Maca is a plant that grows in South America, specifically the Andie's mountains in Colombia and Peru. The Maca plant is prized for its roots, which contain both medicinal and nutritional properties. In it's native South America, it has been used for thousands of years. In fact, it was a staple of Incan medicine, much like antibiotics are a staple of western medicine today. It is only recently however that the amount of variety of nutrients in the Maca root are becoming known. It is this recent discovery that is greatly increasing Maca demand around the world!

So what exactly is in Maca? Well, here are some of the body-needed "ingredients" in the Maca root: zinc, potassium, iron, more calcium than milk, and several B vitamins. For those who want a stronger immune system, it has plenty of vitamin C, and even protein for muscle health. Since it's a root, fiber is aplenty, and it has essential fatty acids which aid in mental functioning.

But the benefits of Maca do not end there...it is also known to increase fertility and libido, both for men, and women! Now, this is not without saying there are no possible side effects...however, it has been used for hundreds of years, and since it is all natural, there have been no known side effects. But as always, consult a doctor before you start popping maca root in your system.

Maca also may contribute to regulating the proper hormone levels in people. So, for couples looking to conceive, it it may increase fertility levels in couples. Also it has a positive effect on the endocrine system, and therefore the immune system.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the Maca root is our nervous system and memory. The nutrients in Maca are very effective in increasing nervous system and brain activity. This is one reason that many Maca users are fans of this herb.

Last but not least, many athletes take Maca as a healthy alternative to steroids. Maca has the ability to increase muscular development and strength. Maca based pills or supplementation is becoming well known in the athletic and body building communities.

For those of you overwhelmed with what Maca is able to do, this is exactly why it's called a superfood! Not only does it have a wide array of physical health benefits, it helps mental health as well. This is why it's not just Peruvians these days who are taking Maca. It is gaining large followings in the U.S. Europe, and Asia as well.

Although fresh Maca root may still be a challenge to find, it is generally easy to find Maca supplements. This is a welcome herbal supplement to anyone's daily vitamin and dietary plan.

You can purchase fresh maca whole, but it is generally hard to find in the grocery store. Many people prefer to take gelatinized maca, or even contact a herbalist or health store and try to find a maca extract. Of course, the internet is a great place to find anything, just do the research to make sure you are getting safe, pure maca.