cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and mustard greens, as well as collard greens and turnips. Maca is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng since it is cultivated exclusively in Peru and is said to have similar physiological characteristics as Panax ginseng (despite not having any physical similarities).
Maca has traditionally been used to in Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing fertility and vitality in both males and females. Contemporary research shows that maca is effective for a range of health benefits, likely due to its expansive profile of bioactive compounds - many of which are only found in maca.
How Pure Nutrition Maca Works
Maca is indigenous to the Andean Region of Peru, where it is grown between 4000 and 4500 meters above sea level. The plant has been used for over 2000 years and is touted as an herbal ‘superfood’. The Lepidium meyenii plant has a variety of ecotypes (color variations), with the most common (and desirable) being yellow maca.
Maca contains a host of biologically active compounds, with the most noteworthy (and exclusive) ones being macaridine (a maca alkaloid) and macaenes, which are maca unsaturated fatty acids. Research contends that macaridine is the most bioactive alkaloid in maca, and is in part responsible for the benefits of consuming maca supplements.1
One of the primary reasons people supplement with maca powder is to increase libido and sex drive (i.e. as an aphrodisiac). Interestingly, maca doesn’t appear to boost libido through hormone regulation, but rather by altering neural pathways.2 This may explain why it is useful for enhancing sex drive in both males and females.
Research also notes that the aphrodisiac properties of maca tend to increase after gradual use has taken place.3 As such, it’s best to supplement with maca powder for at least 4 weeks if you’re using as an aphrodisiac (peak benefits tend to occur after 8 consecutive weeks of use).
The macaenes (maca-exclusive fatty acids) in maca also appear to have prostate-supporting properties in males through a mechanism not associated with 5α-reductase inhibition; researchers suspect it might be due to maca decreasing zinc levels in the prostate (since zinc facilitates the conversion testosterone to DHT).4 In turn, maca may inhibit the growth of the prostate gland by blocking the anabolic effects of DHT on prostate cells.
Maca may also benefit cognitive function and reduce anxiety by protecting neurons from oxidative stress and neurotoxins.5
Contrary to popular belief, maca does not significantly alter circulating testosterone levels, nor does it appear to increase follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone.
Pure Nutrition Maca Benefits
Research and clinical evidence cited herein suggests that supplementing with pure maca root powder can:
- Promotes sex drive/libido
- Supports healthy prostate function
- Boosts cognitive function and reduce anxiety
- Encourages healthy blood pressure levels
It is best to consume maca 2-3 times daily with food for at least four consecutive weeks. The benefits of maca become more prominent the longer you use it.
Pure Nutrition Maca Quality Differences
Pure Nutrition Maca is made in a cGMP facility in the USA. Each capsule of Pure Nutrition Maca provides 500 mg of pure maca root powder to ensure maximum efficacy. This product is intended for adults only. Keep out of reach of children.
References
- Muhammad I, et al. Constituents of Lepidium meyenii 'maca'. Phytochemistry. (2002)
- Zenico T, et al. Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial. Andrologia. (2009)
- Gonzales GF, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. (2002)
- Gonzales GF, et al. Effect of two different extracts of red maca in male rats with testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia. Asian J Androl. (2007)
- Valentová K, et al. The in vitro biological activity of Lepidium meyenii extracts. Cell Biol Toxicol. (2006)
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