Lepidium meyenii, known as maca or Peruvian ginseng, is an edible herbaceous biennial plant of the family Brassicaceae that is native to South America in the high Andes mountains of Peru. It was found exclusively at the Meseta de Bombón plateau close to Lake Junin in the late 1980s. It is grown for its fleshy hypocotyl that is fused with a taproot, which is typically dried, but may also be freshly cooked as a root vegetable. If it is dried, it may be further processed into a flour for baking or as ...

lepidium meyenii

_-1_0

Botanical-Profile

Botanical Profile

Botanical-Profile_0_0

The maca plant belongs to the Brassicaceae family, sharing its lineage with other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli (Brassica oleracea), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala). Maca grows predominantly in the high plateaus of the Peruvian Andes, withstanding harsh weather conditions and poor soil. The plant produces a radish-like tuber, which is the part primarily consumed, often in powdered form.

Benefits-of-Maca

Benefits of Maca

Hormonal-Balance

Hormonal Balance

Hormonal-Balance_1_0

Among the most notable benefits of maca is its potential to balance hormones. A study in the International Journal of Biomedical Science found that maca could help decrease symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and sleep disruptions by supporting endocrine health^

Energy-Boost

Energy Boost

Energy-Boost_1_0

Maca is rich in essential nutrients including proteins, fibers, and minerals that can offer an energy boost. Research published in Phytotherapy Research indicated that participants who consumed maca extract showed improved endurance during physical activities.

Sexual-Health

Sexual Health

Sexual-Health_1_0

Maca has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. Studies have shown that it can improve sexual health, with a systematic review from BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies reporting enhanced sexual desire in men and women who consumed maca regularly.

Sexual-Health_1_1

Easy-to-Prepare-Maca-Recipes

Easy-to-Prepare Maca Recipes

Maca-Smoothie

Maca Smoothie

Maca-Smoothie_2_0

Maca-Smoothie_2_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 banana</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 cup of almond milk</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 tablespoon of maca powder</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 tablespoon of honey</li></ul>&nbsp;

Maca-Smoothie_2_2

Maca-Smoothie_2_3

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">This recipe serves as a great breakfast or afternoon snack, providing an energy boost for the day.</li></ol>

Maca-Energy-Balls

Maca Energy Balls

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_0

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 cup of dates</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1/2 cup of almonds</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2 tablespoons of maca powder</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1/4 cup of shredded coconut</li></ul>Preparation:

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_2

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blend all the ingredients (except the coconut) in a food processor until they form a sticky mixture.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Roll the mixture into balls, coat with shredded coconut, and refrigerate for an hour.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">These energy balls are a quick and easy snack that harnesses the benefits of maca.</li></ol>

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_3

Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

Questions-and-Answers_3_0

Q: Is maca safe for everyone to consume?

Questions-and-Answers_3_1

A: While maca is generally safe for most people, it should be consumed in moderation. People with thyroid problems should be cautious as maca contains goitrogens which may interfere with normal thyroid function.

Questions-and-Answers_3_2

Questions-and-Answers_3_3

Q: Can maca help with fertility issues?

Questions-and-Answers_3_4

A: Some studies suggest that maca can improve fertility by enhancing sperm quality in men. However, more research is needed, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Questions-and-Answers_3_5

Questions-and-Answers_3_6

Q: How does maca taste?

Questions-and-Answers_3_7

A: Maca has a unique taste, often described as earthy and nutty. Some people enjoy it, while others prefer to mix it with other ingredients to mask the flavor.

Questions-and-Answers_3_8

Questions-and-Answers_3_9

Q: Can I grow maca at home?

Questions-and-Answers_3_10

A: Maca grows best in specific high-altitude conditions found in the Andes. It might be challenging to replicate these conditions at home, but you can certainly try growing it if you have a suitable environment.

Questions-and-Answers_3_11

Questions-and-Answers_3_12

Q: How much maca should I take daily?

Questions-and-Answers_3_13

A: The appropriate dosage can vary depending on individual factors. However, a general recommendation is 1-2 teaspoons of maca powder daily. As with any supplement, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new regimen.

Referrals

Referrals_3_0

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dini, A., Migliuolo, G., Rastrelli, L., Saturnino, P., &amp; Schettino, O. (1994). Chemical composition of Lepidium meyenii. Food Chemistry, 49(4), 347-349.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hermann, M., &amp; Hellmuth, H. (1997). Lepidium peruvianum (maca) plant from the high Andes of Peru: From tradition to science. Rostlinna Vyroba, 43(12), 505-510.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Meissner, H. O., Mscisz, A., Reich-Bilinska, H., Mrozikiewicz, P., Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska, T., Kedzia, B., ... &amp; Barchia, I. (2006). Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (I) Biochemical and Pharmacodynamic Study on Maca using Clinical Laboratory Model on Ovariectomized Rats. International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS, 2(3), 260&ndash;272.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Julio Rubio, J., Caldas, M., D&amp;aacute;vila, S., Gasco, M., &amp; Gonzales, G. F. (2006). Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6, 23.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shin, B.C., Lee, M.S., Yang, E.J., Lim, H.S., Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 10, 44.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gonzales, G.F., Cordova, A., Vega, K., Chung, A., Villena, A., &amp; Gonez, C. (2001). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia, 34(6), 367-372.</li></ol>

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Peruvian root from the Brassicaceae family, has potential benefits for hormonal balance, energy, and sexual health. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions results in a nutrient-rich tuber that can support endocrine health, boost energy, and enhance sexual desire. Incorporating maca into your diet can be as simple as adding it to smoothies or making easy-to-grab snacks like maca energy balls.

Maca: A Peruvian root, maca has potential benefits for hormonal balance, energy, and sexual health

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9bf96f2f-c4e1-42c1-89d3-f65996c4d221_middle.png

Maca: A Peruvian root, maca has potential benefits for hormonal balanc

Екипът на Санацио

Why-is-testosterone-important-for-health?

Why is testosterone important for health? 

Why-is-testosterone-important-for-health?_0_0

Why-is-testosterone-important-for-health?_0_1

Testosterone is the main sex hormone and anabolic steroid in men. In humans, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testicles and prostate, as well as in promoting secondary sexual characteristics, such as increased muscle and bone mass and body hair. In women, testosterone also has an important role in maintaining optimal hormonal balance. 1

Why-is-testosterone-important-for-health?_0_2

One of the easiest ways to stimulate natural testosterone production is by correcting the underlying vitamin and mineral deficiency. Both food and supplements, such as a once-a-day multivitamin, can provide the vital micronutrients you need to boost testosterone production and improve overall vitality, libido, strength, and body composition. But before this happens, you need to know if and when you may be deficient in testosterone. 2

Why-is-testosterone-important-for-health?_0_3

Testosterone deficiency affects 10-40% of the world's population and is known to increase with age, with an exponential increase in men and women aged 45-50 years. Optimizing your micronutrient intake by eating more fruits and vegetables and supplements can help you increase natural testosterone production and correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies. In this regard, there are some that are quite more important than others in terms of testosterone production.

The-most-important-nutritional-components-in-favor-of-testosterone

The most important nutritional components in favor of testosterone 

The-most-important-nutritional-components-in-favor-of-testosterone_1_0

The-most-important-nutritional-components-in-favor-of-testosterone_1_1

Although this guide is focused on micronutrients and vitamins, we do not recommend skipping any of the groups of macroelements (proteins, carbohydrates and fats). A well-balanced diet can explain many imbalances in our bodies, even those that contribute to testosterone production, but usually in our modern dietary lifestyle this is not enough to maintain optimal levels.

Vitamin-D3

Vitamin D3 

Vitamin-D3_1_0

Vitamin-D3_1_1

Vitamin D3, in addition to the sunshine vitamin, is actually a hormonal precursor. Some scientists believe that it is a hormone itself. Now, vitamin D3 through research has shown that increasing vitamin D3 levels is associated with increased testosterone levels in men and, in a limited number of studies, in women.&nbsp;

Vitamin-D3_1_2

Vitamin D3 is fantastic for improving overall immune health, metabolic health, and if you're under stress, you're wasting vitamin D3 at a much faster rate. So it's even more important if you've been through periods of stress, consume more vitamin D3 to restore it in the body and support testosterone production.

Vitamin-D3_1_3

Several studies have shown a positive relationship between vitamin D levels and total and free testosterone levels. Most studies have found that people with low vitamin D levels are much more likely to have low testosterone levels compared to those with an adequate amount of vitamin D. Studies have also shown that low-dose vitamin D supplementation can increase free and total testosterone by up to 25%.&nbsp;

Vitamin-A

Vitamin A 

Vitamin-A_1_0

Studies have shown a positive link between vitamin A and androgen production. Vitamin A in the body is converted into retinoic acid. In men, if there is little or no vitamin A in the body, serum testosterone levels drop. If you are deficient in vitamin A, your body cannot properly metabolize dietary fat. Healthy fats provide the trace elements needed for optimal testosterone levels. Thus, vitamin A deficiency can cause a negative impact on testosterone levels. Therefore, foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy vegetables, salmon, cod liver oil should be part of your menu as they provide vitamin A.

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-Ginseng)

Korean ginseng (Panax Ginseng) 

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-Ginseng)_1_0

Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have long relied on this root to enhance vitality, and Western science supports this use. Some experts believe that Panax ginseng's libido-boosting power comes from its ability to help the body adapt to stress.&nbsp;

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-Ginseng)_1_1

Research shows that ginseng can also improve sexual performance as well as sperm count and quality, meaning it can help with infertility. Ginseng is also promising for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-Ginseng)_1_2

In a study in which men who were clinically diagnosed with erectile dysfunction were given either 900 mg. Korean red ginseng per day, or placebo; Those who took ginseng had significantly better performance, including maintaining an erection compared to the placebo group. 3

Magnesium

Magnesium_1_0

Magnesium controls over 300 bodily functions and hundreds of enzymatic reactions. While the biological functions of magnesium are relatively broad, involving the production of nucleic acids, involvement in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and supporting muscle contraction, magnesium's most important function is to help regulate proper bone structure by mediating and coordinating calcium concentration, improving sleep quality, and boosting bioactive free testosterone. 4

Zinc

Zinc_1_0

Zinc is a powerful trace element involved in maintaining the homeostatic integrity of human body functions, including immune efficiency and human metabolism. Zinc is also a cofactor for multiple enzymes, including protein structure of DNA and RNA replication and protein synthesis. Undoubtedly, zinc has many advantages and plays a positive role in the human biological process and cellular function.&nbsp;

Zinc_1_1

In terms of testosterone, zinc is the main mineral of the endocrine system and plays a major role in testosterone production. According to several studies, zinc supplementation in normal adult men with minor zinc deficiency for six months resulted in an increase in serum testosterone. 5

Zinc_1_2

Sources of zinc are beef, pork, lamb or chicken, oysters, legumes and others.

Boron

Boron_1_0

Perhaps one of the most surprising and impressive trace elements and minerals that can stimulate testosterone production is boron. Boron has a vital role in cellular metabolism and supports bone growth and maintenance, wound healing, and favorably affects the use of estrogen, testosterone and vitamin D. One of the effects of boron, which also significantly affects testosterone production, is its ability to improve magnesium absorption.

Boron_1_1

Studies have shown that supplementation with boron can double testosterone production and free serum testosterone levels. Due to the rapidly new data, more research is needed on its long-term impact. 6

Maca

Maca_1_0

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has been shown to improve overall hormonal health by increasing libido, reducing fatigue, reducing cortisol, and increasing your efficiency and energy. We recommend taking&nbsp; 1500 milligrams of maca before breakfast and 1500 milligrams of maca before lunch. In studies, maca has shown a positive effect on libido, as well as an improvement in erectile dysfunction. 7&nbsp;

L-Arginine

L-Arginine_1_0

Taking a supplement containing L-arginine can help you correct your testosterone levels. Animal studies reveal that arginine may help promote healthy testosterone levels. Specifically, it can stimulate the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), which the testicles use to produce testosterone.&nbsp;

L-Arginine_1_1

Sources of L-arginine are meat, fish, whole grains, dairy products and nuts.

Many hormones contribute to our good health, and over time, their amount or action in the body decreases. That's why it's important to monitor their levels through research and provide diet with sources of important nutrients that support their synthesis. Testosterone is an indispensable hormone for men, which also contributes to women's health by supporting strength, sexual characteristics and good health at any age.

The most important nutritional components that increase testosterone levels 

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/cfbce07a-fa9d-4a21-a248-293111f2bceb_middle.jpg

The most important nutritional components that increase testoster levels

Бетина Цветкова

Old-Remedies-That-Still-Heal-Us-Today

Old Remedies That Still Heal Us Today 

Old-Remedies-That-Still-Heal-Us-Today_0_0

Old-Remedies-That-Still-Heal-Us-Today_0_1

From opium in maca, to quinine extracted from a quinine tree, to active compounds in snowdrop, there are many old working natural remedies that have actually tested and proven medical benefits.

Artemisia-annua

Artemisia annua  

Artemisia-annua_0_0

Artemisinin&nbsp; (Artemisia annua) and its semisynthetic derivatives are a group of drugs used in the treatment of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0165614708001648" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;1]&nbsp;

Artemisia-annua_0_1

Tu Youyou discovered a substance called artemisinin, which can be used to treat malaria. Not only did Tu find a way to extract artemisinin from traditional Chinese medicine, but he also tested the new drug on himself to speed up development time.&nbsp;

Artemisia-annua_0_2

Through a joint effort collectively referred to as "Project 523," Chinese scientists prepared dihydroartemisinin, artemether, and artesunate in the 1970s. It is these derivatives, along with others, including artemizone, arteter and artellinic acid, collectively known as "artemisinins", that are now making a decisive contribution to the management of malaria.

Artemisia-annua_0_3

This breakthrough contributed to a successful treatment that saved millions of people in China, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.868087/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Worldwide Research Trends on Artemisinin: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2000 to 2021" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;2]&nbsp;

Spurgia-esulae-(Euphorbia-peplus)

Spurgia esulae (Euphorbia peplus)  

Spurgia-esulae-(Euphorbia-peplus)_0_0

The white juice of this common weed, also known as garden milkweed, is described in&nbsp; the book "Complete Herbalist" by Nicholas Culpepper (1826) as "a good treatment for warts". However, do not try this remedy at home, as it can irritate the skin.

Spurgia-esulae-(Euphorbia-peplus)_0_1

Garden milkweed makes its way from native Europe to Australia, where biochemist Dr. Jim Aylward grows it in his garden. In 1997, Dr. Aylward isolated the plant's active ingredient, ingenol mebutate, which he discovered was toxic to rapidly reproducing human tissue.

Spurgia-esulae-(Euphorbia-peplus)_0_2

And recent clinical trials of a gel derived from milkweed juice suggest that it is effective in stopping lesions turning into skin cancer. The study in question involved 36 patients with non-melanoma skin cancer lesions. Each was treated with the juice of the Euphorbia peplus plant, which was applied to the skin once a day for three days. The juice of the plant has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine, and researchers include it at various stages in an appropriate clinical trial.

Spurgia-esulae-(Euphorbia-peplus)_0_3

After one month, 41 of the 48 cancers showed a complete clinical response to treatment, which means that no trace of the tumor could be found at the clinical examination. Patients who received only a partial response from the first round of treatment were then offered a second course.&nbsp;

Spurgia-esulae-(Euphorbia-peplus)_0_4

Lesions that responded positively to one or two courses of treatment were then followed further between two and 31 months. After an average of 15 months of treatment, two-thirds (68.5% or 30 out of 48) of skin cancer lesions still showed a complete response. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/euphorbia-peplus#:~:text=(Euphorbiaceae)%20or%20petty%20spurge%2F,bladder%20cancer%20systemically%20against%20leukemia" target="_blank" data-ref="ScienceDirectScience DirectScienceDirect helpElsevierRELX Group" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;3]&nbsp;

Leeches-(Hirudinea)

Leeches (Hirudinea) 

Leeches-(Hirudinea)_0_0

Leeches-(Hirudinea)_0_1

Yes, you may not have expected to see this here, but there's a reason. Leeches were one of the more civilized methods of bloodletting, a popular cure for diseases in bygone times. "Hirudotherapy" is the name of the treatment itself with medical leeches. In general, hirudotherapy prevents the formation of thrombi and is considered an effective remedy for varicose veins disease, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids and others.

Leeches-(Hirudinea)_0_2

For the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, any imbalance in the four bodily dimensions (blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm) would have caused disease. And the best way to correct this is by draining the excess - often blood.

Leeches-(Hirudinea)_0_3

Returning to the present, the use of medical leeches to treat multiple diseases has peaked, with France importing around 40 million each year. It is also interesting that recent advances in surgery include the use of leeches again. Hospitals such as UCLH in London use these bloodthirsty animals to drain excess blood after microsurgery, which helps promote natural healing. They can also be used in postoperative care for skin grafts or after reattachment of lost fingers and ears.

Leeches-(Hirudinea)_0_4

One of the mechanisms by which leeches are beneficial is that they produce a protein that stops blood clotting. They work by sinking into the reflexogenic (acupuncture) zones and releasing their biologically active substances, which number over 50!&nbsp;

White-willow-(Salix-alba)

White willow (Salix alba) 

White-willow-(Salix-alba)_0_0

Both the ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates recommended using willow bark to relieve pain. Its effectiveness was eventually proven in a Royal Society study in 1763, but it wasn't until 1915 that pharmaceutical giant Bayer began selling it over-the-counter as aspirin. In fact, acetylsalicylic acid is the valuable chemical derived from salicylic acid extracted from the bark of white willow.

White-willow-(Salix-alba)_0_1

This tree is now the subject of between 700 and 1,000 clinical trials each year. And recent advances have shown that it has other beneficial effects besides a pain-relieving effect.

White-willow-(Salix-alba)_0_2

From reducing the risk of strokes to indications that it can help prevent cancer, aspirin is the traditional remedy that comes from the bark of white willow. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3386" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

Snowdrops-(Galanthus)

Snowdrops (Galanthus) 

Snowdrops-(Galanthus)_0_0

Snowdrops-(Galanthus)_0_1

Thus, the favorite spring flowers - snowdrops (Galanthus spp., Family Amaryllidaceae), are besides beautiful and supposedly beneficial to health. Their biological activities have been described in more than one study, with scientists pointing to the anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer potential of Galanthus spp. The main pharmacological ingredients in snowdrops, especially in bulbs, are galantamine and lycorin. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.552453/full" target="_blank" data-ref="Biological Activities of Snowdrop (Galanthus spp., Family Amaryllidaceae)" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Natural gifts continue to be an inexhaustible source of new therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases. Both among plants and among some animal species, there are ways to alleviate various health problems. They may not have the same effect as medications, but it's always helpful to have some old natural remedies in your medicine cabinet that may be helpful in relieving symptoms.

5 Old Remedies That Still Heal Us Today

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/a7d43519-7f0c-4402-8b7a-d77653574404_middle.jpg

Natural-remedies-for-constant-fatigue-and-exhaustion

Natural remedies for constant fatigue and exhaustion

Natural-remedies-for-constant-fatigue-and-exhaustion_0_0

Licorice-root

Licorice root 

Licorice-root_0_0

Although not considered a true medical diagnosis, adrenal fatigue is the name given to a set of symptoms, including body aches, digestive problems, exhaustion, nervousness, and insomnia, that many people experience.

Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of fatigue or lack of energy. It's not the same as drowsiness, for example. Constant fatigue, on the other hand, lasts longer, is deeper and is not relieved even with rest. Both conditions can stem from external factors, such as stress, tension, sleep deprivation, hormonal problems, and medical conditions. It is important to limit and control these factors so as not to lead to extreme exhaustion. In addition to medications and modification of habits, the use of certain natural remedies can also help to cope with constant fatigue and exhaustion. They are not suitable for everyone, so always consult a doctor before use.

lepidium meyenii

The most important nutritional components that increase testosterone levels

5 Old Remedies That Still Heal Us Today

How to Deal with Constant Fatigue and Exhaustion using Natural Remedies

Benefits of Poppy Seed Consumption

Which herbs and supplements regulate the cycle in polycystic ovary syndrome for easier conception