5 Surprising Ways Sugar Lowers Libido
Had enough of the TV commercials for erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs? How about that endless list of side effects? Low libido IS a problem and it isn’t just limited to men, it’s a problem for women, too. Its causes can be more complicated than you think (translation: taking a pill isn’t going to fix it!) Not only do many of us have low libido, we’re also just plain tired!
In keeping with the current medical paradigm of “if you’re not currently on a drug, we’ll invent one for you to take,” if your libido is lacking, Mayo Clinic says you’re suffering from “hypoactive sexual desire disorder!” When I read that, I laughed out loud. Never mind that you might have three kids under six at home, or you work full time while raising teenagers and take care of your elderly parents; all of which can make you tired and stressed. But I digress…
Our highly stressed and toxic environment (processed foods, pesticides, etc.) have lead to an epidemic of people with who have no energy and certainly no sex drive, and while we might make light of it, it’s a serious problem for many reasons.
Maca is a superfood!
If you think you fall in the category of low-libido, are you looking for a quick-fix pill to take, or would you really like to get better? Would you be interested in a natural substance that not only gives your libido a lift, but also improves your energy and your stamina? There is such a product and it’s known as the superfood maca! In the article below from GreenMedInfo you’ll see what an amazing supplement this humble plant root really is!
Maca is a root vegetable (belonging to the Brassica family) that has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes for over 2,600 years. Growing at about 10,000 feet above sea level, it is the highest altitude crop in the world.
Back from the brink, maca is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as a result of the research of Gloria Chacon de Popovici, Ph.D., a Peruvian biologist, who conducted studies beginning in the 1960’s showing that maca increases fertility in rats, dogs, guinea pigs, rams, cows and humans.
Among traditional peoples in Peru, maca has long been treasured for it aphrodisiac qualities. Modern research is now lending scientific support to the wisdom of the ancients.
Studies in men have found that maca supplementation can improve a man’s subjective perception of his general and sexual well-being, as well as increase his sexual desire.
In postmenopausal women, it’s been found to reduce psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and improve libido.
Although maca grabs headlines for its aphrodisiac qualities and its reputation as a natural Viagra, it has many other health benefits.
Maca is an adaptogen.
According to David “Avocado” Wolfe, author of Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future, maca is a powerful adaptogen or nutritive substance that counters adverse sources of stress and allows the body to adapt naturally to stressful conditions. Adaptogens also help to improve the body’s natural balance or homeostasis.
As a result Wolfe says, maca “increases energy, endurance, oxygen in the blood, physical strength, neurotransmitter production, and libido. It supports the endocrine system, the adrenals, and the thyroid, typically improves one’s mood, and helps support healthy hormone production.”
Maca has been recommended for everything from impotence and infertility to depression, hot flashes, stress and memory loss.
How does maca work?
The magic of maca is, it stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. They in turn, regulate the other glands in the body, and can bring balance to the adrenal, thyroid, pancreatic, ovarian and testicular glands.
Typically dried and powdered, maca is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, sodium and iron as well as vitamins B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), C and E. It also contains zinc, iodine, copper, selenium, manganese and silicon.
Compared to the potato which also originated in the Andes, maca contains five times more protein and four times more fiber.
How much maca can you take?
“Wolfe recommends 1 to 2 tablespoons of maca daily and points out that studies have shown no toxicity or pharmacological effects.
Maca has a butterscotch aroma but a funky turnip flavor that can be a little strong for some. Don’t let that stop you. Add powdered maca to smoothies, salad dressings, soups, broth, tea or coffee.
When buying maca, look for the organic, raw, dried, powdered root. You can find it in local health foods or on-line.”
How’s that for an amazing product that helps your body without an endless list of side effects? If you’re looking to add maca to your daily regimen, we can make a few suggestions.
For a really potent maca product try Longevity Maca from Longevity Plus, or Opticrine from Apex Energetics which not only contains maca but other helpful ingredients like tribulus terrestris fruit extract and ginseng that may provide support to optimize fertility, virility and vitality in men and women!
So whether you want to jazz up your love life or you’d like more energy and stamina, give maca a try!
