MACA is a hearty plant cultivated high in the Andean Mountains at altitudes from 11,000-14,500 feet. The only area where this particular species of MACA is found is a region of intense sunlight, winds, and below freezing weather. With its extreme temperatures this Peruvian mountain area rates among the worst farmland, yet over the centuries MACA learned to flourish under these harsh growing conditions. MACA was domesticated about 2,000 years ago by Peruvian Indians and primitive cultivars of MACA have been found in archaeological sites dating back as far as 1600 B.C.

To the Andean Indians, MACA is a valuable commodity. Because so little else grows in the region, MACA is often traded with communities at lower elevations for other staples like rice, corn, and beans. The dried roots can be stored for up to seven years. Native Peruvians have used MACA since before the time of the Inca's for both nutritional and medicinal purposes.

MACA has been used medicinally for centuries to enhance fertility in humans and animals. Soon after the Spanish Conquest in South America, the Spanish found that their livestock were reproducing poorly in the highlands. The local Indians recommended feeding the animals Maca and the results were so remarkable that the Spanish chroniclers wrote in-depth reports about Maca. Even Colonial records of some 200 years ago indicate that payments of about 9 tons of MACA were demanded from one Andean area for this purpose. In 1961, Dr. Gloria Chacon de Popovici, a biological researcher, published her studies when her research clearly demonstrated the increased fertility in animals using MACA. To date her work on MACA is unmatched!

Dr. Chacon's work answered important scientific questions about MACA, which contains important amounts of fatty acids including linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids. MACA is rich in sterols and has a high mineral content as well. In addition to its rich supply of essential nutrients, MACA contains alkaloids, tannins and saponins. A chemical analysis shows the presence of biologically active aromatic isothiocyanates, especially p-methoxbenzyl isothiocyanate, which have reputed aphrodisiac properties. Analysis of MACA indicates that the effects on fertility are a result of glucosinolates. Dr. Chacon discovered the four alkaloids present in MACA that are responsible for MACA's reputed positive effect on hormonal issues such as hot flashes, memory problems, fatigue, and male impotence more than forty years ago as a 20 year old student at the University of San Marcos, in Lima, Peru. She continues her lectures and symposiums on a regular basis to the medical world.

MACA is growing in world popularity due to its energizing effects, fertility enhancement, and aphrodisiac qualities. Other traditional uses include increasing energy levels, stamina and endurance in athletes, promoting mental clarity, treating male impotence, helping with menstrual irregularities and female hormonal imbalances including hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and other pre ands post menopausal difficulties.

The cultivation of MACA is increasing in the highlands of the Andes to meet the growing demand world wide for Maca's medicinal uses. In this severely economically depressed region, the market for Maca is creating new and important sources of income for the peoples of the Andes.

Much confusion exists about MACA. and several species of MACA are being sold. The only species backed by scientific studies is Lepidium peruvianum Chacon. Named after the researcher, Dr. Gloria Chacon de Popovici, this MACA is known to contain all the nutrients and alkaloids responsible for the medicinal and beneficial effects MACA is known for. Only Lepidium peruvianum Chacon has scientific studies behind it. Dr. Chacón works directly with A Healthy Alternative, LLC to insure and guarantees the high quality and organic quality of our MACA. Other species called MACA are wild and do not grow in this specific region of Peru and do not meet the medicinal and nutritional standards of Lepidium peruvianum Chacón. Many brands of MACA are rated standardized and are made in a laboratory as opposed to grown in rich mineral soils that contain the healing qualities and alkaloids found in Imperial Gold Maca™ available only through A Healthy Alternative, LLC or it's worldwide distributors. Using only organic premium grade Maca root, this MACA is considered the best all natural product available anywhere.

Henry Camponile, M.D., of St. Petersburg, Florida states that his first menopausal patient "started to feel better four days after she began taking Maca", and finds that it promotes energy unlike any other herb he has used.

Dr. John Lichtenstein, M.D. acupuncturist and Family Medicine practitioner, agrees that Maca is an herb that is of great benefit.

Dr. Richard Brown, M.D. author of STOP DEPRESSION NOW, says that Maca holds great promise for the health and well being of men and women.

Dr.Mark Smith , M.D. has said "I have noticed a significant level of more balanced energy, stamina & endurance markedly during cardio vascular workouts using MACA".

Dr. Hugo Malaspina, a cardiologist practicing complementary medicine in Lima, Peru, has been using Maca in his practice for more than ten years. Dr. Malaspina first found out about Maca through a group of sexually active older men who were taking the herb with good results. "One of these individuals in our group started taking Maca and found he was able to perform satisfactorily in a sexual relationship with a lady friend". Soon everyone in the group began drinking the powdered Maca as a beverage and enjoying the boost that the root was giving their hormonal functions. I have several of these men as patients, and their improvement prompted me to find out more about Maca and begin recommending it to my other patients on a regular basis."

Dr. Malaspina also frequently prescribes Maca to women experiencing premenstrual discomfort or menopausal symptoms. "There are different medicinal plants that work on the ovaries by stimulating them," he says. "With Maca though, we should say that it regulates the ovarian function." Dr. Malaspina further notes that "Maca regulates the organs of internal secretion, such as the pituitary, the adrenal glands, and the pancreas. I have had perhaps two hundred female patients whose perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms have been alleviated by taking Maca."

The benefits of MACA are not limited to older adults. The herb supports hormonal functioning in younger adults as well, and athletes have been reporting increased energy and stamina in their workout's. Teenagers have also benefited from it's effects on hormone-balancing and acne. Athletes have a much greater endurance when using Imperial Gold Maca™.